Article: Diapers
By: Tony Luck

Changing a dirty diaper is not the best part of having a baby,but there's no escaping it. And you'd better get used to it -you'll be changing around 5,000 diapers before baby's pottytrained!

The first question is whether to use disposable diapers orreusable. In a nutshell, disposables are less trouble, moreexpensive, and not environmentally friendly. Your Grannywouldn't recognise a reusable diaper today. Gone are the cottonsquares and safety pins, replaced by shaped cotton inside awaterproof outer cover and fastened with velcro. Flushableliners hold solids. Reusables will save you the best part of$1000 and that's after including the cost of washing. If youwant to be kind to the planet but can't face all the washing,another option is to use a laundry service: the cost will beabout the same as using disposables.

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a term covering various different rashes whichwill vary in severity from a mild redness to severe rawulcerated skin.

Most rashes are caused by exposure to soiled diapers. As urineand faeces break down ammonia is released, this is toxic andburns baby's delicate skin. A diaper will also prevent aircirculating and retain heat, both of which will aggravate theproblem.

If your baby develops a rash, change diapers frequently and keepthe area clean and dry. Avoid the use of soap and wipes, washwith warm water and cotton wool balls. Barrier creams areavailable from your pharmacist. Perhaps one of the besttreatments is fresh air: let baby's skin breathe as often aspossible.

About the author:Author: Tony Luck runs a site offering advice to new moms.Included is the fascinating