About this topic
When you give birth to your baby, you want to give your baby the best care. You want to be sure that the things you are doing for your baby are safe and healthy. You soon begin to learn your babys habits and what your baby needs. There are many things to learn when caring for a baby. One thing you need to learn is how to change your baby's diaper. ‚
Before you learn how to change a diaper, you should know when you need to change it. Some diapers have a line that changes colors when the diaper is wet. Here are some other signs that may help you know that it is time to change your baby's diaper. ‚
- Your baby cries and is hard to calm.
- Your baby's diaper smells bad.
- Your baby's diaper swells up.
- Poop is leaking from the diaper.
- Your baby is passing gas.
General
Changing diapers is an important task to learn when caring for your baby. It is not an easy task to do. You need to learn the basic steps and practice. You will do the same steps when changing a diaper made of cloth or one that is disposable. ‚
Before you begin, make sure you have all the items that you will need: ‚
- A clean diaper
- Pins if using cloth diapers
- Diaper cream for diaper rash, if needed
- Wipes, warm water, or wet washcloth to clean baby
- An extra clean diaper to cover your baby during changing to prevent urine sprays
- Changing pad
How to change your babys diaper: ‚
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Put a changing pad on a flat area. Put your baby down on it.
- You may need to distract your baby while you change the diaper. Singing songs or using a mobile or toys are good choices.
- Remove the soiled or wet diaper.
- If you are changing the diaper on a baby boy, use a clean diaper to cover his penis. As the air reaches the uncovered penis, boys tend to pee. Point a boy's penis downward in the clean diaper to keep them from peeing out the top of the diaper. Girls also tend to pee when their bottoms are open to air. Keeping this area covered will keep you from getting wet.
- Gently lift your baby's legs and bottom to clean the bottom. Use wipes or a wet washcloth and gently clean any dirt left from a bowel movement or any urine. Always wipe from front to back to avoid spreading germs. Pat the area dry.
- If you see any redness or rash, put diaper cream on the area.
- Open the new diaper and gently slide it under your baby while you lift the legs and bottom. The adhesive strips should be on the back side of the diaper which is under your baby's bottom. The strips should line up with your baby's belly button.
- Pull the front of the diaper between your baby's legs. Make sure the diaper is at the same level in front and back.
- Gently pull the tabs and attach them to the front of the diaper. If you are using cloth diapers, have your diaper pins close by. Attach the pins through both the front and back layers of the diaper.
- When you are done, clean the area where you changed the diaper. Throw away the soiled diaper and wipes you used.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
Once you know these simple steps, you can keep your baby comfortable and clean. With practice, you will get better and faster at changing your baby's diaper. ‚
What will the results be?
Changing diapers often can prevent diaper rash. Clean and healthy bottoms will make your baby happy and comfortable. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
You may wonder how often you need to change your babys diaper. Your baby starts peeing and pooping the first day of life. Your baby may pee every 1 to 3 hours. ‚
- If you know that your baby has a soiled diaper, change the diaper as soon as you can.
- Change your baby's diaper before and after each feeding.
- Most of the time you do not need to wake your baby to change a diaper. It is OK to change the diaper as soon as your baby wakes up.
What problems could happen?
- Your baby may cry and become irritable if you do not change the diaper as soon as possible.
- Your babys skin may get a rash. This can be painful and may get infected. Keep the area clean and dry. Do not rub. Gently wipe the area to avoid more irritation.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- A rash that does not go away after 2 to 3 days
- No wet diaper for more than 12 hours
- Open sores, boils, or pus on your babys bottom
Helpful tips
- Make sure your baby is safe from falling when you change the diaper. Keep a hand on your baby as babies can roll over. Never walk away from your baby.
- Wait at least 5 minutes if you know your baby is peeing or pooping. Let your baby finish before you change the diaper.
- Make sure you do not make the waist of the diaper too tight. Diaper fits well if you can place two fingers in the waist of the diaper.
- Always use the safety straps when using a changing table. Do not leave your baby alone on a changing table, even when the safety straps are in place.
- Try to keep your babys hands away from the open diaper.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Changing-Diapers.aspx ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/pages/Babys-First-Days-Bowel-Movements-and-Urination.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token ‚
American Pregnancy Association ‚
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/firstyearoflife/changingadiaper.htm ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/newborn_care/diapering.html# ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