Cloth Diapers

‘Diapering' or ‘diaper changing' is the replacement of a dirty diaper. There are many opinions about the right time for diaper changing. Diaper changing is necessary for the avoidance of contracting skin irritation of the buttocks, genitalia and/or the waist. It is a belief among some that diapers should be changed at fixed times of the day for a routine, such as after naps and after meals. Others believe that regardless of the timing diapers should be changed when it is felt it is needed. Others feel that diapers should be changed immediately after wetting or soiling. Some feel that a diaper should be changed when the baby or wearer feels uncomfortable. Diapering should be carried out as soon as the bay or the wearer has soiled or wetted the diaper. This minimizes the possibility of developing diaper rash. Diaper rashes can be of different types. This view is also agreed upon by many.

Diapering or diaper changing offers the unique opportunity to the mother to establish a bonding between the baby and the mother. When the mother is leaning over the baby the mother's eyes and the baby's body is at arms length, the perfect distance for communication to occur. So, diaper change is not just a daily activity. It can be turned into a ritual. During diapering, the mother has a unique opportunity to learn about the baby. She can take in the signs and signals of the baby much more easily than is the case. It develops trust between the baby and the mother.

Regular diaper changes leads to the development of a rhythm in your baby's world. The mother's touches create the feeling in your baby that he is valued and respected. Your baby learns a lot during its diaper changes. This is a time when the baby is without a wad of cloth on its body and during these times the baby learns how to move and feel about the body. Many active babies do not care the least bit about diaper changes. The mother has to consider and think whether the diaper is the right fit nd lean.

There are some easy steps to a diaper change. The baby is to be laid on the changing table or on a mat or towel. Unfasten diaper pins or remove Velcro diaper cover and set them aside. Holding the baby's feet together, lift them up as you fold dirtied parts of diaper and set them side. Wipe buttocks and genitals from back to front with a wipe gently. Then wipe the lower back and skin folds of thighs. Pat the area dry with towel. Place anew cloth diaper under the baby. Some tips on diaper change are sticking the diaper pins in a bar of soap to make the slip through through the cloth diaper more easily, turning the process of diapering into a game to distract the baby, trying new diaper wraps instead of pins because they are made of cotton and wool and fasten with a Velcro.