For first-time parents, learning how to diaper your baby can feel daunting, especially when you’re running on little sleep and navigating this new world of parenthood.
While it might seem tricky at first, diapering becomes second nature with a bit of practice.
Let's explore the basics of diapering a newborn, along with the steps and useful tips to make the process easier. And keep your baby comfortable and happy!
Diapering Basics: What You Need to Know Before You Start
Before you start diapering your newborn, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the basics.
This will make the process smoother, keep your baby comfortable, and reduce the risk of diaper rash or discomfort.
Choosing the Right Diaper:
Newborns need diapers sized for their weight, usually labelled as "Newborn" or "0-3 months."
You can choose between disposable diapers, which are convenient, or cloth diapers, which are eco-friendly but require more upkeep.
Understanding the Diapering Frequency:
Newborns need frequent diaper changes. They typically require a diaper change every two to three hours, or as soon as they have a bowel movement.
Changing diapers promptly helps prevent skin irritation and diaper rash, as well as keeps your baby comfortable.
Essential Diapering Supplies:
Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary items within arm’s reach. You’ll need:
- Clean diapers
- Baby wipes (unscented for sensitive skin)
- A changing pad or mat
- Diaper rash cream or ointment
- A bag or pail for disposing of used diapers.
Keeping these supplies organized in a designated changing area will make diapering more convenient.
Comfort and Skin Care:
Baby’s skin is delicate, so you should be gentle during diaper changes. Use soft, fragrance-free wipes, and avoid products with harsh chemicals that could cause irritation.
Applying a diaper rash cream as a preventive measure can help protect your baby’s skin from irritation caused by moisture.
Safety Tips during Diaper Changes:
Always keep one hand on your baby during diaper changes, especially on elevated surfaces like changing tables, to prevent rolling. Following these basic tips will help make diapering safe and stress-free for both you and your baby.
7 Steps for Diapering Your Newborn
Now that you’re prepared, let’s go over the process of diapering your newborn.
Step 1: Set Up a Safe Space
Place your baby on a clean, flat surface, like a changing table or bed, and use a changing pad or cloth to protect the surface. Make sure you always keep one hand on your baby to prevent them from rolling off.
Step 2: Remove the Dirty Diaper
Gently hold your baby's ankles and lift their legs. Unfasten the diaper and fold the front down. Use the clean part to wipe most of the mess but leave the dirty diaper underneath until you're ready to replace it.
Tip: Newborns often go right after removing the diaper, so keeping it in place can help avoid extra clean up.
Step 3: Clean Your Baby’s Skin
Use a baby wipe to gently clean your baby’s bottom. For girls, always wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria. Be sure to clean thoroughly, including in any skin folds. After wiping, let your baby’s skin air dry for a few moments or pat it dry with a soft cloth. Avoid putting a diaper on damp skin to reduce the chance of diaper rash.
Step 4: Apply Diaper Rash Cream (If Necessary)
If your baby’s skin looks red or irritated, apply a thin layer of diaper rash cream to the affected area. Creams containing zinc oxide create a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture from causing further irritation.
Step 5: Put on a Fresh Diaper
Now that your baby is clean, slide a fresh diaper under their bottom with the tabs at the back. Pull the front over their belly and fasten the tabs snugly, ensuring it’s not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the diaper and their waist. If your newborn has an umbilical cord stump, fold the top of the diaper down to avoid irritation.
Step 6:Dispose of the Dirty Diaper
If you’re using disposable diapers, roll the used diaper into a ball, secure it with the tabs, and throw it away in a diaper pail or trash can. For cloth diapers, follow the recommended washing instructions for soiled diapers.
Step 7: Wash Your Hands
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after each diaper change. If you’re in a situation where soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer until you can wash your hands properly.
Follow These Simple Steps for Happy Diaper Changes
Mastering how to diaper your newborn becomes easier with practice, and soon it will feel like second nature. Diaper changes are also a chance to bond with your baby, making the task more rewarding.
With the tips in this guide, you’ll quickly become confident and make diapering comfortable for both you and your little one. Don’t worry every parent has messy moments, but patience and practice make it easier!
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FAQ’s
- How often should I change my newborn’s diaper?
Newborns typically need a diaper change every two to three hours or as soon as they have a bowel movement to prevent irritation and discomfort.
- What supplies do I need for diapering my newborn?
You'll need clean diapers, unscented baby wipes, a changing pad, diaper rash cream, and a disposal bag or pail for used diapers.
- How can I prevent diaper rash?
To prevent diaper rash, use fragrance-free wipes, ensure your baby’s skin is dry before putting on a new diaper, and apply diaper rash cream if irritation occurs.
- What should I do if my baby’s umbilical stump is still intact?
Fold the top of the diaper down to avoid irritation around the umbilical stump, or use a diaper designed with a notch to prevent contact with the sensitive area.