7 Side Effects of Diapers on Babies

Diapers have been popular with parents for the past few decades now. There is no denying that they are extremely convenient and have simplified the life of parents of this generation. Diapers are convenient to use; there is no hassle of washing them, they are easily available, and of course, there is no worry of leakage. However, there are some disadvantages of using diapers for babies that you should be aware of. In the following article, we shall discuss what the probable cons of diapers on babies are.

What Are the Disadvantages of Using Diapers for Babies

As a parent, it is your responsibility to look after your baby’s health and well-being. There is no doubt that diapers make your life easy, but there are a few disadvantages of diapers that parents should be informed of. Here are some of the disadvantages of using diapers for your baby:

1. It May Cause Allergic Reactions

Babies have soft and gentle skin, and anything harsh may harm their skin. Some diaper manufacturing companies often use synthetic fibres, dyes, or other harsh chemical products in making diapers. All these harsh chemicals can damage your baby’s sensitive skin and cause allergies. Choose a diaper that is soft and made of skin-friendly materials.

2. It May Cause Skin Rashes

Diaper rashes are very common in babies. If a wet diaper is left on a baby for longer than usual, bacteria may breed in the wet soiled diaper and may lead to rashes. Make sure to change your little one’s diaper regularly to minimise the risk of rashes.

3. It May Lead to Toxicity

Diapers are made with chemicals and synthetic materials; exposing your baby to such things for a longer duration may harm him. This happens because on an average, you may be using eight to ten diapers in a day and more so for a longer duration at night. Exposing your baby’s delicate skin to harsh chemicals may result in some of it entering your baby’s system too, leading to toxicity. However, this is not of much concern when used intermittently.

4. More Chances of Infection

Diapers are made with a material that allows absorption of your baby’s urine. The same substance may hinder the easy flow of air inside your baby’s diaper and creates an apt condition for bacteria and other germs to breed. Excessive diaper usage makes your baby prone to catching skin and other infections too. Make sure to change your baby’s diaper frequently.

5. Diapers are Expensive

If you rely only on diapers, then it may burn a big hole in your pocket. On average, you may be required to change eight to ten diapers of your baby in a day and in some cases even more. However, there are many diapers made of good materials that are also affordable, so do your research.

6. Difficulty in Toilet Training

Letting your baby wear diapers most of the time may cause a problem in toilet-training your baby. This is because babies get used to peeing and pooping in the diaper and parents find it convenient too, however, when you try to potty train your baby, your baby may whimper and fuss. Toilet training lessons that usually start early in life are probably losing its importance in today’s world because of too much reliance on diapers. You can take out time to toilet train your baby earlier.

7. Diapers are Not Environment-friendly

Use of diapers is on the rise, but it is not good for the environment. There are a large number of diapers that get disposed in the environment containing plastic, synthetic fibres, and other chemicals. All these are difficult to decompose and pose a threat to the environment. There are some companies that have come up with eco-friendly diapers too, so look for those.

Alternatives to Diapers

The following are some ideal alternative to diapers that you can consider using for your baby:

1. Cloth Diapers

You can use cloth diapers for your baby. These are not only good for your baby’s skin and health, but are reusable. There are many variants of cloth diapers available in the market; you can pick up organic cotton ones that absorb well. However, be prepared for some extra work, as you’ll need to change and wash your little one’s diaper, as soon as it gets soiled.

2. Use Diaper Liners

Diaper liners are easily available in the market and you can place them inside the cloth diaper. These can be changed when soiled, and can be easily flushed, too.

4. Eco-friendly Disposable Diapers

Sometimes it becomes a necessity for parents to use disposable diapers. There are eco-friendly diapers and disposable diapers that you can choose from; these are soft for your baby’s skin too.

How to Choose the Best Disposable Diaper for Your Baby

There are various factors to consider when buying diapers for your baby, which can help avert most of the disadvantages of disposable diapers.

1. Good Absorbency

Look for diapers with a high absorbency and lock in moisture and keep it away from the baby’s skin. This reduces the risk of leakage, as well as rashes and infections.

2. Material

A diaper made with soft, chemical-free materials does not irritate the baby’s delicate skin, preventing any rashes. Look for soft diapers to keep your baby comfortable and allergy/ rash-free.

3. Good Fit

A good fit is essential to avoid any leaks and keep the baby feeling comfortable as well.

4. Cost

Look for diapers that fit your budget and are of a high quality as well. Many brands offer the best quality at the best price, so you’ll be surprised with the number of options you have!

Hope the above-mentioned tips will help you make an informed decision. Diapers are surely easy to use, but they do have some disadvantages. Therefore, do your research and make the best possible decision for you and your baby.

Also Read: Cloth Diapers Vs Disposable Diapers