Using nappies for toddlers
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A one year old still urinates automatically, but because the bladder can hold an increasing amount of urine he'll be dry for longer periods. You'll use fewer nappies - on average 50 per week as opposed to the 80 used on a newborn.
If you hesitated to use disposables before because of the price, you may consider them now as they're neater and less bulky than reusable nappies. This is important because your increasingly mobile child will find it difficult to walk with a cumbersome wad of nappy between his legs. If you use fabric nappies, now's the time that shaped all-in-one reusables are more suitable than folded terry nappies.
When it comes to changing a nappy you'll find your toddler far less willing to lie still. Make sure that you've got some books or toys as distractions or you'll find that each change becomes a battleground. Clothes that give easy access to the nappy save your time and energy.
Early bladder and bowel control
At some time during the third year your child will probably gain conscious control over his bowel and bladder muscles and your days of frequent nappy changes should be over. When your child stays dry during naps you can start leaving off that nappy (see Gaining bladder control). You may also want to use trainer pants that can be pulled down quickly when your child tells you that he wants to go to the lavatory. You can either buy special plastic knickers lined with towelling - you'll need at least six pairs - or get the special pull-up disposable nappy pants, to give protection against accidents.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 30.06.2010
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