History of Diapers, When and How they were put into use.
Diapers in the modern sense of the term have had an interesting history that has existed over centuries. Prior to the invention of disposable diapers, mothers and fathers would use cloths, animal skin and other types of materials to stop babies from getting wet.
Ancient Times:
The diaper idea can be traced back to the early cultures. Ancient Egyptians, Mesopotamians and Natvie Americans also used soft cloth, moss or animal skins to wrap up their babies. This was the first form of “Diapers” which were meant to keep babies dry and free of rashes.
Modern Cloth Diapers:
Modern cloth diapers became a standard in Europe and North America in the 19th century. There were usually prepared using linen or cotton and folded and secured using safety pins.
Disposable Diapers:
In the United States in 1946, Marion Donovan invented the first generally known disposable diaper. One Invention that she made was a diaper cover made out of a shower curtain, a ground breaking move in terms of convenience and cleanliness. Disposable diapers were introduced commercially in the 1960s by such companies as Pampers.
Global Adoption:
Disposable diapers spread rapidly around the world with their origin in North America and Europe. Currently, the choices available to parents are numerous between cloth or ultra-absorbent dispoables depending on the age, weight and lifestyle of the baby.
Fun Fact:
Even in the ancient communities, some of them have been using natural materials such as rabbit fur, moss or even the animal skin and it demonstrates that taking care of the babies was a priority among humans even thousands of year ago.
Uses of Diapers – How they make life easier to the parents and the child.
Diapers are not simply wetness control devices, but they make the life of babies and parents easier. Diapers also keep babies dry and therefore they sleep better thus promoting healthy developement of the brian. Parents also enjoy increased sleep and there are fewer cases of night disturbances. They are also convenient and useful in times of going out when there is no stress of locating a clean and hygenic toilet.
Types of Diapers – Find the right One to your baby.
Modern diapers are different types and each is meant to suit particular needs of infants and their parents. Selecting the appropriate type would help make diapering more comfortable, clean and convenient.
Disposable Diapers:
Disposable diapers are highly absorbent, convenient and easy to use. These type of diapers suitable for babies from newborn upto toddlers and parents like this kind of diapers most for easy change.
Cloth Diapers:
Cloth diapers are environmentally friendly and soft also made of such materials as cotton or bamboo, which do not harm the baby. They are perfect with babies of any age but needs frequent wash.
Eco-Friendly / Organic Diapers:
Such diapers consist of biodegradable or natural materials, which minimize the environmental effects. They are mild to sensitive skin and its appropriate to babies of any age.
Overnight Diapers:
Overnight diapers are designed to maintain the dryness of babies throughout the night since they have long-lasting absorbency. they are ideal toddlers or babies who can sleep longer, which benefits the babies and the parents.
Swim Diapers:
Swim Diapers are specially designed to discourage leaking in the pools or beach. They are appropriate with babies and toddlers, it help the parents to have fun out without any concerns.
Diapers for Plus-Size babies:
The diapers offer an additional comfort and absorbency to those babies whose body size or weight are more than average also ensuring avoid leaks.
How to Select an appropriate diaper to your baby.
Being parents of twin girls, we have tried a many diapers to get the intended one and I assure you. To identify the optimal diaper may take time and occasionally you get to know after several leaks or rashes.
We are here to assist you in staying out of those struggles and proposing you to pick the correct diaper that will leave your baby happy and comfortable. It is possible to choose the most appropriate diaper according to such factors as age and weight, absorbency and leak protection, comfort and breathability, sensitivity to skin, budget also day and night needs. Let’s break it down.
Baby’s Age & Weight:
All the diaper brands have a size chart in the package. According to the Age and Weight we have to choose the correct diapers to keep baby dry and comfort. A tight diaper will leave marks and a loose diaper will leak very easily.
Absorbency & Leak Protection:
Select the diapers with multiple absorbent layer and side leak protection. They retain the baby dry and they do not allow wetness to cause rash. Diapers of the night are ideal in terms of long sleep time.
Comfort & Breathability:
Soft, Flexible and breathable diaper materials help your baby to move freely and it will avoid heat rashes. Cotton or bamboo fibre are softer and allow more air to pass through the diapers.
Skin sensitivity & Allergies:
Babies with delicate skin required hypoallergenic or organic diapers, which contain no fragrance, chlorine or latex. These reduce irritation and keep the skin healthy.
Budget & Convenience:
Reusable cloth diapers are economical and convenient, whereas disposable diapers are easy to carry during travelling and other activities. But cost effective too. Select what fits in your lifestyle and time.
Day vs. Night Needs:
Light diapers with breathable type are the best in the daytime. During the night time, use the ultra-absorbent or overnight type of diapers which are capable of retaining moisture longer allowing both you and the baby too. Enjoy a good sleep.
Pros and Cons of Each type:
Cloth Diapers:
Environmentally friendly and can be washed repeatedly however, they have to be washed frequenty to keep hygenic.
Dispoable Diapers:
They are convenient and hygienic yet they are expensive in the long run.
Eco-Frendly Diapers:
These diapers are soft on the skin but less absorbent.
Overnight Diapers:
Keep the baby dry for long time than other diapers but bit bulky.
Swim Diapers:
These are suitable to use in the pools and not elsewhere.
Parent Advice:
The first thing to do is test a small pack of a new brand and see whether the diaper fits in the skin and comfort of the baby first before purchasing the large quantities.
Diaper Changing and Hygiene Guide.
Maintaining cleanliness and comfort of your baby should also be accompanied by the appropriate diaper. The following are the few basic yet crucial tips on changing diapers which every parents must remember.
Change Diapers Frequently:
You have to change the diapers as per the suggested time interval mentioned in the diaper package to avoid the rashes and discomfort to baby.
Clean the baby’s skin gently:
Clean the diaper region with soft baby wipes or a wet cloth of cotton. Always wash backward to forward to avoid the infection particularly to baby girls.
Allow the Skin to Breathe:
The next thing after cleaning up is allowing the skin of your baby to dry in the air after some minutes before replacing the diaper. This can be used to avoid rashes and irritation.
Apply Diaper rash cream or powder:
In case the skin of your baby appears red or irritated, apply a zinc oxide based diaper cream in order to calm it down. Do not use a lot of powder. it is sufficient to have a thin layer.
Dispose or Wash Properly:
After used the disposable diapers it should be properly put into dustbin or keep them in separate bag while travelling to dispose them later. In the case of cloth diapers, one should wash them with soft baby laundry and dry them thoroughly before using them again.
Keep Hygiene with parents as well:
Proper hygiene should be ensured by washing your hands before and after changing every diaper to avoid infections.