How to Change a Diaper: A Step-by-Step Guide

Diaper changes may seem mundane, but they play an important role in your baby's health. Frequent changes prevent diaper rashes. And while you may not feel comfortable with changing diapers yet, it’s an essential task every parent must master. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that by the end of your baby’s diaper-wearing career, parents will change over 8,000 diapers. 

Rest assured, you’ll have plenty of practice to refine your diaper-changing skills. Until then, it’s important to note that regular changes help prevent diaper rash, skin irritation, and infections. 

By following a few simple steps, you can make diaper changes a hassle-free routine.

The Basic Supplies:

• Clean Diapers: Choose diapers that are soft, absorbent, and appropriate for your baby's age and weight.
• Baby Wipes or Water Wipes: Fragrance-free wipes are gentle on your baby's delicate skin. However, for newborns and babies with diaper rash, it’s recommended to only use water and cotton balls to avoid irritating the skin.
• Diaper Cream: Using a diaper cream, especially for babies with sensitive skin, can help prevent diaper rash. A diaper cream brush can be a useful tool to make the application easier and more hygienic, reducing the risk of infection.
• Diaper Pail: These specialized diaper trash cans are designed to contain and manage the odor of used diapers.
• Changing Pad or a Clean Surface
• Clean Towel or Washcloth

Note: It's best to avoid using baby powder altogether. 

The American Cancer Society found a possible link between talc-based powders and cancer. Cornstarch-based powders, on the other hand, are believed to promote yeast, but no correlation between cornstarch baby powder and yeast has been proven yet.

How to Change a Newborn's Diaper

Changing diapers the first couple of times can be frustrating, but like many parents, you’ll quickly become a master at it. 

Keep in mind that the process of changing and putting on a diaper is the same for both newborns and infants. But newborns require a more delicate approach.

Now let's get into a step-by-step guide to help you change your first diaper:

Prepare:

• Make sure you have all your supplies within arm's reach.
• Wash your hands.
• Lay your baby on the changing pad, ensuring they’re comfortable and safe.
• Undress the baby from the waist down.

Remove the Dirty Diaper:

• Unfasten the tabs of the dirty diaper.
• Gently lift your baby’s bottom by grabbing them by the ankles and lifting their legs so their bottom is in the air.
• Remove the diaper and fold it so the outer clean part is under your baby’s bottom.

Clean Your Baby:

• Using baby wipes(or cotton balls and water) wipe your baby’s diaper area clean, wiping from front to back. Sometimes it may take several tries depending on how dirty the area is.
• For boys, make sure to clean the penis and scrotum.
• Once wiped clean, place the dirty diapers out of the baby's reach or throw them in a diaper pail.

Apply Diaper Cream:

• Apply a thin layer of diaper cream to your baby’s bottom to protect its skin from irritation. For ease of use, you can use a specially designed silicone brush, which makes applying diaper cream less messy and safer. This reduces the chance of bacteria irritating the baby’s skin and causing a diaper rash.

Put on a New Diaper:

• Unfold a clean diaper and place it under your baby’s bottom.
• Fasten the diaper securely, ensuring it’s snug but not too tight.
• Check the leg cuffs to make sure they’re snug to prevent leaks.

Clean Up:

• If you haven’t already, dispose of the dirty diaper and wipes.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Washing your baby's hands is always a good precaution, whether or not you’ve seen your baby touch anything during the diaper change.

Remember:

• Always wash your hands before and after changing a diaper.
• Avoid using harsh soaps or wipes on your baby’s delicate skin.
• Don't worry if you notice signs of diaper rash. You can try gentle home remedies or consult your pediatrician for advice.

How to Put on a Diaper Correctly

Putting on a diaper correctly is essential for your baby's comfort and hygiene. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Unfold the Diaper: Lay the clean diaper flat on a changing surface.
2. Position Your Baby: Gently lay your baby on their back.
3. Slide the Diaper Under Your Baby: Slide the diaper under your baby's bottom, ensuring it's centered.
4. Secure the Front: Bring the front part of the diaper up between your baby's legs and secure it with the adhesive tabs. Ensure it's snug but not too tight.
5. Adjust the Leg Cuffs: Pull the leg cuffs up around your baby's thighs. These should fit snugly but not too tightly.
6. Fasten the Sides: Bring the side tabs together and fasten them securely. Again, ensure they're snug but not too tight.

When putting on a fresh diaper, it’s advisable to use diaper cream to help prevent skin irritation. 

