The Hindu Business Line : Why diapers for babies?

A soundly sleeping child is surely one of the most beautiful sights in the world. It is also an important requirement for the healthy development of the baby. In a recent study conducted by AC Nielsen, 203 paediatricians across 12 cities cited uninterrupted sleep, besides timely eating habits and a caring home atmosphere, as crucial for a baby’s healthy and all-round growth.

Sleep is essential to build immunity, de-stress the system for energy recovery and help the brain produce growth hormones.

To help ensure eight-nine hours of continuous sleep, the doctors recommended the use of a good diaper.

But concerns abound that diapers may cause rashes. Disputing this, Dr Nomita Gupta, Head of Paediatrics Department, Batra Hospital says, “Women in India have preconceived notions about diapers and believe they cause rashes on the baby’s skin. That is not true. Rashes are caused by prolonged wetness on skin, which is caused more by cloth nappies.”

“Although India is home to the largest number of babies — approximately 45 million, the per capita usage of baby hygiene products remains very low,” says Dilen Gandhi, Marketing Manager, Babycare, Procter & Gamble.

The baby-care industry in India is estimated at $55 million and use of disposable diapers is about 0.5 per cent of the global consumption level.

Dilen believes the low usage level is due to lack of awareness among mothers. “The main factor causing a rash is excessive wetness on the skin caused by exposure to a mixture of urine and stool. Wet skin is more predisposed to cutaneous lesions caused by abrasion, is more permeable to irritants, and facilitates the growth of micro-organisms,” says Dr Nomita, adding that diapers keep the urine and faecal enzymes away from the skin. “Clinical trials show the rashes are reduced with diapers as compared to washable cloth nappies,” she says.

With good diapers costing Rs 7-14 each, are there enough takers for it?

Anjali Ruben, mother of five-month-old Anna says, “It is economical when we buy large packs… they are easily available at all chemist shops and help reduce baggage while travelling. During long-distance travel, the child feels very comfortable in diapers.”

“Using diapers for 8-9 hours is not harmful if the diaper has absorbing capacity,” says Dr Nomita. She advises mothers to check for a good three-way fit — around the legs, in between the legs and around the waist — to ensure complete freedom of movement for the baby.

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