CLOTH DIAPERING IN A CHILDCARE SETTING CREATED BY: AMIE CAMPBELL, MFT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY

DIAPER CHANGES: ESSENTIAL TO INFANT HEALTH Urine and feces contain natural acids that can irritate baby’s skin, often leading to diaper rash. Feces also contains naturally occurring and foreign bacteria that have been expelled from the digestive tract. Contact of human waste with open skin (example: a bum with a rash) can lead to infections. At least half of all babies will exhibit diaper rash at least once during their diapering years. Diaper rash was almost unheard of before the use of rubber or plastic pants in the 1940s.

WHEN SHOULD I CHANGE A BABY’S DIAPER? Babies will urinate an average of 20 times per day for the first few months and can be expected to urinate at least 10 times per day while wearing diapers. Newborns should be changed at least hourly to prevent diaper rash regardless of diaper type. Older babies should be changed every 2-3 hours. Some potty training children can go longer in between changes- follow the parent’s lead or your center’s policies.

Do not rely on the baby to tell you when they need to be changed! Some babies do not get upset or give clear clues when they are wet or soiled. When caring for a child, you should change as needed (obvious soiling) and on a schedule to ensure they are changed frequently.

THE HISTORY OF THE DIAPER The word “diaper” originally referred to a type of cloth made with a diamond pattern. It’s not until the 1590’s that diaper had the meaning that it has now. The first mass-produced diapers in the US were made in 1887, these were cloth diapers. In the UK, diapers are often referred to as “nappies”.

NO MORE WASHING DIAPERS! The first disposable diaper was seen in catalogues in the 1930’s. The first patent for a disposable diaper was granted in It wasn’t until 1951 that the Paddi, an early disposable diaper, was granted a patent and mass produced. It was a two-part system with an absorbent piece and water-proof outer pant. Pampers were not commercially available until 1961.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE CLOTH DIAPER Cloth diapers were originally strips of towels that were pinned onto the baby. They had no water-proofing. Eventually wool pants were made to go over the diaper to prevent leaking. Rubber pants came later. The diapers were held together with safety pins or small clothespin like devices.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE CLOTH DIAPER There are now several types of cloth diapers, many of which do not require pins or extra pants! The most commonly used diapers in childcare settings are All-in-Ones or Pocket Diapers. Most cloth diapers are as easy to use as common disposables.

WHY MANY FAMILIES ARE GOING BACK TO CLOTH DIAPERS Health:  Disposable diapers contain many chemicals linked with hormone imbalances and cancer. Some parents prefer to limit exposure to these chemicals.  Some babies have extremely sensitive skin and are allergic to the materials used in making disposable diapers. Environmental Concerns:  Disposable diapers contribute to our landfills and create a lot of waste in the manufacturing process. Cost:  By cloth diapering, a family can expect to save $2,000 per child on diaper costs.  Cloth diapers can be passed down to younger siblings making it close to free to diaper younger babies.

ANATOMY OF A POCKET DIAPER Pocket diapers have a pocket in the back where an insert is stuffed for absorbency. They are adjustable in size. Can have snaps or velcro. Goes on just like a ‘sposie. No need to remove the insert after the change!

ANATOMY OF AN ALL-IN-ONE DIAPER One piece. Sometimes sized, sometimes adjustable size. Snaps or velcro closure. Goes on and comes off just like a disposable.

HOW TO CHANGE A CLOTH DIAPER Place baby on a safe surface. Remove pants. Remove diaper. Clean Baby. Put clean diaper on. Redress baby. Cloth or disposable, the process is the same!

ARE CLOTH DIAPERS SANITARY? The American Public Health Association (APHA) published a study showing no significant difference in the amount of fecal contamination in daycare centers using cloth or disposables. All human waste is supposed to be disposed of in a toilet regardless of diaper use. Texas licensing requirements allow for the use of cloth diapers for any reason as long as they are stored in a child-specific container that can be sealed and kept out of reach of children.

WHAT DO I DO WITH A DIRTY CLOTH DIAPER? In the diaper bag, the parents have likely supplied a wet bag. This is a bag that will contain moisture. Place the diaper in the bag and seal it up. If no wet bag is found, you can place the diaper in a plastic grocery sack and tie it tightly.

DEMONSTRATION TIME!

QUESTIONS?