Many parents choose disposable baby diapers because they are considered more practical and easy to use. However, on the other hand, not a few parents doubt the safety of this type of baby diaper. Therefore, it is important to know the type of diaper that is safe so that the baby avoids the risk of diaper rash.
The use of baby diapers, be it cloth diapers or disposable diapers, depends on the needs and preferences of each parent. Some parents choose cloth diapers because they are cheaper, and some choose disposable diapers because they are more practical. There are also parents who use both, depending on needs.
If you choose to use disposable diapers that are more practical, you need to be more selective in choosing these baby diaper products. This is because some of the ingredients in disposable baby diapers can cause health problems for babies.
How to Choose Safe Baby Diapers
When choosing a baby diaper, you need to pay attention to the materials used in it. Generally, the materials used in each layer of baby diapers are considered safe for baby's health. Even so, there are also some ingredients that you should avoid because they risk causing health problems.
To choose safe baby diapers, consider the following:
Baby diaper outer layer
The outer layer is usually coated with a plastic made of polyethylene or bioplastic film. Meanwhile, the inside of the diaper in contact with the skin is made of polypropylene. Both ingredients are considered safe for baby's skin.
Absorbent material in baby diapers
The center of the diaper contains processed wood pulp treated with bleach and an absorbent polymer. These materials have high absorption capacity.
However, some baby diapers contain the chemical compound dioxin or chlorine to bleach wood pulp. The chemical was a concern because it was feared that it could cause cancer.
However, the levels of dioxin compounds found in baby diapers are generally very low, so they are considered safe for babies.
Diaper parts that have high absorption also usually contain a polymer material, namely sodium polyacrylate. Although non-toxic and non-irritating to skin, this material can irritate your breath if inhaled.
In addition, there are absorbent materials in disposable baby diapers that contain phthalates. Mothers should not choose disposable baby diaper products that contain these chemicals because there is a risk of causing disturbances to the health of the little one.
Dye
The dye used in disposable diapers is usually found on the outside marked with a character or cartoon image. The dye can also be found on the elastic back of the baby's diaper.
The dyes that are generally used are chemical dyes dispersion blue 106, dispersion blue 124, disperse yellow 3, and orange dispersion safe for babies. However, these dyes can sometimes trigger allergic reactions in babies, especially babies who have sensitive skin.
Perfume
Disposable diapers contain fragrances or perfumes. Allergic reactions to fragrances are rare, but may be experienced by some babies whose skin is sensitive to perfume.
Alternatively, you can use disposable diapers that are proven to be chlorine-free or use organic cotton. In addition, you can also choose disposable diapers that are free of latex, perfume, and dye.
However, if you are worried about the disposable diapers you are currently using, maybe you can switch to cloth diapers. Although they are less able to absorb baby's urine, cloth diapers have the advantage that they are free of dyes and other chemicals.
Tips to Avoid Diaper Rash
Whatever your choice, be it disposable diapers or cloth diapers, the important thing that you should always pay attention to is changing your little one's diaper regularly, especially if the diaper is wet or dirty. This is important to do to prevent your little one from getting diaper rash. Mother or Father also need to change the baby's diaper when bathing the Little One.
In addition, to prevent the appearance of diaper rash, you can also do the following:
1. Clean the baby's buttocks and groin
When changing the diaper, the mother also needs to rinse the little one's buttocks with warm water. Next, use a cotton swab to gently clean the remaining dirt on the skin.
If you want to clean your little one's bottom with soap, choose a special baby soap that contains chemicals that are gentle on baby's skin, without fragrance or dye, and can moisturize your little one's skin. After that, don't forget to dry it with a clean towel by patting it gently.
2. Don't use baby diapers that are too tight
Diapers that are too tight can cause the parts of your baby's body that are covered with diapers to become blisters and hurt. Not only that, diapers that are too tight can also make the skin more moist. This can facilitate the growth of bacteria and fungi and is at risk of causing an infection on the little one's skin.
3. Use ointment for diaper rash
If your little one often gets diaper rash, you can apply a special ointment or cream regularly to prevent irritation of his skin. Don't forget to always wash your hands before and after changing your little one's diaper.
4. Avoid excessive use of baby powder
If you clean and dry regularly, your baby's skin will look clean and healthy, so you don't need to use baby powder anymore. In addition, too often or too much use of baby powder is also not good because there is a risk of being inhaled by the Little One and causing his respiratory tract to be disturbed.
Choosing safe baby diapers can prevent your little one from health problems due to certain chemicals. Even so, even safe baby diapers can cause skin problems, such as diaper rash, if used incorrectly.
If your little one has a diaper rash that doesn't get better even though it's been treated with creams or ointments for diaper rash, it's best to consult the child's doctor for proper treatment.
