Diaper: Difference between revisions
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A '''diaper''' (British English: '''nappy''') is an absorbent garment worn by individuals who are [[incontinent]], i.e. lack control over bladder or bowel movements. This group includes primarily [[infant]]s and young children, as well as the elderly and the [[physically challenged]]. |
A '''diaper''' (British English: '''nappy''') is an absorbent garment worn by individuals who are [[incontinent]], i.e. lack control over bladder or bowel movements. This group includes primarily [[infant]]s and young children, as well as the elderly and the [[physically challenged]]. |
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Most children no longer need diapers while awake by the time they are past three years of age, |
Most children no longer need diapers while awake by the time they are past three years of age, however nighttime diaper usage is quite common up to the age of five or beyond. Some children have problems with daytime or more commonly nocturnal bladder control until a much later age. This may occur for a variety of reasons including difficulty managing a small bladder and emotional issues. Many older children also need diapers while travelling. These children may use standard but larger size diapers (''youth diapers'') or special diapers which mimic underwear and do not require pinning or adult assistance. |
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Some children have problems with daytime or more commonly nocturnal bladder control at a much later age. Many older children also need diapers while travelling. These children may use standard but larger size diapers (''youth diapers'') or special diapers called 'pullups', which do not require pinning or adult assistance. |
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A diaper's ability to absorb liquid can be increased using extra pads. This is useful for children who wet their diapers heavily or when frequent changes are not possible, for instance while away from home. A very thick diaper between the legs may decrease the child's mobility, but this must be weighed against the need to avoid leakage. |
A diaper's ability to absorb liquid can be increased using extra pads. This is useful for children who wet their diapers heavily or when frequent changes are not possible, for instance while away from home. A very thick diaper between the legs may decrease the child's mobility, but this must be weighed against the need to avoid leakage. |
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A diaper should be fastened snugly and positioned correctly to function well. To improve comfort, diapers are also typically worn with plastic or towelling pants. Some children, especially older children, may accidentally adjust the positioning of the diaper. To avoid this, many plastic pants have special child proof fastening buttons or similar devices. |
A diaper should be fastened snugly and positioned correctly to function well. To improve comfort, diapers are also typically worn with plastic or towelling pants. Some children, especially older children, may accidentally adjust the positioning of the diaper. To avoid this, many plastic pants have special child proof fastening buttons or similar devices. |
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Diapers should be changed as often as possible, especially after they have been soiled with fecal matter. This is to reduce the possibility of skin irritation commonly refered to as [[diaper rash]]. Before disposing of a diaper, either in a diaper pail for washing or the garbage, fecal matter should be removed as much as possible and placed in a toilet to avoid landfill and ground water contamination. |
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Diapers may be made of absorbant terry towelling fabric, or of other disposable absorbant materials. Cloth diapers are washable, reusable and environmentally friendly, while disposables have the advantage of convenience. |
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Diapers may be made of absorbant layers of cloth or terry towelling fabric, or of disposable absorbant materials. The choice to use either cloth or disposable diapers is controversial. While cloth diapers are certainly cheaper than disposables over time, environmental impact, health and convenience also play a role in the decision. |
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| ⚫ | Cloth diapers are washable and reusable and place less stress on landfills, however, they also require large amounts of wash powder and water. Disposable diapers take a great deal of processing and their materials remain intact in landfills for many years. A recent development is a hybrid reusable / disposable system, with an outer plastic part which is re-used, and an interior absorbent part which is disposed and is fully bio-degradable. |
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Disposable diapers are laced with chemicals obtained unintentionally in production, as well as intentionally in order to improve absorbancy and pull wetness away from the skin. While this system works well in keeping skin dry, it also provides a potential skin irritant. Cloth diapers are most commonly made of industrial cotton, which is grown in conjunction with the heavy use of pesticides. The fabric is also usually bleached white. Alternative materials which are grown without pesticides, such as unbleached hemp and organic cotton exist. |
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Disposable diapers have the advantage of convenience. Cloth diapers, however, have become more user friendly in recent years. Pre-formed cloth diapers with snaps or velcro and all-in-one diapers with wet-proofing exteriers are now available in addition to the older pre-fold and pin variety. Some cities offer a cloth diapering service which delivers clean diapers and picks up soiled ones for a fee. |
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There are several cultures that forgo the use of diapers entirely. Parents or other caregivers adapt themselves to be sensitive to an infant's elimination schedules and signals. When it becomes evident that the infant needs to eliminate, he or she is taken to an appropriate area. In the West, this practice is often called infant potty training or [[elimination communication]]. |
There are several cultures that forgo the use of diapers entirely. Parents or other caregivers adapt themselves to be sensitive to an infant's elimination schedules and signals. When it becomes evident that the infant needs to eliminate, he or she is taken to an appropriate area. In the West, this practice is often called infant potty training or [[elimination communication]]. |
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Revision as of 19:32, 3 August 2002
A diaper (British English: nappy) is an absorbent garment worn by individuals who are incontinent, i.e. lack control over bladder or bowel movements. This group includes primarily infants and young children, as well as the elderly and the physically challenged.