For parents who want to go a step further, it’s advisable to use a diaper cream brush to apply the cream. Brushes are soft on the skin, easy to clean, and minimize bacteria transfer from the parent to the baby or vice versa.

Tips for a Perfect Fit When Putting on Diapers:

• Check for Gaps: Ensure there are no gaps between the diaper and your baby's skin, especially around the legs and waist.
• Avoid Overtightening: A diaper that's too tight can cause discomfort and skin irritation.
  
  

By following these steps, you can ensure that your baby stays comfortable, dry, and happy.

Common Diaper-Changing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even the most experienced parents can easily make mistakes when changing diapers. Here are some things to look out for:

Not Cleaning Thoroughly

One of the most common mistakes is not thoroughly cleaning your baby's bottom, which can lead to skin irritation and diaper rash.

Solution: Use gentle, fragrance-free wipes or cotton balls with water to clean your baby's bottom. Use a soft cloth and warm water for a deeper clean, especially with messy diaper changes. Wipe from front to back, particularly for girls, to prevent the spread of bacteria.

The Diaper Being to Low

Another common oversight is forgetting to ensure the front of the diaper is tucked securely under your baby's belly button. This can lead to leaks, especially during active play or overnight.

Solution: Double-check that the front edge is positioned below the belly button before fastening the diaper. This will help prevent leaks and keep your baby dry and comfortable.

Poor Fastening of the Diaper

A diaper that is too loose can lead to leaks, while one that's too tight can cause discomfort and skin irritation.

Solution: The ideal diaper fit should be snug but not tight. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the diaper and your baby's waist. Fasten the tabs securely, ensuring they're evenly positioned on both sides.

Ignoring the Leg Cuffs

The diaper's leg cuffs are designed to prevent leaks, but if they're not properly positioned, they can fail to do their job.

Solution: Ensure the leg cuffs are pulled over your baby's thighs and snug but not too tight. This will help contain any messes and keep your baby dry.

By following the tips mentioned above, you can make diaper changes a hassle-free part of your daily routine.

Tips for a Smooth Diaper-Changing Experience

Changing diapers can be a breeze with a few simple tricks. Here are some tips to make your diaper-changing experience smoother, especially for active babies:

1. Create a Calm Changing Environment:
   • Choose a Designated Changing Spot: Pick a quiet, well-lit place for diaper changes. A changing table or a clean, flat surface can work well.
   • Gather Your Supplies: Have everything you need within reach: diapers, wipes, diaper cream, a cloth for drying, and a clean changing mat.
2. Keep Them Busy:
   • Engage with Your Baby: Talk to your baby, sing songs, or make funny faces to entertain them.
   • Use Colorful Toys: To capture their attention, hang a mobile above the changing table or use brightly colored toys.
3. Use a Changing Mat:
   • Safety First: A changing mat provides a clean, cushioned surface to protect your baby from germs and falls.
   • Comfort and Containment: A changing mat can help keep your baby in one place, making diaper changes easier.
4. Quick Changes:
   • Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice, the faster and smoother diaper changes will become.
   • Limit Distractions: Try to minimize interruptions during diaper changes to keep your baby focused and calm.
   • Be Gentle: While the first few diaper changes can be stressful, remember to stay calm and gentle with your baby.

How Often Should You Change a Newborn’s Diaper?

A newborn baby can use a lot of diapers, especially in the first few months. Changing their diapers frequently is essential to keeping them happy and healthy. 

As a general rule, you should change your baby's diaper every 2-3 hours, but if you see a soggy diaper, it’s best to change it immediately. Using diapers with a wetness indicator can take the guesswork of wondering if a diaper is wet or not out of the equation.

What about at night? If your baby is sleeping peacefully and the diaper isn’t leaking or smelling, there’s no need to wake them up for a change. However, if you notice frequent leaks, consider using overnight diapers or other ways to resolve peeing through diapers.

By keeping up with diaper changes, you can help keep your baby comfortable, happy, and healthy. If you notice any signs of diaper rash, apply a diaper rash cream to soothe the irritated skin.

FAQS

How do you change a diaper step by step?

Start by laying the baby on a safe surface, removing the soiled diaper, cleaning the area with wipes, applying any diaper cream if needed, and then fastening a clean diaper snugly.

How often should I change my newborn’s diaper?

You should check and change your newborn’s diaper every 2 to 3 hours or as soon as the diaper is soiled to prevent irritation and diaper rash.

What’s the best way to prevent leaks when putting on a diaper?

Ensure the diaper is snug but not too tight, and check that the leg cuffs are pulled out properly to prevent leaks.