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You are here : home > Newborn Care > Diapering and Grooming your Baby > Nappies for a Newborn - Cloth Nappy Or Disposable Nappy

Nappies for a Newborn - Cloth Nappy Or Disposable Nappy

Nappies for a Newborn - Cloth Nappy Or Disposable Nappy

Disposable nappies or cloth nappies? Choosing one from the two is a difficult and confusing task. Each has its own pros and cons. To find out which one is a better option; read on.

Most new parents face a dilemma - whether to make use of disposable nappy or a cloth one. Both types of nappies for a newborn have its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The purpose of this article is to list out the pros and cons of both to enable new parents to decide for themselves.

Cloth Nappies - Advantages

  • Cotton is the most child friendly fabrics. It allows air circulation thereby enabling the baby to regulate the body temperature more effectively. Pure cotton is soft and gentle. The chances of your baby getting a nappy rash are remote when you make use of cloth nappies. There is no plastic, gels or chemicals present in cotton nappies.
  • Cloth nappies are environment friendly since it does not end up in landfill.
  • Cloth nappies can be reused.
  • Research has indicated that babies in cotton nappies potty train faster since they are easily able to recognise going to the toilet

Cloth Nappies - Disadvantages

Problems While Washing Nappies - It is fairly easy to keep cloth nappies clean and soft by washing it carefully. However, if the washing is not done properly it can become hard. It is therefore recommended that you put the nappy in a tumble dryer after drying nappies in the sun. This will help to keep the nappies soft and get rid of harmful bacteria if any.

Immediately after the birth of your child you may not have the time and energy to wash baby nappies. During the initial stages it is important for you to get sufficient rest and bond with the baby rather than spending time in washing.

Rash Problem - If cloth nappies are used with plastic pilchers it can lead to rashes due to the wetness.

Disposable Nappies - Advantages

  • Disposable nappies are very easy to put on and take off.
  • This type of nappy is very convenient for use. If you are hard pressed for time or are travelling disposable nappies are very handy.
  • Disposable nappies absorb well and help to prevent nappy rash by drawing moisture away from the baby’s skin.

Disposable Nappy - Disadvantages

  • Disposable nappies are not at all environment friendly.
  • Although very convenient to use disposable nappies are quite expensive compared to cloth nappies.
  • Harmful organisms found in the contents of the nappy can contaminate the water sources and cause infection at the time of disposal. This is a major environment risk which is overlooked by most parents making use of disposable nappies.

Tips to Avoid Nappy Rash

In case you are a new parent the above facts will help you decide about the type of nappy you wish to use for your newborn. Irrespective of the type of nappy you use, you must ensure that your baby’s bottom is as rash-free as possible.

The first thing which will help to ensure that your baby does not develop nappy rashes is to change nappies often. Urine must not stay in contact with your baby’s skin for too long. At the time of changing, wash the baby’s skin gently with water on a cloth. In case you are making use of wet wipes choose ones which does not contain alcohol to avoid stinging, especially when your baby already has rashes.
After cleaning pat her dry completely. It would be worthwhile to leave the nappy off for a while during playtime to allow air to dry the skin. In case your baby has developed rashes, for a few days make use of disposable nappies. Disposable nappy draws the urine away from the baby’s skin, thereby keeping it dry at all times.



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Pihu Sood
Pihu Sood.12 years ago
I agree that cloth diapers or nappies are better but for working mothers, disposable ones are best. They are easy to use and even a first time mother can use it with ease.
 
 
 
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sudha
sudha.12 years ago
Cloth nappies are any time a better choice. They are comfortable and do not cause any rashes. they can be reused also
 
 
 
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Larry
Larry.12 years ago
Very good article but you have missed out on skin care protection in sun. I would like to know if babies do need any sun protection and if yes then what products are best for the baby?
 
 
 
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