Baby care tip #50: Buy diapers with wetness indicators

What is a wetness indicator diaper and why you need it.

One of the first arguments you hear in the nappies Vs diapers debate is not about how nappies are better for the environment, it is about diaper rash. Many moms believe that their baby can get a rash if she wears diapers all the time. While you can t exactly call it a myth, it isn t the whole truth either.

What exactly is a diaper rash?

First of all, let us understand that a diaper rash is any rash in the diaper area caused by friction and it happens when the baby remains wet and the skin is irritated because of the moisture, especially when the baby has diarrhoea. So your baby can also get a nappy rash in the same manner. Here are some tips to prevent diaper rashes.

Many moms argue that a baby will always cry when she wets herself while wearing nappy so you are more likely to change the baby. While this may be happening in many cases, it can also leave moisture behind if not cleaned properly. Ever seen a maid/nanny swap the soiled nappy for a clean one without properly cleaning the area?

I have also seen people who let the baby lie nappy free and continue to fold the saree or sheet where the pee is there and let the whole room reek of urine and ammonia. Yes, it is as gross as it sounds but it does happen.

Here s an argument to settle the diaper Vs nappy issue once and for all. So if you are pro diapers, then get ones that have a wetness indicator. These diapers have lines that turn blue when the baby pees to indicate that the diaper is wet. These are available online and also in local shops that sell baby paraphernalia. These are great for first-time parents. But, these diapers are not able to detect poop. Here's how often you should change your baby's diaper indicator or no indicator.

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