How to Diaper a Baby Girl

Some diapering techniques are universal, but some are specific to baby girls. Here are some tips for new parents on diapering baby girls.

What You Need
First, when changing any baby, you need a firm, clean surface. This could be a blanket on the floor, a changing table, or a countertop. You'll also need your supplies handy: fresh diapers, wipes, diaper cream or spray, pins or covers if necessary, and a garbage can.

Cloth or Disposable?
Your diapering technique will depend on the type of diaper you are using. Disposable diapers may be available in girl and boy varieties; girl diapers will often have extra padding in the back, or bottom area because this is where urine is more likely to go. If you want gender-specific disposable diapers, look for pink packages marked GIRL.

Cloth diapers come in many different styles. If you choose flat or prefold diapers (the type that need pins), you can sometimes fold them so that there is more padding in the back as well. If you choose fitted diapers, you can add diaper doublers to increase absorbency in the rear.

How To Do It

• Remove the wet or soiled diaper, and set aside, keeping one hand on the baby at all times.
• Gently grasp the baby's ankles and lift slightly. Wipe baby's entire diaper area clean, even if the diaper was only wet and not soiled. This will help prevent skin irritation. For girls, be sure to wipe from front to back. This will help prevent urinary tract infections; baby girls are much more susceptible to contamination from fecal matter.
• Allow the baby's skin to dry completely. You can blot with a dry towel or even use a blow dryer set on low if your baby girl has trouble with diaper rash.
• Keep a dry cloth on hand in case baby decides to urinate while being changed. Even baby girls can sometimes shoot urine into the air, so beware!
• Gently lift baby's bottom and slide the back part of the diaper underneath. Pull up the front part and fasten with tapes, pins, or snaps.
• If you're at a changing table or other non-floor surface, move the baby to a crib or floor, and then dispose of the dirty diaper and wash your hands.

Other Tips

• If your baby girl's skin is easily irritated, you may want to use warm water and a washcloth or cloth wipe instead of commercial baby wipes.
• Be sure to change your baby's diaper after every wetting or soiling. Leaving a baby in a wet or soiled diaper can cause diaper rash.