Using disposable diapers, washing cloth diapers or hiring a diaper service all have pros and cons.
When trying to decide which type of diaper to use, decide what's most important to you: environmental concerns, cost or convenience.
If your baby will be going to a day care, check with your day care provider to see if cloth diapers are OK.
How often to change your baby's diapers
Usually, you should change your baby's diaper when he or she eats.
If your baby's diaper is wet or soiled between feedings, change it as soon as possible.
Gently wash your baby's buttocks and genital area with a diaper wipe or a soft cloth and lukewarm water. You may use a mild soap, but avoid unneeded chemicals.
Wash your hands before and after changing your child's diaper.
Change your child's diaper often.
Wash your child's buttocks with warm water and mild soap after each bowel movement or at least two to three times each day. Dry the buttocks well.
Take your child's diaper off for about 10 minutes several times a day. The air will help keep the buttocks dry.
To treat diaper rash, you may use ointments, such as zinc oxide, A&D®, Desitin®, Diaparene® or Triple Paste®, on your child's buttocks after washing them. You may buy these products at your pharmacy. Follow the package directions.
If you use cloth diapers:
Do not use rubber pants. Try to use newer pants that "breathe" over cloth diapers.
Add one-half cup of vinegar to the water in the cloth diaper pail and soak the diapers. Rinse them once before washing.
To wash cloth diapers, use mild soap (such as Dreft® or Ivory Snow®) instead of a strong soap or detergent. Follow the package directions. Rinse the diapers two or three times.
If you use disposable diapers, try to change brands or switch to cloth diapers. Some disposable diapers have powders, which can cause diaper rash.
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Chart your baby's first feeding and diapers 