Changing a baby's diaper can sometimes make new parents and caregivers horrified, scared, and amused. Babies who have not been trained to defecate themselves should be diapered every few hours to avoid rashes and discomfort. Designate a special area so you can easily change your disposable or cloth diapers as quickly as possible.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Taking off the Diaper and Cleaning the Baby
Step 1. Wash your hands
Before changing diapers, wash your hands with soapy water. If you don't have a faucet, you can clean your hands with an antiseptic gel. If antiseptic gel is not available, use wet wipes.
If you work in daycare, put on disposable gloves after washing your hands
Step 2. Prepare a clean diaper
Place the baby on a flat surface and prepare a new diaper. If using disposable diapers, unfold them. If using cloth diapers, fold them or fill them with absorbent lining, depending on the type you're using. Place the diaper on the side so that it is ready to wear as soon as you remove the soiled diaper.
Many people place a clean diaper right under a dirty diaper that has not been removed to avoid incidents of urinating during a change. However, clean diapers can get dirty so you'll have to get a new one again if that happens
Step 3. Remove the soiled diaper
Pull on the straps, hooks, or tape of the soiled diaper to remove it. Pull the front and lift the baby's legs slightly. If the diaper is wet, slide it from under the baby. If there is dirt, use the front half of the diaper to sweep up as much dirt as possible. Set the soiled diaper aside until you can fold it later.
- Hold the baby's leg with one hand so that the buttocks are lifted and not touching the surface.
- Make sure the soiled diaper is far enough away that the baby cannot reach it.
- If you're changing a baby boy's diaper who may pee during a change, consider spreading a clean cloth or tissue over his cock while changing.
Step 4. Wipe the baby's bottom and genitals with a wet tissue or damp cloth
Clean the baby's genitals from front to back (downward). Make sure the baby is completely clean to avoid bacterial infection. If your baby has a bowel movement, it may take several strokes to completely clean. Lift the baby's ankles and clean between the buttocks.
Make sure there is no discharge around the baby's genitals or along the groin
Step 5. Air the skin briefly until dry
You can prevent rashes by making sure your baby is clean and dry. Let the baby's pubic area dry for a while. If your baby has a rash, apply diaper cream or petroleum jelly before putting on a new diaper.
If you are using cloth diapers, lay a disposable layer in the middle of the diaper. This layer will prevent the cream from touching the diaper which can then damage it
Method 2 of 4: Installing Clean Disposable Diapers
Step 1. Place a clean diaper under the baby
Take a clean, opened diaper and spread the back under the baby. The diaper should be close to the baby's waist. If you are changing a baby boy's diaper, point his cock down so that the urine that suddenly leaks out will enter the new diaper. Pull the front of the diaper to the baby's tummy.
- Make sure the baby does not put his feet together or the diaper becomes uncomfortable to wear. Try to open the baby's feet so that the diaper fits comfortably.
- If you are changing a newborn's diaper, use a special newborn diaper that leaves room for the base of the umbilical cord. Or, fold the front of the diaper so it doesn't cover it.
Step 2. Fasten the diaper
Hold the diaper section with one hand. Use the other hand to pull the tape on each side of the diaper and fold it forward. Tighten so that the diaper is securely attached. Don't tighten too tight.
Check again to make sure the diaper isn't too tight. If so, the skin will appear pinched or red. You should also make sure the adhesive doesn't stick to the baby's skin
Step 3. Put on baby clothes and throw away disposable diapers
Put the pants back on or get some clean clothes. Make sure the baby is in a secure position while you fold the dirty diaper. Dispose of soiled diapers in the trash or odor sealing tube.
To fold a dirty diaper, fold the front in half towards the back to form a ball. Fasten with the adhesive in the middle
Step 4. Wash your hands
If you wear gloves, take them off and throw them away immediately. Then, wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap. Try to rub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Rinse thoroughly, then dry.
Method 3 of 4: Installing and Handling Cloth Diapers
Step 1. Position the clean diaper under the baby
Take the prepared cloth diaper and spread the back half under the baby until it is close to the waist. If changing a baby boy's diaper, you can avoid leaking by pointing his cock down. Take the front half and pull it into the baby's tummy.