Most children no longer need diapers while awake by the time they are past three years of age, however nighttime diaper usage is quite common up to the age of five or beyond. Some children have problems with daytime or more commonly nocturnal bladder control until a much later age. This may occur for a variety of reasons including difficulty managing a small bladder and emotional issues. Many older children also need diapers while travelling. These children may use standard but larger size diapers (youth diapers) or special diapers which mimic underwear and do not require pinning or adult assistance.
A diaper's ability to absorb liquid can be increased using extra pads. This is useful for children who wet their diapers heavily or when frequent changes are not possible, for instance while away from home. A very thick diaper between the legs may decrease the child's mobility, but this must be weighed against the need to avoid leakage.
A diaper should be fastened snugly and positioned correctly to function well. To improve comfort, diapers are also typically worn with plastic or towelling pants. Some children, especially older children, may accidentally adjust the positioning of the diaper. To avoid this, many plastic pants have special child proof fastening buttons or similar devices.
Diapers should be changed as often as possible, especially after they have been soiled with fecal matter. This is to reduce the possibility of skin irritation commonly refered to as diaper rash. Before disposing of a diaper, either in a diaper pail for washing or the garbage, fecal matter should be removed as much as possible and placed in a toilet to avoid landfill and ground water contamination.
Diapers may be made of absorbant layers of cloth or terry towelling fabric, or of disposable absorbant materials. The choice to use either cloth or disposable diapers is controversial. While cloth diapers are certainly cheaper than disposables over time, environmental impact, health and convenience also play a role in the decision.
Cloth diapers are washable and reusable and place less stress on landfills, however, they also require large amounts of wash powder and water. Disposable diapers take a great deal of processing and their materials remain intact in landfills for many years. A recent development is a hybrid reusable / disposable system, with an outer plastic part which is re-used, and an interior absorbent part which is disposed and is fully bio-degradable.
Disposable diapers are laced with chemicals obtained unintentionally in production, as well as intentionally in order to improve absorbancy and pull wetness away from the skin. While this system works well in keeping skin dry, it also provides a potential skin irritant. Cloth diapers are most commonly made of industrial cotton, which is grown in conjunction with the heavy use of pesticides. The fabric is also usually bleached white. Alternative materials which are grown without pesticides, such as unbleached hemp and organic cotton exist.
Disposable diapers have the advantage of convenience. Cloth diapers, however, have become more user friendly in recent years. Pre-formed cloth diapers with snaps or velcro and all-in-one diapers with wet-proofing exteriers are now available in addition to the older pre-fold and pin variety. Some cities offer a cloth diapering service which delivers clean diapers and picks up soiled ones for a fee.
There are several cultures that forgo the use of diapers entirely. Parents or other caregivers adapt themselves to be sensitive to an infant's elimination schedules and signals. When it becomes evident that the infant needs to eliminate, he or she is taken to an appropriate area. In the West, this practice is often called infant potty training or elimination communication.