How to change a diaper

Changing your baby’s diapers can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never been around babies before. Don’t worry. It’s not that difficult, and in a few weeks, you’ll be an expert too.
Here are some tips and guidelines to help you get started on the right foot:
Prepare: Begin by gathering all the necessary supplies before changing the diaper. This is important for safety, as you don’t want to leave the baby unattended.
You will need:

  • A clean diaper
  • Baby wipes / warm wet towel (take care to use soft wipes for newborns)
  • Burp cloth
  • A safe place (changing table or bed)
  • Changing the changing pad (if you are not using a changing table)
  • baby powder (optional)
  • Lotion (optional)
  • Diaper rash ointment (optional)

How to get there Step by Step (for disposable diapers)

    1. Place the baby.
    2. If using a changing table, use the safety straps to prevent the baby from falling.
    3. Remove your baby’s clothes.
    4. Tape the dirty diaper, but don’t take it off.
    5. Place a burp cloth over the baby, especially when changing young children, to prevent any accidental spraying of the baby’s face.
    6. Clean the diaper area with a damp washcloth. Wiping from forehead to back will help prevent the spread of bacteria that could cause an infection when changing your baby girl. Also, make sure you thoroughly clean between skin folds.
    7. Open the clean diaper.
    8. Gently lift the baby’s legs and slide off the soiled diaper. Replace with a clean diaper. The printed side should be underneath.
    9. Apply no lotion, baby power, or diaper rash cream as directed by your baby’s doctor.
    10. Pull the front of the diaper between your baby’s legs and use one hand to gently hold it against your baby’s stomach.
    11. With the non-tape, take one side and attach it to the front of the diaper. Repeat with the other side.
    12. To prevent the diaper from being too tight or too loose, make sure you are able to slide two fingers into the top front of the diaper.
    13. Fix your baby, and you’re all set!

Cloth diapers

A cloth diaper is essentially the same as a disposable diaper. The main difference lies in how cloth diapers are folded. “Pre-folds” are the most common type of cloth diaper and can be folded in several different ways.

  • No pin method for a wrap-style cover – Lay the diaper lengthwise and then fold it down the front to the desired length. Next, fold it down both sides in the middle so that the diaper is folded into thirds. Place the diaper in the wrap-style cover. The diaper should fit snugly in the cover and not hang over. Close the cover.
  • The Flying Angel Wing – Lay the diaper flat. Then, position your baby so the short side of the diaper is at your baby’s waist. The section that isn’t on your baby’s bottom should be folded into thirds and then brought between your baby’s legs. Bring the back sides to the front and pin.
  • The Twist – This method allows for larger leg openings. Place your baby in the diaper so that the short side of the diaper is at your baby’s waist. Turn the bottom section over 180 degrees. Pull it up between the legs and pin it.

(A great website that has lots of helpful tips for using cloth diapers is www.greenmountaindiapers.com)

How often can I change a diaper?

Babies urinate approximately 20 times a day during the first few months of their lives. It would become incredibly expensive and exhausting to change your baby’s diaper every time. You might want to change them every 2 to 3 hours, but it’s not necessary to wake a baby to change a wet diaper. However, the acidic contents of a bowel movement can irritate your child’s skin, and you should change their diaper as soon as possible once they wake up.
Helpful tips:

  • If you are not using special newborn diapers, then you will need to fold down the front of the diaper so that it does not rub against the healing umbilical cord.
  • Wash your hands after changing a diaper. Keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer at your diaper-changing station is a great way to do this without having to leave your baby alone.
  • As your baby grows, give him/her something to hold onto. This not only distracts him/her, but also prevents them from interfering with the process.
  • Especially when changing small children, it is best to use some kind of “shield” to protect both you and the baby from any accidents that may possibly occur.
  • Be patient. Babies can often feel apprehension and will follow your lead.
  • Don’t worry. It’ll be easier. He’ll be an expert in no time.

Compiled using information from the following sources:
Complete Your Child. Stoppard, Dr. Miriam, Ch. 2.
Mayo Clinic Complete Pregnancy and Baby’s First Year Book. Johnson, Robert V., MD, et al, Ch. 27.