Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Take off the diaper and clean the baby
• Method 2 of 4: Put on the clean disposable diaper
• Method 3 of 4: Put on and use a washable diaper
• Method 4 of 4: Collect diaper supplies
• Tips
• Warnings

Changing diapers is often a source of fear, anxiety and humor for young parents and caregivers. Babies and toddlers who are not yet potty trained should get a diaper change every few hours to prevent rashes and discomfort. Create a changing area so you can easily change disposable or washable nappies as needed.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Take off the diaper and clean the baby

1. Wash your hands. Before changing the diaper, wash your hands with soap and water. If you don't have a sink nearby, you can put some hand sanitizer on your hands. If you don't have hand sanitizer, you can wipe your hands with a clean baby wipe.
   • If you work in daycare, put on disposable gloves after washing your hands.
2. Get the clean diaper ready. Place the baby on the changing area and get a clean diaper. If you're using a disposable diaper, unfold it. If you're using a washable nappy, fold it or put in a nappy insert, depending on the type of nappy you have. Place the diaper next to it so that it is ready when you have taken off the dirty diaper.
   • Many people put the clean nappy directly underneath the dirty nappy to absorb any accidents that happen during the change. Keep in mind that the clean nappy can get dirty, so you may need to use a second one if that happens.
3. Untie the dirty diaper and take it off. Remove the adhesive strips or Velcro from the dirty diaper. Pull down the front of the dirty diaper and gently lift the baby's legs. If the nappy is wet, pull the back of the dirty nappy out from under the baby's buttocks. If there is poo in it, use the front of the dirty diaper to wipe off as much of the baby as possible. Set the dirty diaper aside until you can fold it up.
   • Hold the baby's legs in one hand so that the bottom is up and not touching the diaper.
   • Make sure to keep the dirty diaper out of the baby's reach.
   • If you are changing a baby boy who wets during a change, you can put a clean cloth or wipe over his penis when you change him.
4. Wipe the baby's buttocks with a wipe or a damp cloth. Take a wipe or wet wipe and wipe the baby's genitals from front to back (towards the buttocks). Cleaning is important to prevent bacterial infections. To clean poop you will likely need several wipes to make sure the baby is clean. Gently lift your baby's legs at the ankles and wipe between the baby's bottom.
   • Make sure there is no poop around the baby's genitals or in the folds of his thighs.
5. Let the skin air dry for a moment. You can prevent diaper rash by keeping your baby's bottom clean and dry. Give the baby's buttocks a few seconds to dry before putting on the clean diaper. If your baby has a rash, apply diaper cream or petroleum jelly on it before putting on the clean diaper.
   • If you are using washable nappies, you should put a disposable nappy insert in the center of the nappy. The diaper insert ensures that the diaper cream does not touch the washable diaper, as it can damage it.

Method 2 of 4: Put on the clean disposable diaper

1. Place the clean diaper under the baby. Take the opened clean diaper and place the back half under the baby. The diaper should reach the baby's waist. When changing a boy's diaper, point his penis down to catch a puddle in the new diaper. Pull the front half of the clean diaper up towards the baby's tummy.
   • Make sure your baby does not raise his legs as this can make the diaper uncomfortable. Try to spread the baby's legs apart so that the diaper fits comfortably.
   • If you are changing a newborn's diaper, use a newborn diaper that leaves room for the umbilical cord stump, or fold the front of the diaper over so that it doesn't come over.
2. Fasten the diaper. Hold the front of the diaper in place with one hand. Use your other hand to grab the sides of the diaper and fold them to the front. Attach them to the diaper so that the diaper is snug around the baby. Do not over-fasten the diaper.
   • Check if the diaper is too tight. If so, the skin will look pinched and red. You also need to make sure that the sides are not stuck to the baby's skin.
3. Dress the baby and throw away the disposable diaper. Pull the romper down and click it closed or change the baby into new clothes. Put the baby in a safe place while you fold and dispose of the dirty disposable diaper. Throw it in the waste bin or in a special diaper pail.
   • To fold the dirty diaper, fold the front of the dirty diaper in half towards the back of the diaper to make a kind of ball shape. Pin both sides in the center of the diaper to keep it closed.
4. Wash your hands. If you wear gloves, take them off and throw them away. Then wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap. Try to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Rinse them thoroughly and then dry them.

