How to Change a Baby’s Diaper: 10 Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Though full of glee, the initial days of your newborn’s life are also full of numerous handful tasks that can be challenging for first-time parents. Along with feeding and bathing, changing diapers is a chore that may pose a problem.

For new parents changing diapers can be intimidating. But with some practice, learning how to change a baby’s diaper will become second nature.

From the face of it, changing diapers may seem like an easy task. But babies aren’t always obliging at changing times, and it can be hard to handle an eluding baby needing a fresh diaper and possibly a whole new outfit.

In this article, we’ve put together a thorough step-by-step guide on how to change a Baby’s Diaper. We have also provided information on what you will need, how often you should change your baby, and how to do it anywhere without making a mess.

What You Need to Change a Diaper

Before diving into the Step-by-Step instruction on how to change a Baby’s Diaper, you must ensure that everything you need is handy to change a baby’s diaper effectively.

Here is a checklist of everything you need before changing a diaper:

People usually use baby wipes to clean the diaper area. However, a baby’s skin is quite sensitive. Therefore, using warm water and a cloth or cotton balls during the initial phase can help prevent skin irritation. Traditional baby wipes, especially those containing alcohol, can cause irritation and rashes in babies about two months old.

You can use a changing table or a changing pad on the floor, bed, or couch. While using the changing table, use the safety straps to safeguard the baby.

If you use a changing table, ensure that it is concave in the middle (with the sides higher than the middle), or you can put a changing pad on the table. However, follow the pad’s instructions for anchoring it to the table.

The changing table and pad ensure the baby’s safety and prevent falls due to the baby rolling off the table, which can cause severe injury. Practicing safety from the start is wise before your child is on the move.

How Often Should You Change It?

New American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends cleaning the soiled area with warm water and wipes. It helps keep the baby’s skin healthy and free from irritation.

Step-by-Step for How to Change a Baby’s Diaper

Now that you have everything required, here is the Step-by-Step for How to Change a Baby’s Diaper:

Step 1: Lay your baby on a flat surface.

Firstly, lay your baby on a flat surface. It can be a changing table, changing pad, or other comfortable and safe surfaces. Place your baby with their bottom towards the floor and legs spread apart.

Suggested: 10 Best Non Toxic Crib Mattress

Step 2: Remove all clothes from under your baby.

Pull all the clothes from under the baby so that it doesn’t interfere with the diaper change. If any cloth is soiled, take off the entire outfit.

Step 3: Unfasten the dirty diaper and assess.

Unfasten the soiled diaper and remove it. Once opened, you will have a better idea of the situation. Take a second and ensure that you have the wipes and other required items. 

Step 4: Lift your baby’s legs with one hand and wipe with the other.

After unfastening the soiled diaper, lift your baby’s legs and wipe their bottoms (from front to back) with a wipe. Although, ensure that you don’t wipe it too much, or it may cause redness and discomfort for your baby.

Clean it properly to remove all the urine and stool from that area. Dry the area thoroughly before putting on a fresh diaper.

In case of rash or irritation, wash the area with mild soap and water and allow the air to dry. Suppose your little one is suffering through flux. In that case, you can apply a thin layer of vaseline over the diaper ointment, creating a moisture barrier to help heal the skin irritation caused due to it. 

Step 5: Remove the dirty diaper from under the baby’s bottom.

When you have wiped the baby’s bottom clean, roll up the dirty diaper along with all the used wipes and keep it out of your child’s reach.

Step 6: Apply a barrier or diaper cream to clean the bottom (if needed).

To protect your little one’s skin from irritation:

1. Apply Zinc oxide barrier cream or diaper rash cream.
2. Wash your finger clean or properly sanitize the applicator to apply a thin layer evenly over the entire diaper area.
3. Give priority to the irritated areas.

Step 7: Place a clean diaper under your baby’s bottom and fasten the sticky tabs on both sides.

While putting on a disposable diaper, slide a clean diaper under your baby’s bottom. Place it with the front between your baby’s legs and the back, covering their entire bottom. Ensure the tabs are located under your child’s bottom. Open the diaper tabs to the front, ensuring the diaper is snug but not too tight.

In the case of cloth diapers, use the attached snaps or carefully pin the diaper closed, ensuring that the diaper is fastened correctly.

Step 8: Re-dress your baby.

After putting on a fresh diaper, re-dress your little one and return them to a comfortable position. If their previous outfit is soiled, put on a fresh one you picked out before changing the diaper.

Step 9: Discard the dirty diaper and wipes.

Once you have put on a fresh diaper, lay your baby in a crib or carrier. Then collect the dirty diaper and used wipes and place them in the trash can or bin. It is suggested to put them into an outer plastic bag before discarding them.

If you use a cloth diaper, drop the poop into the toilet and flush it down. Then, put the diaper in the laundry bin and wash it.

Step 10: Wash your hands and Clean the surface.

After putting on a fresh diaper, you must adequately wash your and your baby’s hands with soap and water. Similarly, clean the changing surface using a disinfectant to prevent contamination the next time you use the changing table.

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7 Tips on How to Change a Baby’s Diaper

By following the steps mentioned above, with a bit of practice in no time, you can change a baby’s diaper like a pro. 

Here are a few pointers that will help you in your journey of becoming a pro diaper changer!

Takeaway

Diaper changes are an essential part of taking care of your little one. New parents are usually overwhelmed and nerve-racking while changing a soiled diaper. As a result, you may feel scared about hurting your baby while changing the diaper.

Therefore, if you follow all the steps mentioned in this article, you will know how to change a Baby’s Diaper.

In the end, for you to change diapers in no time, you must practice and work with patience. I hope you gained some knowledge from my post and learned something new about how to change a Baby’s Diaper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)