Cloth diapers vs disposable diapers: which one is better? & bull; hello healthy

Diapers are one of the most important baby needs. Before you give birth, diapers may be one of the list of items that you must prepare before the baby is born. You may already be wondering how many diapers you need each day for your baby. Yes, usually newborns urinate or defecate more frequently every day, so you need a lot of diapers.

There are two types of diapers that you can choose to put on your baby, namely cloth diapers and disposable diapers. Of course, each of these diapers has advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages and disadvantages of cloth diapers

Cloth diapers are available in various types of materials, such as cotton, flannel, and others. Cloth diapers may overload your laundry. Every time the baby urines or defecates, you must replace it immediately. We recommend that you change the baby's diaper immediately if it is wet or dirty, so that the baby is protected from diaper rash. Maybe in a day you can wash 10 or more cloth diapers for your newborn. So, you need more detergent to wash these diapers thoroughly.

The advantage, you can save your money even more. You don't need to buy a diaper every time the diaper runs out, like when you use disposable diapers. Using cloth diapers is a more natural and environmentally friendly way than using disposable diapers.

Tips when using cloth diapers

The following are tips you should keep in mind when using cloth diapers:

If you are using a diaper that requires a safety pin, use a large safety pin with a plastic head that is secure so that the baby is not pinched. When putting it on a baby, use your hands to limit the safety between the safety pins and the baby's skin.
Put wet diapers directly into the wash, but if there is baby droppings, you should clean it first. You can clean the diapers first before washing them or putting them in the washing machine. You can rinse it with water and baking soda to get rid of the smell.
Keep diapers and other baby clothes separate from other clothes when you wash clothes. Use a detergent that is hypoallergenic or recommended for washing baby clothes. Also, do not use fabric softeners or fragrances, this can cause diaper rash in babies whose skin is sensitive. You can also rinse baby clothes in hot water and rinse them with water repeatedly.
Wash your hands before and after putting diapers on babies to prevent the spread of germs.

The advantages and disadvantages of disposable diapers

Disposable diapers are available in various sizes according to the baby's weight. Choose a size according to your baby's weight or one that fits your baby, so baby is comfortable wearing it. Disposable diapers are a convenient option for you, especially when you are traveling. You don't need to wash it, you can throw it away. Disposable diaper products generally can accommodate a baby's pee several times, so you don't have to always change the baby's diaper every time the baby pees. The high absorbency of disposable diapers can also help prevent babies from developing diaper rash.

Disposable diapers contain chemicals. However, some experts believe that these chemicals have no long-term impact on the health of the baby. It can be said that the chemicals in these disposable diapers are safe to use for babies.

The ingredients in a disposable diaper

Some of the chemicals in disposable diapers are:

Sodium polyacrylate. It is a lightweight material. Babies who inhale these tiny particles may experience irritation of the airways, but these are not toxic. This material also does not irritate the skin.
Colorants. The dyes used are usually classified as safe. However, in certain babies, this dye may trigger an allergic reaction.
Perfume. Some babies who are sensitive may have an allergic reaction to this perfume. However, this case is actually very rare. In fact, disposable diapers contain very low amounts of perfume to cause problems.
Dioxins. The pulp in the diaper makes the diaper more comfortable for the baby as it provides extra cushioning and absorption, but it also has chemicals that can potentially cause problems for babies. These chemicals are called dioxins. Chemicals that are in the same family as dioxins can cause cancer, but research shows that this type is not present in disposable diapers. Also, in general, the dioxin content in disposable diapers is only in small amounts. So, you as a parent don't have to worry about using disposable diapers.

Tips if you choose disposable diapers

If you are choosing disposable diapers for your baby, here are some tips for you to keep in mind.

Dispose of disposable diapers regularly. Don't let it build up for too long. This is to prevent unpleasant odors and also to prevent bacterial growth.
If you find rubber diaper marks around your baby's thighs and waist, this may be a sign that your baby's diaper size is too small. We recommend that you change to a larger size disposable diaper.
If you find a rash on your baby's skin around your baby's bottom and thighs, it's best to change your baby's diaper to a different brand. Choose diapers that don't use dyes or perfumes. Sometimes, babies can be sensitive to certain brands of diapers.
If your baby is a boy, place your baby's penis in a downward position before putting on the diaper. This can help prevent diaper leakage.
If your baby's umbilical cord isn't loose or isn't dry, put the diaper under the cord or under the baby's waist. This is done to prevent irritation.
Don't forget to always wash your hands, both before and after you put your diaper on, to prevent the spread of germs.