How to Change a Diaper

By eHow Parenting Editor

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Diapers will play a big part in your child’s life in the first two or three years. If a child is changed an average of eight times a day in the first two years of life, the number of diaper changes will approach 6000! With this in mind, it is valuable to learn the right way to change a diaper before attempting this important chore.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Disposable or cloth diapers
Changing pad
Changing pad cover
Baby wipes
Cotton balls
Diaper barrier cream
Diaper pail

Step1

Choose the right diaper for your baby. Disposable diapers are convenient, have exceptional absorbency and can be purchased in different sizes. Cloth diapers are a one time investment with a lower impact on the environment due to their reusability.

Step2

Change the baby frequently. You do not want your baby’s skin to remain in contact with urine or feces any longer than necessary to prevent skin breakdown. Change the baby after feedings, after waking up and whenever a dirty diaper is present.

Step3

Lay the baby on a padded surface covered with a soft terry cloth or waterproof cover. If you are changing the baby on an elevated surface, secure the baby with the strap on the changing pad. Using a contoured pad will help the baby stay in place while he is being changed.

Step4

Remove the soiled diaper. If feces are present, wipe the bulk off with a clean portion of the used diaper. Clean the rest with a baby wipe or a cotton ball soaked in water. Be sure to remove any waste material that may be hidden in the crevices of the thighs.

Step5

Avoid urinary tract infections by using a front to back wiping motion. In girls, clean around the vulva but not inside of it. In uncircumcised boys, clean around the foreskin but do not pull it back.

Step6

Lift the baby gently by the ankles and slide the clean diaper underneath the baby. If the baby exhibits signs of diaper rash, allow the area to be exposed to the air for a minute or two before securing the diaper. Make sure the penis of a boy is pointing downward to avoid leakage.

Step7

Apply diaper cream to prevent urine from coming into contact with the skin if desired. Fasten the diaper, allowing enough room to slide a finger between the belly and the waistband. The diaper should fit snugly but not tightly around the waist and thighs.

Tips & Warnings

Keep boys covered with a cloth to avoid surprise urine sprays.
Place soiled diapers in a sealed pail or in the outdoor trash can.
Never leave a child unattended on an elevated changing surface. Do not depend on the changing pad strap to secure the child. Always keep at least one hand on the child to avoid the risk of injury or death from falls.