- Spread the baby's feet so that the diaper doesn't clump when it's fastened.
- If you are changing a newborn's diaper, use the smallest cloth diaper. You may need to fold it so that it doesn't rub against the base of the umbilical cord.
Step 2. Fasten the diaper
Hold the front with one hand. Use the other hand to tie the rope or attach the adhesive to the front. Some types of cloth diapers use special clasps or adhesives that can be pulled and pressed. Put on baby clothes before you handle soiled diapers.
If using a diaper pin, place a few fingers between the diaper and the baby's skin to prevent the baby from being accidentally pricked
Step 3. Secure the soiled diaper
If there is dirt on the diaper, take it to the bathroom and flush it down the toilet as much as possible. You can use diaper spray to remove dirt. Put soiled diapers and washcloths in a special diaper pail or let them air dry. Wash cloth diapers according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If you change the excrement of a baby who is exclusively breastfed, there is no need to remove the stool. The dirt will dissolve in the washing machine
Step 4. Clean your hands
Remove gloves and throw them away immediately. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water from the tap for at least 20 seconds. After that, rinse your hands thoroughly, then dry them.
Method 4 of 4: Collecting Changing Supplies
Step 1. Select a specific area to change diapers
Set up a diaper changing area or two in an easily accessible space. For example, you can set up a changing table in the nursery, your bedroom, or near the bathroom. If you don't want to use a changing table, you can easily change your baby's diaper on a comfortable flat surface (such as a mattress or floor).
- Choose a comfortable changing area in the room your family uses the most.
- It would be nice if you prepare a diaper bag complete with all the equipment. Put the bag in the changing area so it can be refilled, and ready to go if you have to leave the house.
Step 2. Set the dressing area
Maybe you don't just need diapers and wet wipes when your baby needs a change. Organize things so they are easy to find using screens, containers, and small baskets. That way, you know where everything is when you need it.
For example, you can have a drawer or basket that holds extra pajamas or a pacifier in case your baby has to change diapers in the middle of the night
Step 3. Prepare a stock of diapers and wet wipes
Newborns sometimes have to change diapers 8 to 10 times a day. So, always have clean diapers ready. Place it in an easy-to-reach place so you don't have to move away from your baby to pick it up. You should also prepare wet wipes to clean the baby's pubic area.
If you frequently stock up on clean diapers in the changing area, consider putting new diaper packs in the same room. So you won't run out
Step 4. Prepare diaper cream or petroleum jelly
Babies often have rashes and you may need to apply diaper cream or petroleum jelly. Place the cream in the diaper changing area so that it can be used immediately when you see a rash.
Also put the cream in the diaper bag so you can treat your baby's rash right away when you're outside
Step 5. Prepare a place to store dirty diapers
Decide how you want to dispose of or handle soiled diapers. For example, if using disposable diapers, prepare a trash can or odor sealing tube. If using cloth diapers, prepare a covered bucket to store the diapers until it's time to wash them.
It's a good idea to have an antiseptic gel ready to quickly clean your hands before washing them. Remember, keep the antiseptic gel out of reach of babies
Step 6. Prepare a distraction for the baby
The older the baby, the more you will need a distraction during the diaper changing process. Divert your baby's attention with a toy, object, or book so that your baby doesn't fall for the dirty diaper or squirm when the diaper is changed. Consider setting up some of these things near the baby changing area:
- Small cardboard book
- pacifier
- toy lock
- Rattles
Step 7. Prepare a change of clothes and extra bed sheets
To be prepared if your baby suddenly defecates during a diaper change, you should have a change of clothes within reach. Prepare some clean clothes and pants in the changing area. You should also prepare clean sheets just in case.
If the surface of the changing table is covered with a soft, removable cloth, you'll also need to prepare an extra cloth in case the attached cloth gets dirty during the change
Tips
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with certain cloth diapers. So you know how to use and wash them.
- Distract baby if he is fussy during a diaper change. Let baby hold a toy, or sing something.
