Diapering Duty

Is diapering all that hard? Thankfully, no. But for a new parent, it can be a little intimidating. That's where this guide comes in. Our expert advice will take all the guesswork out of this sometimes stinky process. With a little practice, you'll soon be a pro.

While it's great to have a changing table, any flat surface -- including the top of a low dresser, the floor, or your bed -- will work. No matter where you place your baby, a changing pad (with a washable cover) is a handy tool, since the pad's center indentation will cushion your baby while the straps that fasten across her stomach keep her in place. "Most important, keep your supplies within easy reach -- you should always have one hand on your baby while you change her," says Jennifer Labit, a St. Louis -- based childbirth educator. Be sure to stock up on the basics listed on the next page.

Both types of diapers have their advantages. Most moms consider disposables more convenient, but opting for cloth can save you money. According to Diaper Changes: The Complete Diapering Book and Resource Guide, by Theresa Rodriguez Farrisi, it costs from $3.50 to $9.60 a week to launder cloth diapers yourself or $12 to $15 to use a diaper service, compared with $17 for a week's worth of disposables. Over the course of three years, this can add up to a difference of more than a thousand dollars.

While cloth is softer, it can lead to more frequent diaper rash. "Disposables have better absorbency, which keeps your baby's skin drier and less prone to irritation," explains Marla Mikelait, M.D., an assistant professor of pediatrics at Temple University Medical School, in Philadelphia, who used cloth diapers on her children. Finally, there's a strong argument that diapering with cloth is gentler on the environment. In fact, one of the only studies on the topic -- dating from 1990 -- found that more than 18 billion disposables are tossed into the trash each year.