One of the key skills a parent needs to master is changing a baby’s diaper. A dirty diaper can be a very smelly and unpleasant situation for the parent. However, many parents find changing newborn diapers to be a daunting task. But it is quite the opposite. It is something that anyone can learn to do in no time. So here is a step-by-step guide to change a baby diaper, and a few tips and tricks to make it easier.
What diapering essentials do you need?
If you want to make the diaper changing process easy, make sure you keep all supplies handy. Before you begin to change a baby’s diaper, make sure everything is organized and accessible. This will help you skip the hustle in running to grab everything at the last moment. You need the below-mentioned things for changing a newborn diaper:
- New and clean diaper
- Hypoallergenic wipes
- A waterproof pad on the bed
- Diaper rash cream
- Clean clothes to change (in case of diaper leakage)
- Sealable disposable bag
10 Steps to Change a Baby Diaper
When caring for a newborn, it is important to learn how to properly change a baby’s diaper. A newborn baby will have several diapers a day, and just like adults, babies need to feel clean and fresh. Therefore, this guide will walk you through all of the steps you need to know. It will take minutes to change a baby’s diaper once you know what you are doing. So, to find out how to change a baby diaper, here are the steps to change a baby diaper that will help you into it:
Step 1: Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
The first thing you should do is wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and mild soap. Once your hands are washed, dry them with a clean towel. Washing your hands before and after you change a baby’s diaper is one of the best ways to keep your baby healthy. If your hands are dirty, germs from your hands can spread to your baby’s skin and the baby can fall sick.
Step 2: Lay Baby on Safe Surface
The safest place to lay a baby down to change their diaper is on their back on a flat, clean surface. This surface can be a changing table or the floor. However, do not forget to use the protective cloth on the surface. You can use a soft blanket or diaper changing pad when you Change a Baby Diaper.
Step 3: Gather Diapering Essentials
Keep all the things required in changing the diaper near you. You can have a look at the above-mentioned diaper essentials to make sure you do not forget anything. Gathering all things in place is important to avoid leaving your baby alone on the changing table.
Step 4: Unfasten the Diaper (Wet diaper)
While opening the diaper check if it is only wet or a poopy diaper. For the wet diaper, you can fold the diaper underneath the baby. This way clean side of the diaper will be under the baby’s bottom. Now simply use wipes to clean the area.
Step 5: Unfasten the Diaper (Poopy diaper)
If the diaper is poopy, you will have to be extra careful while changing it. Use the front portion of the diaper to wipe down towards the bottom. Now fold the diaper so that the outer part is underneath the baby, followed by wiping the baby from front to back.
Step 6: Cleaning Up
Use several wipes to clean the baby’s bottom. Now, hold your baby’s ankle, lift the leg and bottom to remove the dirty diaper. Slide the diaper aside and clean the baby properly. Clean every spot to ensure cleanliness.
Step 7: Throw the Diaper
Use the disposable bag to throw the dirty diaper. Wrap the diaper properly to ensure that it does not leak, then put it into the bag and tie it. Remember to keep the bag out of reach of the baby to prevent the baby from touching it accidentally.
Step 8: Put Clean Diaper
Now once the cleaning is completed, put the clean diaper underneath the baby. Ensure that the tabs are on the side of your child’s bottom. Do read the markings to make sure that you keep the front and back sides of the diaper perfectly.
Step 9: Use Rash Cream
It is common to see babies with diaper rash. Thus, if your baby is also suffering from it, you can use the ointment. However, remember to use the ointment recommended by the doctor to prevent side effects on the baby’s skin.
Step 10: Wrap the Clean Diaper
Once you have applied the rash cream, close the new diaper. Fasten the tabs of the new diaper. Make sure you fasten it enough to prevent leakage. But, do not make it too tight such that it squeezes the baby’s tummy. Then, dress up the baby.
A Few Quick Tips to Make Changing Newborn Diaper Easy
Changing a newborn’s diaper is an essential part of daily care for your newborn baby. Routine diaper changing will also help prevent infections and other health problems. Below-given diaper changing tips for your baby will help you change your baby’s diaper easily so that he can sleep peacefully and you can get on with your day!
- Checking Diaper
Many times babies become fussy and irritated and parents fail to understand the reason behind it. In such situations, try to check the diaper. A heavy diaper makes the baby feel irritated.
- Use the Right Size
Baby diapers come in different sizes, styles, and quality. Pick the right size for your little one depending on his or her age. Use a comfy fit diaper.
- Don’t Fasten the Diaper Tightly
Keep a balance between too tight and loose diaper fastening. You cannot leave the diaper loosely wrapped as it may lead to leakage. On the other hand, make sure it is not tight enough to cause pressure on the stomach.
- Don’t Forget to Wash Hand
Hygiene should always be your priority for your baby. You need to take care that you wash your hand before you start changing the diaper and change the diaper in a clean place. Also, once done, again wash your hands.
- Use Distracting Tool
If your baby starts crying when you put him or her down to change the diaper, use a toy to distract the baby. It can be your baby’s favorite toy or some soft melody to attract his or her attention.
- Use Doctor’s Recommended Ointment
The skin of babies is so delicate that even slight moisture can cause them to develop diaper rashes. Treating them using rash cream is a good way. But make sure you have consulted a doctor to check if the cream is safe for the baby or not.
Conclusion:
If you have a baby or infant, changing a diaper is a job that will be yours for years. You can change diapers quickly and easily if you are prepared for the task. Parents with newborn babies can take the help of this guide for changing a baby’s diaper with ease. Nevertheless, do not forget that one of the most crucial parts of diaper changing steps is making sure your little one’s bottom is clean and dry.
