Baby Changing

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If there is one thing that you will become an expert at as a parent, it is changing diapers. One of the first decisions you'll have to make is the choice between cloth and disposable diapers. While cloth diapers are less expensive and more ecologically-friendly, the pure convenience of disposable diapers has made them the most common choice. If you do choose cloth, look for cotton fabrics and expect to buy two to three dozen diapers (allowing two to three days in between each load of laundry). Also, be sure to wash cloth diapers a few times before use to remove any processing chemicals, and always use fragrance-free detergents.

From the time an infant is born to the time they are potty trained, you may change as many as 10,000 diapers! When you look at those numbers, it pays to invest in a quality baby changing table in order to make the job easier. With a baby changing table, you can easily wipe off the surface or simply toss the cloth covering in the laundry and grab a clean one. Plus, you can keep diapers, wipes, powder and ointment in one convenient place. Baby changing tables are also the ideal height at which to stand and change your baby. For your own health and your baby's comfort, a baby changing table is a solid investment.

If you do a bit of visiting or have a small apartment that doesn't allow for a changing table, you may wish to invest in a changing pad. These pads can easily be folded and stored in a diaper bag for baby changing. When you are out and need to change your baby, simply unfold, change, wipe off with a diaper wipe, and place the pad back in your diaper bag. If you decide to use it as your sole changing spot at home, try to set it up in an area that is centrally located, and where you can keep all of your baby diaper changing supplies.

One of the most important baby changing supplies you'll need is a good ointment. Ointment is critical for avoiding and treating diaper rash. Ointments that contain zinc oxide are a popular choice, since they provide a protective layer between your baby's skin and moisture, which is one of the main causes of diaper rash. However, it's best to avoid products that contain camphor, phenol, methyl salicylate, or boric acid, since these can irritate or harm sensitive skin.