Are diapers safe for the baby or is the convenience of using disposable diapers being dismissed?
With the resurgence of cloth diapers, the use of disposable diapers has become a choice to scrutinize. Many parents face the pressure to use cloth diapers. For some, it feels like a “badge of honor, doing the right thing for the baby and the environment. People, both in business and at home, are trying to make mothers using diapers feel bad about their choice. Many mothers are still caught in the dilemma, “Are diapers safe for the baby?”
To shed light on this pressing question, Dr. Madhavi Bharadwaj, a renown pediatrician, took this issue to Instagram, addressing some misconceptions. Her message gives a balanced insight between practicality and a baby's safety.
Dr. Madhavi starts with the common myths against disposable diapers. She highlights the common concerns that parents and family members have about diapers:
Baby’s legs can get wider because of diapers.
Baby can have genital problems.
Baby can have urinary problems like infections.
The kid can have fertility issues in the future.
While these concerns stem out of love, Dr. Madhavi reassures that there is no evidence to prove these claims. However, she cautions about the downside of diapers.
She mentions the major disadvantage of using disposable diapers as the diaper rash.
Babies can have frequent bowel movements, causing them to wet or soil their diapers with poop. So the contents of the soiled diaper can stick to their skin, causing irritation. The younger the baby, the more sensitive their skin will be. Thus, the constant irritation can lead to diaper rash.
However, this is not exclusive to disposable diapers. Even cloth diapers, which have a lower absorptive nature than disposable ones, can cause diaper rash if not changed frequently.
Cloth diapers are valued for their sustainability, safety and lesser financial burden. On the other hand, though disposable diapers are expensive and not so natural, the reason why still many parents use them is because of their convenience. But first, let’s dissect the main concern with diapers: diaper rash.
Disposable diapers have chemicals like dioxin and gel to improve absorbency. Though there is no significant clinical evidence to prove that it can cause serious harm, mothers feel doubtful about keeping it close to their babies skin. But some babies can actually be allergic to those chemicals, which can cause severe diaper rash. However, diaper manufacturers have strict regulations to follow and this issue depends on the quality of the diaper brand. [1]
On the other hand, cloth diapers are natural and don’t contain any chemicals. People consider it safe. Also, due to its lesser absorbency, it is easy to notice a wet diaper and change it early when compared to disposable ones.
Although this is the case, sometimes cloth diapers can cause severe diaper rash due to the same quality of being less absorbtive. When the baby’s skin is very sensitive or when the baby goes long hours unchanged due to sleep or travel, this can lead to diaper rash too.
The takeaway message here is that, be it any type of diaper, it must be used correctly and changed frequently.
Dr. Madhavi talks about three key points to prevent diaper rash:
Change diapers every 2-3 hours.
Moisturize the diaper area.
Have more diaper-free time per day.
Following these tips can prevent diaper rash in babies. As it is easier to spot, thus resulting in changing a cloth diaper frequently, these tips work more favorably for disposable ones.
Having another safer option, why still many mothers choose disposable diapers?
Finally, Dr. Madhavi ends her share with a beautiful and genuine message.
A mother can’t do everything by herself. What diaper she chooses to put on her baby depends on her support system and convenience.
Cloth diapers need frequent checking and are of high maintenance. Along with frequent changing, they need to be washed and dried for the next use. When there is support for her from her partner or others in family, this can be a breeze. But while a mother is alone and is expected to look after the baby, the household, and sometimes her career, this can become tiresome. This is usually the most common reason why mothers opt for disposable ones.
Yet, these mothers become the object of judgment from their own family members. They see the mother as careless and irresponsible for choosing disposable ones over cloth ones.
Mother can't do everything alone. If you don't want your grandson or granddaughter to stay in diaper for long time, you can take the responsibility to change nappies for them.
Dr. Madhavi Bharadwaj, MD Pediatrics
Dr. Madhavi urges the husband and the family to take the responsibility of changing the diapers if they want their children to be healthy and rash-free, instead of expecting the mother to do everything.
The answer to the question: Are diapers safe for the baby? is that it depends on how we use it. Frequent changing and a lot of diaper-free time can prevent diaper rash with any kind of diaper. Also, it is important to realize that mothers juggle endless responsibilities, often with little to no help. In such situations, disposable diapers can ease their daily load a little. So rather than judging them, we need to recognize that every mother’s journey is unique and shaped by her circumstances and the support around her. If those around her are so concerned about the baby’s wellness, then they should start taking responsibility to do the extra work.
Reference:
1. De Bellefonds, Colleen, and Colleen De Bellefonds. “Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers: Which Should I Use?” What to Expect, May 6, 2023. https://www.whattoexpect.com/diapering-essentials/cloth-vs-disposables.aspx.
