Your newborn will use about 70 diapers per week. If you use cloth diapers, you'll also need diaper wraps or plastic pants. Whenver possible, air-dry the baby without a diaper on. Powder is not recommended because it can irritate babies' lungs.
To prevent diaper rash, change diapers frequently -- whenever they are wet or soiled, or every one to two hours during the day. Clean the diaper area with disposable wpies or water and mild soap. (Soap can irritate, so don't use it every time.) Wipe your baby girl from front to back to prevent infection.
At the first sign of redness, apply a thick coating of commercially available ointment. Sometimes babies can develop a yeast infection in the diaper area. A yeast infection can appear as an inflamed red rash or as a white cheesy film. It can usually be treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream. Consult your baby's doctor.
|
