There are a lot of things to remember when you have a baby, and a lot of worries too. Cloth or disposable? Which one is better? Why is their poop like that? What can I do for this diaper rash?
OK first: for the first month or so of life, the baby will need more diapers that you anticipated. Whatever you have, double it to be sure. Pediatrician Dr. Gellina Maala has told us that the first few days, or the first week of life of the baby, they basically go through a lot of diapers. Babies have to be changed around ten times or even MORE in the first few days of their life.
Also, for first time parents, do not, we repeat, do not panic when you see your child's first poop. It will be black. This is called meconium. Simply put, this is all the stuff that the baby has ingested while they were still in the womb. The next few weeks, the poop gets less sticky. Then the color of the poop gets green, then yellow and eventually gets regular after a couple of weeks. With those who are breastfed, the poop is a little less smelly than formula fed babies. If there is blood in their stool, you will need to inform your doctor.
Diaper rash
Diaper rashes are easy to prevent if a little tiring. You just need to change the baby's diaper as much as possible. Also, the cleaning must be thorough but very gentle, especially if it is a newborn.
To clean, for the first few days, just use cotton balls dipped in water to clean the area. Try not to use baby wipes just yet because these may be too rough on your newborn's skin. This cleaning will especially help UTI from occurring with your baby boys. Little known fact: UTI is more common in boys for the first year of life rather than in girls.
If your baby already has a diaper rash already, find a diaper creme or lotion that has zinc oxide in it. This will help make the healing faster. Also if you can, try and leave the diaper off your baby sometimes, especially if you're at home. It will help to let the skin of the baby breathe a little bit, especially when it is hot.
So which is better: cloth or disposable?
Choosing between cloth or disposable is entirely up to you and what your preference is. If you are able to take on the laundry that a lapin will bring in, then why not. But if it easier to have disposable diapers then do that. Make sure it is easier for you, and for baby.
Good luck parents! Once you get the hang of it, it will not be so bad, we promise!
