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Diaper changing may seem complicated at first. But with a little practice, you'll find that keeping your baby high and dry is a piece of cake.
Cloth Diapers
Although most parents choose disposable diapers because of their convenience, some parents opt for cloth diapers, which can be more affordable (if you wash them yourself). Some believe that cloth diapers are more environmentally friendly, but there's some debate over whether this is actually true.
Cloth diapers come in many shapes and sizes. Traditional cloth diapers usually come prefolded or in a square and require pinning. More modern types are fitted or contoured like disposable diapers, and come with Velcro closures or snaps. Other cloth-diapering accessories inlcude absorbent liners (some are flushable), diaper doublers for extra protection at night, and diaper covers to help prevent leaks.
If you're using traditional cloth diapers, there are two ways to fasten them. The first is the triangular fold:
* Fold the square in half to form a triangle. (For newborns or smaller babies, you might need to fold the long side of the triangle down a few inches so it fits your baby better.)
* Place your baby in the diaper by gently lifting the baby's feet and legs and sliding the diaper under. The longest side of the triangle should be behind your baby's back, with the opposite corner pointing down toward his feet.
* Bring the front part of the diaper up between your baby's legs and onto his belly.
* Bring one side around so it overlaps the center part.
* Bring the other side around so it overlaps the other two parts. Fasten all three parts together with a safety pin.
The second, the rectangular fold, is similar to the fold of disposable diapers:
* Fold the diaper into a rectangle.
* Position the diaper under your baby, with the long sides facing the same direction as your baby.
* Bring the bottom up onto your baby's belly.
* Bring one side around and fasten with a safety pin, then do the same on the other side.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using cloth diapers:
* If using diapers that require pinning, use oversize pins with plastic safety heads. To prevent pricking the baby, keep your hand between the pin and his skin. If this makes you nervous, use diaper tape that comes in a dispenser.
* Wet diapers can be tossed right into the diaper pail, but soiled diapers should be emptied into the toilet first - especially if your baby is formula-fed or is on soilds. It's not really necessary to rinse the diaper before washing, though some people do (breastfed babies usually have looser stools that don't need to be rinsed).You may also choose to spray the diapers with water and baking soda for better odor control.
* If you're washing the diapers yourself, wash them separately from other laundry, using a mild detergent that is hypoallergenic or recommended for infant clothing. Don't use fabric softener or antistatic products, which can cause rashes on babies' sensitive skin. Use hot water and double rinse each wash.
* Always wash your hands well after changing your baby's diaper to prevent the spread of germs.
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