Whether you've never changed a diaper before or you're an old hand,
you'll get plenty of practice with your new baby. Most parents have made
common mistakes, like putting a diaper on backward or lopsided, or even
getting an unexpected spray of urine from their baby boy. These
step-by-step tips will help you master the art of diaper changing and
fix any first-time mistakes fast. Continue...
Get Your Supplies Together
Have everything at hand, because you never want to leave your baby
unattended. You'll need a clean diaper or two, something to wipe your
baby with, and a flat surface. If your baby has diaper rash or is less
than a month old, have cotton balls or squares, warm water, a towel, and
diaper rash cream handy.
Always Keep One Hand on Your Baby
Wash your hands, and place your baby on the changing table or a
flat surface. Use the safety straps, or make sure to keep one hand on
the baby so he doesn't roll off. Never leave your baby unattended, even
for a minute. If he wiggles a lot, distract him with a mobile or a
brightly colored toy. Undo the dirty diaper. Hold your baby's legs with
one hand, and use the other hand to pull down the front of the diaper.
Don't remove it yet.
Wipe From Front to Back
First, use the front part of the diaper to help wipe your baby.
Wipe from front to back to prevent a urinary tract infection. Then use a
mild wipe or wet washcloth to clean your baby, again wiping from front
to back. For a newborn or a baby with diaper rash, use cotton balls or
squares and warm water. Pat your baby's bottom dry. If you have a boy,
keep a clean diaper or washcloth over his penis while you're changing
him so he doesn't pee on you.
Swap Dirty Diaper for Clean One
Lift your baby's legs, and slide the dirty diaper out. Hold your
baby's legs to keep him from touching the messy diaper. Slide a clean
diaper underneath your baby. On a disposable diaper, the adhesive tabs
go in back and should be about belly-button level. Pull the front up
between your baby's legs. For a boy, make sure his penis is pointing
down so he doesn't pee out the top of his diaper.
Use Your Fingers to Test the Fit
Close the tabs on a disposable diaper, or snap or Velcro a cloth
diaper shut. Make the diaper snug, but be sure you can place two fingers
between the diaper and your baby's waist. With a newborn, fold the top
of the diaper down so that the umbilical stump is exposed. Or use a
newborn diaper with a cutout for the stump.
You May Want to Flush the Poop
What do you do with the old diaper? With cloth diapers, shake any
solid waste into the toilet. Then toss the diaper into the diaper pail
until it gets washed. Some parents shake solid waste into the toilet
from disposables, too. Then tape up the disposable and put it in the
trash or diaper pail. Some parents put disposables in a plastic bag or
zipper-top bag before putting it in the pail to cut down on smell.
Take Your Time & Enjoy
Many moms and dads find that a diaper change is a great time to
connect with their babies. After all, you're leaning over your baby,
touching, and talking or cooing to him or her. Your baby is looking up
at you and listening to your voice. Take some time to sing a song or
play peekaboo. Although some diaper changes will have to be done
quickly, when you have a few minutes, try to enjoy the ritual.
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