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Nowadays, many parents use diapers for their young children, often right from infancy until the age of two or three. Diapers absorb urine and help keep babies dry. However, a viral video on social media recently claimed that diapers could harm a child’s kidneys, causing concern among parents. To verify this, doctors were consulted. Dr Shelly Awasthi, former Head of the Paediatrics Department at King George’s Medical College, Lucknow, clarified that this claim is entirely false. Diapers have no direct connection to kidney function; their role is simply to absorb urine. The Real Cause Of Risk: Poor Hygiene Dr Awasthi explained that kidneys are internal organs that filter blood, while diapers are external and only hold urine. Problems occur when diapers are not changed frequently, ideally every 3-4 hours. Poor hygiene can lead to urinary or skin infections, rashes, or diaper dermatitis. If urinary tract infections become frequent, they can indirectly affect kidney health, but diapers themselves are not to blame. Hygiene And Care Tips For Parents Doctors recommend maintaining proper hygiene and following a few care tips: Always clean the baby’s skin with water or wipes before putting on a new diaper. Apply baby rash cream or coconut oil if needed. Choose soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic diapers to allow airflow and avoid irritation. Parents who prefer alternatives can use clean, dry cloth nappies instead. And if the baby urinates frequently at night, diapers can be used, just ensure they are changed promptly in the morning. Understanding Urinary Tract Infections In Infants Urinary tract infections in babies can present differently than in older children or adults. Symptoms may include fever, irritability, poor feeding, or foul-smelling urine. Medical experts emphasise that UTIs in infants require prompt attention, as untreated infections can ascend to the kidneys and cause complications like pyelonephritis. However, these infections are typically caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, not by diaper use itself. Maintaining genital hygiene during diaper changes, ensuring babies stay well-hydrated, and seeking medical care when symptoms appear are crucial preventive measures. Parents should also be aware that girls are slightly more prone to UTIs due to anatomical differences, making meticulous cleaning practices even more important during diaper changes.
