How to Change a Diaper
Of course, many people grow up with much younger siblings or cousins, or they look after children during their teens, or they have friends who have children, or are just around them . For these people, changing a diaper can seem like an easy task. But there are people like me and my husband who never did any of this and changed our first diapers on our own newborn son.
It’s nerve-wracking being a new parent and expecting an instant surge in maternal or paternal instinct and knowing how to change a diaper. This is one of those things that seem obvious in retrospect, but very confusing at first. So, first I will tell you how to change your diaper. Then I will show you how to change your diaper. And then you will learn how to change a diaper.
Step 1: Place your baby on a clean, soft surface. If the surface is elevated, be sure to strap them on and keep one hand on or very close to them at all times, even if they aren’t rolling yet (this first roll can really take you by surprise).
Step 2: Unbutton your dirty diaper and follow this strategic tip from the What to Expect article :
For a wet diaper: fold the dirty diaper under the baby (so that the clean outer side is under his or her bottom) and wipe the area.
For a down diaper: Wipe as much of the diaper as possible, then fold it underneath as described above. Raise the legs and rinse the front of the baby with warm water or tissues, trying to get into all the folds. Then lift both legs and clean the baby’s bottom thoroughly.
Remember the following at this point:
- Always wipe the girls from front to back.
- Boys can be wiped in any direction, but it is best to keep the penis covered with an extra diaper or clean cloth to prevent urine fountains .
- You will also want to point your penis downward when you fasten a clean diaper to reduce leakage.
Step 3: After the baby is clean and dry (and you’ve applied anti-rash creams, if necessary), place a clean diaper under the baby’s bottom. If you are using disposable diapers, the tabs should be at the back, under the baby. Pull the front of the diaper between the baby’s legs and attach the tabs from the back to the front of the diaper across the belly.
The diaper should be fastened tight enough to prevent leakage, but not tight enough to cause irritation. (If you see red marks the next time you change the diaper, then it was too tight.)
Okay, now let’s see how real diapers change , shall we? (This isn’t much endorsement for the Pampers brand, but rather an homage to their diaper changing skills.)
Finally, when it comes to disposable diapers, I’ve always liked folding them and closing the tabs tightly again (as shown in the video) to make the dirty diaper more compact and less messy. In the case of cloth diapers, see this complete guide for cleaning tips.