BabyCare

Babies in DiapersThe fact that a baby will have his diapers changed about 5000 times before he is toilet-trained, means that a good start with the right materials is important. Here's what you need to keep baby clean and dry.
Cloth Diapers

Traditional cloth diapers are environmentally friendly and easier on your pocket. These are what you'll need if you use cloth diapers:

* 24 squares of cloth diapers (they come in standard size of 30cm x 30cm).
* 2 large plastic pails with lids for collecting soiled diapers.
* 3 to 4 pairs of waterproof pants to prevent your baby's clothes and bedding from getting stained.
* Diaper liner (disposable or washable). This prevents moisture from seeping back onto the baby's skin.
* Diaper pins / safety clamps. If you use pins, choose stainless steel ones with safety locks. An alternative to pins are safety clamps that hook onto the diaper's three flaps to hold the diaper together.

Although there are specially shaped cloth diapers (they look neater and are easier to put on) available in the market, these take longer to dry than the ordinary square ones. Fine muslin diapers can be used for tiny babies or as diaper liner. Special, thick cloth diapers will come in handy if baby needs extra protection at night.
Designer Cloth DiaperDiapering Needs

Besides diapers, you will also need the following items regardless of whether using cloth or disposable diapers:

* Tissue Paper
* Cotton Balls
* Warm water, baby lotion or baby wipes. baby wipes are particularly convenient when travelling. Most baby wipes have lanolin or aloe vera to soothe and moistirize baby's bottom
* Baby cream. Use zinc ointment or other barrier cream
* Changing mat/table. Some tables come with detachable mats; these can be carried with you and used on outings when a baby changing room is not available
* Diaper trash bin

Cost Saving

Changing BabySome parents like the convenience of disposables but find them too expensive. To save cost, alternate between cloth and disposable diapers in the day and substitute them with disposables at night, for outings and holidays.

All disposable diapers have a plastic outer layer to prevent staining, sticky tape fasteners and elasticated leg openings. You'll find disposable diapers convenient because:

* There is no need for washing and drying
* Most disposables come with "breathing" systems which keep moisture away from baby's skin more effectively
* Indicators on the diaper band alert you when baby has soiled himself

Ease Baby Rash

Here are some tips to ease baby rash :

* Use a protective barrier cream such as zinc and castor oil ointment if baby is particularly susceptible to diaper rash
* Reach for baby wipes which are gentler on sore bottoms because of their moist properties. save the cotton balls for days when baby's bottom is not so irritated
* Change your baby's diapers twice as often if he has diaper rash
* Leave out the waterproof pants from time to time; better still, leave him on the changing mat without a diaper for a while to let air get to his skin
* Make sure baby's cloth diapers are rinsed carefully and thoroughly to eliminate all traces of detergent that can irritate baby's bottom
* Seek advice from a paediatrician

taken from: www.smartparentingkids.com