In a few weeks, you'll be able to change a diaper in a darkened room while half-asleep. But right now you may just be getting the hang of it.

 

Preparation

Wash and dry your hands.

Set up an area to change your baby (if you're not using a changing table, a blanket or towel on the floor or bed works well).

Grab your supplies, including a clean diaper and plenty of wipes or wet cloths. If your baby is prone to diaper rash, keep rash cream or petroleum jelly on hand.

1. Unfold your clean diaper so it's ready to put on your baby.

2. Unfasten the dirty diaper, but don't remove it yet.

3. If your baby is a boy, cover his penis with a clean cloth so he doesn't pee on either of you.

4. If the dirty diaper just has pee, not poop, your job is easy. Grasp your baby by the ankles and gently lift his or her bottom off the changing surface, then quickly swap the peed-in diaper for your fresh, unfolded one. Fasten it and you're done.

5. If the dirty diaper has poop, there are a few more steps. Grasp your baby by the ankles and gently lift his or her bottom off the changing surface. Then:

  • Fold the dirty diaper in half under your baby, clean side up.
  • Use a baby wipe or wet cloth to thoroughly clean your baby's front. For a girl, be sure to wipe from front to back (from her vaginal area to her bottom). This helps keep bacteria from causing an infection.

6. Lift both of your baby's legs and clean his or her bottom with a wipe or wet cloth. Apply ointment or petroleum jelly, if needed.

7. Quickly place your fresh, unfolded diaper under your baby's bottom and fasten it.

8. Dispose of the dirty diaper, dress your baby, and wash your hands thoroughly.

 

Diapering tips

• If you change your baby on an elevated surface such as a changing table or bed, be sure to keep one hand on or right near your baby at all times. Don't leave your baby unattended for even a second.

• For newborns, avoid covering the umbilical cord stump. You can buy special disposable diapers with notches cut out for the stump, or fold down the front half of the diaper.

• For boys, be sure to tuck the penis down so they're less likely to pee over the top of the diaper.

• Stock up on diapers so you don't run out. Newborns can wet as many as eight to ten diapers a day.

• Have fun: Diaper changes offer a chance for some special one-on-one time. Talk and sing to your baby, pointing out the different parts of his or her body and explaining what you're doing. Once your baby is cleaned up, try a few simple songs like "Itsy Bitsy Spider" or "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." Play a bit of peekaboo or patty-cake, and share a kiss before you wrap up.

• Keep distractions handy: If your baby fusses during changes, hang an engaging mobile over the changing area, tape up pictures or mirrors to look at, or give your baby a small toy to play with while you take care of business.

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