Diapering is one of the most basic parts of infant care, but it is often one of the least favorite tasks of parents and caregivers. The fact is, proper diapering practices can not only keep your infant clean and healthy but can also provide a great opportunity to bond with your baby.
Gather Diapering Supplies
When changing a diaper on a wiggly baby it is important to have everything you need within reach. Leaving a baby unattended on a changing table is highly dangerous, even with infants who have not yet learned how to roll over. Babies can surprise you so you do not want your baby to learn how to roll over for the first time on the changing table.
Keep all of your essential diapering supplies near your changing table or in a diaper bag that you can take where ever you need them. A few basics such as, diapers and wipes will be just fine for most diaper changes.
Lay the Baby Down
Lay your baby down on any washable surface, whether that is your changing table, a washable changing mat or a blanket that you can easily put in the washing machine. Make sure that you have all the supplies that you need within reach before you take your baby’s diaper off. If you have an active baby, try and distract him with a small, washable toy while you change his diaper. It is important that the toy is washable because there is a chance it may be dropped in the diaper as you change your baby. You can hold an active baby still by sitting down at his feet and gently laying your legs in front of you and over your baby’s arms.
Take the Diaper Off
Once your baby is lying down and is holding relatively still, you can unfasten the tabs on your baby’s diaper and open it. Hold both your baby’s feet in one hand and lift her bottom off the diaper slowly. Use the diaper to wipe off any large solid material and then leave it under your baby while you clean him off to catch anything that falls off.
Clean the Baby
Use mild baby wipes to gently wipe your baby off. For baby girls, be sure and wipe from front to back. For baby boys, you may want to place a clean diaper on top of your baby while you clean him if he has a habit of peeing during a diaper change. After you have cleaned your baby up, roll the dirty diaper up in a ball and use the tabs to fasten it closed. Place the clean diaper under your baby and allow him to air dry for a few minutes to prevent diaper rash.
Put a New Diaper On
Close the diaper making sure that it is snug, but not so tight that it will irritate your baby’s skin. Make sure that baby boys are pointing down so that they will not pee right out of the top of their diaper. Check your baby’s legs to be sure that the diaper is not squeezing them too tightly.
Clean the Diaper Changing Area
When you have changed your baby’s diaper and redressed him, you will need to clean the diaper changing area to prevent the spread of germs. If you are using a blanket, be sure and put it in the laundry so that your baby does not find it later and try and cuddle with a dirty blanket. Any other washable surface can be cleaned with a vinegar and water solution, soap and water, or another non-toxic cleaning product. It is important to remember that your baby will lay directly on the surface and any harsh chemicals or bleach that you use will be absorbed by your baby’s skin the next time he has his diaper changed. Don’t forget to wash your hands and your baby’s hands if he had any contact with the dirty diaper or his diaper area before you go on to the next activity.
Changing your baby’s diaper is not complicated and it will become second nature to you as you care for your baby and get more practice. Good hygiene practices will prevent the spread of disease and help keep your baby healthy and happy.
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