Diaper Duty
Babies change so much in those first few years. And they need so much changing in those first few years!
A new study says that changing wet diapers more often could stave off urinary tract infections. Researchers, reporting their findings in the journal Clinical Pediatrics, found that babies that had been changed an average of 7.5 times a day suffered less infections than those who had been changed only 4.7 times a day.
And, needless to say, keeping a baby dry also makes them less likely to get diaper rash.
How to protect your baby from UTIs and diaper rash
The March of Dimes and other baby experts recommend the following tips for avoiding infection and diaper rash:
- Wash your hands before and after changing a diaper.
- Get everything you need before beginning the process of changing the baby’s diaper. Once you start, never take your eyes off the baby – even for a second – as they wiggle and roll and can easily fall off of a changing surface.
- Make sure the baby is on a clean surface. When you’re on the road, pack a changing pad in the diaper bag.
- Remove the dirty diaper and, using a diaper cloth, wipe the entire area, from front to back to avoid infection. Take extra care with creases and folds in your baby’s skin. If you have a newborn, clean the baby’s umbilical cord each time you change the diaper.
- Pat dry and apply diaper rash ointment if the baby has a rash. Do not use talcum powder, as it can irritate the baby’s lungs.
- If the infant still has the umbilical cord attached, fold the diaper down so that it does not touch the stump.
- Properly dispose of the diaper and wipes.
- Babies average about 10 diapers a day, so keep an eye on their bottoms and keep them dry.
Reviewed by: Patrick S. Pasquariello Jr., MD
Date: October 2009
Contact Us
- 1-800-879-2467
- (1-800-TRY-CHOP)
- Contact Us Online
- Request an Appointment