Changing a Disposable Diaper

Preparation

Wash and dry your hands (you can use a baby wipe).

set up a warm, clean, dry area (a changing table or a clean changing cloth on a soft, warm surface will be fine).

prepare your supplies (a clean diaper and a plastic bag, plus some ointment or petroleum jelly if your baby is prone to diaper rash).

1. Unfasten the diaper tabs and fasten them back on themselves so they don’t stick to your baby, but don’t remove the dirty diaper.

2. Wipe away any poop with the diaper, taking care to cover the penis with a clean cloth or diaper if your baby is a boy (for sanitary reasons and to avoid the aforementioned warm shower).

3. Lift the baby’s bottom off the table using the ungainly-yet-effective ankle hold.

4.  Fold the dirty diaper in half under the baby, unsoiled side up.

5. Use a baby wipe or wet cloth to clean your baby’s front thoroughly. For a girl, be sure to wipe from front to back — away from her vagina. This will help minimize the possibility that bacteria will get into her vagina and cause an infection.

6. Lift both of your baby’s legs and clean his bottom.

7. Swap a clean diaper for the dirty one. The clean diaper’s top half (the half with the tabs) should go under your baby’s rear, and the bottom half should come up between his legs (which should be spread as widely as is comfortable for your baby).Try not to bunch the diaper between your baby’s legs — it can cause chafing and discomfort. For newborns, avoid covering the umbilical cord (you can get special newborn diapers with notches cut out for the stump). For boys, be sure to tuck the penis down so moisture will be less likely to escape.

8.  Fasten the diaper at both sides with the tapes, making sure it’s snug, but not so tight that it pinches his skin. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific tips.Retape the soiled diaper around the contents, put it in the plastic bag, and dump it in the trash. Dress your baby, and wash your hands thoroughly.