Here are two great ways to use cotton diapers.

These diagrams show how to fold for diapering with a velcro diaper cover. No pins needed.

These drawings show how to Fold & Pin.

If you use diaper covers with velcro, you won't have to pin your baby's diapers at all. These covers are available from us and most baby stores.

If you're using diaper pins or nylon pull-on pants are also available from us. Nylon stays soft and pliable, and will last far longer than conventional plastic pants.

If diapering with pins, use a bar of soap as a pin cushion. This will keep the pins slippery to slide through the diaper easily. Slide a finger between your baby's tummy and the cloth, and put the pin through just enough diaper layers to keep the diaper closed. You don't have to pin all the layers of the diaper. You will get the knack of pinning quickly. BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF AND ENJOY YOUR BABY.

To prevent leaking, make sure all the diaper is tucked inside the nylon pants or diaper cover. Pinching the diaper together in the crotch while diapering will form a natural pocket to control leaking by offering better containment.

If you have a squirmy baby during diapering, your hands are full! Make diapering a fun, social time for you and your baby. Baby toys, unbreakable mirrors, or just plain talking or singing to your baby can make diapering part of playtime. You'll be amazed at how fast your baby will learn from you during this extra "quality time".

When wondering when to change either cotton or disposable diapers the simple rule-of-thumb is to check often and change the diaper as soon as possible after you know your baby has wet or soiled it. That's especially important after a bowel movement, since staph bacteria grow rapidly in feces and can produce a red, irritated bottom pretty quickly. You shouldn't wait until a diaper is soaked before you change it. The breakdown of urine produces ammonia and bacteria which can irritate your baby. Our breathable diapers help minimize problems by keeping your baby's skin cool to discourage bacterial growth, and by providing an escape path for ammonia. But there's no substitute for staying on top of changing diapers as needed. That's the key to the health and comfort your baby deserves.

• Change your baby often. Babies shouldn't be left in any diaper through two or three urinations.

• Cleanse the diaper area gently after each bowel movement with soap and warm water. Dry skin thoroughly before putting on a clean diaper.

• Be careful about "baby wipes." Some tend to irritate.

• If your baby experiences a rash, call our office and ask to speak with a Rash Consultant. Sometimes a medication, teething, illness or a change of diet of a nursing mom or her baby can cause a rash. We care about your baby and are happy to supply this service.