How to Change a Diaper

Guide Note

Time for diaper duty? Changing a baby's diaper can be an intimidating process to the uninitiated, for the olfactory effects alone. But don't fret— How to Change a Diaper will show you the simple steps to changing diapers quickly and easily.

Table of Contents

Introduction

(Creative Commons photo by Sellers Patton)
(Creative Commons photo by Sellers Patton)
  • Ah, the diaper change—a task that inspires fear in the hearts of men, and women too. Whether you have a new baby or are babysitting for a (very dear) friend, you'll want to know the ins and outs of changing a diaper properly. Overall, it's most important to be prepared: have supplies at the ready and don't be shocked if a little spray comes your way. It's not his fault.
  • Keep reading to learn the correct technique for changing a baby and the supplies you'll need before getting started. There's no time like the present to learn this crucial skill, as you'll soon be changing your baby every two to three hours!

Step 1: Prepare Your Supplies

  • Before grabbing that little baby of yours, make sure you have everything you need.
  1. Gather up all the required equipment ahead of time, so you aren't leaving him alone on a changing table while you run to grab the baby wipes.
  2. See Parents.com's list of diaper changing supplies to be sure you have everything.
  3. In general, you will need:
      • A fresh diaper (or two just in case)
      • Wet-wipes and/or wet washcloth
      • Dry towel
      • Diaper rash cream or ointment if necessary
      • Baby powder if necessary
      • A safe, flat surface (a changing table, your bed, the floor) and changing pad if not using a changing table
      • Somewhere to ditch the dirty diaper
  4. Parents.com also recommends bringing along your "sense of humor," which is likely not a bad idea.
  5. And, finally, be prepared to give baby an impromptu bath if things get really messy. This will be easier than going through a can of wet-wipes.

Step 2: Lay Baby Down

Thoroughly clean up the baby! (Creative Commons photo by Matthew Hoelscher)
Thoroughly clean up the baby! (Creative Commons photo by Matthew Hoelscher)
  • It's time to get started, so place baby in the horizontal position.
  1. Put down a clean towel or a washable changing pad before laying down your baby.
  2. Lay your baby down and secure the safety straps, if your changing table has them.
  3. Make sure your baby is facing tummy-side up.
  4. Remove any clothing that will get in the way of the diaper change.
  5. You may want to put a blanket over your baby to keep him warm, and try singing or talking to her to keep tears away.
  6. For somewhat "older" babies, have them hold a toy or stuffed animal to remain distracted from the diaper-change process.

Step 3: Change it Up

  • In with the new, and out with the old.
  1. Unfold the new diaper and place it beneath your baby. If there are pictures on the diaper, they usually go in front.
  2. If you are using a changing pad or towel that you don't mind getting dirty, consider removing the dirty diaper first before putting down a clean one.
  3. Unfasten the old diaper.
  4. Carefully grab your baby's feet together and lift them up so you can remove the old diaper, using the still-clean section to clean up any excess stools.
  5. Clean the baby's diaper area with a wet-wipe or warm washcloth, being sure to get in between all of baby's skin folds. It may take four to six wet-wipes to clean up after a really dirty diaper.
  6. You'll need to keep baby lifted slightly to clean her thoroughly. And don't forget the lower back.
  7. Now you'll lower baby back down onto the fresh diaper beneath, which should be at the same level as the baby's belly button in the back.
  8. If you have a brand new baby and are not using specified "newborn diapers," you'll need to fold down the top part of the front of the diaper to leave room for the umbilical cord remaining.
  9. If your baby suffers from diaper rash or other skin irritation, this is your opportunity to apply any diaper creams, ointments, powders, etc.
  10. Bring the front of the diaper up through your baby's legs and fasten firmly.
  11. The diaper should fit snugly but not too tight—make sure you can place two fingers underneath the top part of the diaper.
  12. At this point, you can put baby's clothes back on and start having some fun again.

Changing a Girl

Changing a Boy

Cloth Diapers

  1. The only difference will be the re-fastening of the diaper.
  2. See the American Pregnancy Association's three methods for fastening a cloth diaper, with or without pins.

Step 4: Ditch the Dirty Diaper

(Creative Commons photo by Bethany King)
(Creative Commons photo by Bethany King)
  • You will not want that dirty diaper lying around any longer than it needs to!
  1. Fold the dirty diaper in half and place the dirty wet-wipes inside—how efficient!
  2. Re-fasten the tabs to keep the dirty diaper together, with the mess at least somewhat contained.
  3. Put the dirty diaper into a plastic bag you can seal or tie together and bring it straight outside to the garbage.
  4. Or, try using an indoor "diaper disposal system"—basically just a trash can, likely with a lid, that will squelch diaper odors. See Mahalo's Diaper Disposal System Buying Guides for examples.
  5. Be sure to wash your hands before resuming play! You might want to keep a bottle of hand-sanitizer near the changing area, so you can clean up quickly.

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Resources for How to Change a Diaper