Method 3 of 4: Put on and use a washable diaper

1. Place the clean diaper under the baby. Take the ready-made washable diaper and place the back half under the baby so that it reaches his waist. When changing a boy's diaper, you can prevent leaks by pointing his penis down. Grab the front half of the diaper and pull it towards the baby's tummy.
   • Spread the baby's legs so that the diaper does not crumple as you fasten it.
   • When changing a newborn's nappy, make sure to use the smallest washable nappies. You probably need to fold them specially so that they don't rub against the stump of the umbilical cord.
2. Fasten the diaper. Hold the front of the diaper in place with one hand. Use your other hand to attach a T-shaped or double-ended fastener to the front of the diaper. Some washable diapers use closures that you simply click into place or Velcro that you can simply pull and attach. Dress the baby before doing anything with the dirty washable diaper.
   • When using diaper pins, keep a few fingers under the diaper and above your baby's skin so that you do not accidentally prick the baby.
3. Put away the dirty disposable diaper. If you have a poo diaper, take it to the bathroom and throw as much poo in the toilet as you can. You can use a diaper spray to remove larger amounts of poop. Place the dirty diaper and any dirty cleaning wipes in a diaper pail or hanging laundry bag. Wash the washable diapers according to the manufacturer's instructions.
   • Changing the diaper of a breastfed baby does not require you to throw the diaper out of the diaper. It will dissolve in the washing machine.
4. Clean your hands. Remove and discard your gloves, if applicable. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds. After you rinse your hands thoroughly, dry them.

Method 4 of 4: Collect diaper supplies

1. Choose a place to change your baby's diaper. Set up 1 or 2 changing areas in easily accessible places in your house. For example, you can put a changing table in the nursery, in your bedroom, or close to a bathroom. If you don't want to use a changing table, you can easily change the baby's nappy on a flat, comfortable surface (such as a bed or on the floor).
   • Choose convenient changing areas based on where your family spends the most time.
   • It's a good idea to fill a diaper bag or backpack with some changing supplies. Keep the diaper bag near the changing area so you can fill it and take it with you when you need to go.
2. Organize the changing area. You may need more than just a diaper and some wipes to change the baby. Keep things organized and easy to find by using dividers, trays and baskets. This way you immediately know where something is when you need it quickly.
   • For example, it helps to have a drawer or basket with extra pajamas in it if your baby needs to be changed at night.
3. Stock up on diapers and wipes. Newborn babies may need up to 8 to 10 diapers per day, so keep plenty of clean ones on hand. You should be able to grab them easily so that you don't have to leave your baby during the change. You should also have wipes on hand to wipe your baby's bottom.
   • If you have to replenish the nappies in your changing area all the time, you can put a new box of nappies in the same room. Then you will never be completely without it.
4. Put down diaper cream or petroleum jelly. Babies often develop a rash and you may need to use diaper cream or petroleum jelly. Keep jars of these near your changing area for easy use if you see a rash.
   • It's also a good idea to keep these in your diaper bag so that you can treat the rash when you're out together.
5. Provide a place where you keep dirty diapers. Decide what you want to do with dirty diapers. For example, if you are using disposable diapers, you should put out a trash can or diaper pail. If you are using washable nappies, you will need to provide a wet bucket to keep the nappies in until you wash them.
   • It's a good idea to have a hand sanitizer handy to quickly clean your hands before washing them in the bathroom. Remember to keep the hand cleaner out of reach of the baby.
6. Keep distractions handy. As the baby gets older, distract him while changing. Distracting the baby with a toy, thing or book also prevents the baby from grabbing dirty diapers or moving around too much during the change. Consider keeping some of the following with your changing area:
   • Cardboard booklets
   • Weaning
   • Toy key rings
   • Rattles
7. Also put extra clothes and sheets. If your baby has leaked, you should have a set of clothes on hand. Keep several onesies at the changing area just in case. You should also have some clean sheets in case they get dirty.
   • If your changing table has a soft, removable cover, you should also have an extra clean cover on hand in case your baby gets the cover dirty while changing.

Tips

• Distract your child during a change if he gets restless. Have your child hold a toy or sing a song when you change the diaper.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that came with your particular type of nappy. It tells you how to use and wash it.

Warnings

• Never leave the baby unattended on the changing table or any other high place. Even stepping aside can give the baby a chance to roll off the changing table or bed.