How to Change a Diaper in 3 Easy Steps

If you are intimidated by the thought of changing your first diaper you are not the only one. A newborn baby looks so tiny and fragile that many new parents are extremely anxious when handling their child especially during the first days, when everything is so new and a bit scary, but trust me by the time your baby is a few weeks old, you will be able to do it with a blindfold.

How to change a diaper: Step 1 Get ready

It all seemed so simple at your prenatal class. Your teacher undressed the doll, replaced the pretend filthy diaper and dressed back the baby again in no time, but life is much harder when you have a squirming newborn on your hands and you are dealing with messy golden poop that seems to be getting everywhere.

The trick is to get organized before you start undressing the baby. The idea is that once you have everything within your easy reach you will never leave your baby unattended during the nappy change and this will make everything faster and safer.

Have a couple of clean diapers, a tub of wipes, diaper rash cream and a change of baby clothes close at hand before you start with the diaper change. Remember to include a vest in case it gets dirty when you are changing the baby.

How to change a diaper : Step 2 Get Set

As babies get older you can change a diaper practically anywhere as long as you have a flat surface and your baby can safely lie on his back during the change, but newborns get cold very easily. Especially in the first months always change diapers in a warm room where everything is within reach and you feel comfortable. Remember to close any open windows to avoid draft.

As babies get older and start rolling over it is important to always keep one hand on the baby's chest or tummy to prevent your child from falling from the changer. Many changers also have safety straps for extra safety, but even in these cases a baby should never be left unattended on a changer.

How to change a diaper : Step 3 Go

Now that you have everything at hand and you are in the right setting, you are good to go. Quickly undress the baby, remove the dirty diaper, clean up your child, put on a clean diaper and dress up the child again. In reality changing a diaper is no rocket science, the rule of thumb is to be organized and quick, so that the baby will not get cold while he is undressed.

Handy tips

Place a dry wash cloth or some tissue on a boy's penis in order to prevent the baby from peeing while you are changing him.

Check with your hand that baby's clothing is clean and dry when you have finished the diaper change. Sometimes there are small leaks that wet baby's vest and underclothes.

Make sure that you have cleaned thoroughly baby's skin folds, in order to prevent infections and rashes.

Don't underestimate a diaper rash. If your child has a tedious diaper rash that won't go away with over the counter cream in a few days, consult your pediatrician.