“I don’t want my child to grow up so fast, I don’t want to let go off these innocent days”, that’s every parent’s yearning.

Memories are sweet but some practical experiences are not! Dealing with diapers, diaper rashes, and potty-training – are few of the things any mom & dad dread going through once again! Rest, everything is honey-sweet.

As a mother of a 2-year-old, I have had sleepless nights in dealing with diaper rashes. Although there are a bountiful of creams and ointments to safeguard babies against rashes, you cannot just apply any of them on an infant’s tender skin!

I read through blogs, talked it out with experienced friends and relatives, and spoke to some pediatricians too. I found valuable answers to some of my queries. Parents with similar anxieties shall have significant takeaways from the following FAQs discussed.

Do disposable diapers increase the chances of skin rashes?

No, they do not. This is because disposable diapers absorb more and are manufactured such that they remain dry. Since urine is kept away from the skin in this manner (especially when diapers are put on for long hours in the night), there are lesser chances of skin rashes! In fact, become an informed buyer and choose diapers that are free of latex, parabens, and TBT which cause diaper rash.

Does the usage of disposable diapers delay the process of potty-training?

This query is the most crucial one in my case. What I have collected from different corners is that potty training comes naturally, at least in the initial stages. That is, a child will be exhibiting signs of readiness to use the bathroom somewhere between 18 and 36 months of age. So, you just need to be patient! So, which are the ‘signs’? As a parent, you will notice one of these signals –

• The child stays dry for longer periods
• He or she has moved into the habit of passing the stool regularly
• The baby feels uncomfortable to stay in dirty diapers or even when he or she has soiled his/her pediatric training pants!
• There is a particular posture or expression on the face during the time of bowel movement.

Crystals and gels are noticed in disposable diapers. Are they harmful to the baby's skin?

These materials are used for absorption. In fact, they make the products superabsorbent which in turn keeps your baby off wetness. Crystals help the liquid (urine) to convert into a gel form such that leakage is prevented. Although small beads are sometimes found slipping out of the diaper, they are non-toxic and harmless for the infant's skin. Superabsorbent materials (technically, polyacrylate absorbents) therefore, keep the skin dry and rashes at bay!

Can diapers be used long after they are purchased?

This question pops up, especially when parents give birth to their next child and there are stocks of the older one lying in the bedroom. Like ‘passing it down’ to the younger sibling (after the elder one is out of his/her diaper days)! Although baby diapers come with an expiry date, yet, do not have a strict shelf life. Just like paper products, diapers technically do not expire. But since baby products must bear expiration dates, manufacturers have put a 2-year time limit. You never know... 'age' might take its toll upon anything on earth!

In the current scenario also, when the world’s fighting corona by staying indoors, parents have piled up shelves with diapers. Do not worry – you can use them even if another year rolls over!

I have come across parents who are often worried about the environmental impact of disposable diapers and pediatric briefs. Not that cloth diapers do not affect our environment – they do – by consuming water and energy for cleaning purposes! The good news is there are green companies that are producing biodegradable diapers from plant stuff rather than from plastics(petroleum) and are also non-allergenic to the skin.