8 Steps For Changing A Diaper The Right Way

The first thing you need to know about the steps for changing a diaper is that it’s not as scary or complicated as you may think.

Diaper changes aren’t just for moms anymore, it’s for fathers, grandparents, and any lucky bugger awarded diaper-changing duty!

As a mom to three precious kiddos (my twin girls and son), I’ve had my fair share of changing a TON of diapers and major blowouts. Just know I’ve got your back with this step-by-step approach I’m about ready to share.

With that said, here are the 8 steps for changing a diaper the right way!

Some of these steps I learned from my NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) nurses when my twin girls were born prematurely at 27 weeks. The items I share throughout this post I personally used and love. I am not endorsed by any of the brands I talk about. This is my experience to hopefully help you along your diaper-changing journey!

Step 1. Consistency is key.

I know this is a silly first step to share but being consistent matters.

Changing your babe’s booty every 2 to 3 hours is necessary to prevent rashes and odor.

More importantly, to keep your babe comfortable and happy.

My babies diapers were routinely changed every 2 to 3 hours. If a stinky happened in between that time, of course, the diaper was changed right away.

When nighttime came, I changed my babe’s diaper when they woke to feed. I did not wake them up to change their diaper unless I could smell something that made me think otherwise.

Step 2. Have everything you need within arms’ reach before you start.

Make sure to have a fresh diaper, wipes, ointment (if using), and a diaper pail or bag for the soiled one.

Step 3. Place your babe on their back on a flat surface.

I prefer a changing table during the newborn phase up to 8 months. I find it to be easier because a baby is lighter and smaller during that time to maneuver around.

After the baby gets a little bigger and heavier, the floor or bed works best.

Step 4. Lift up your baby’s legs one at a time and slip the fresh diaper under the old diaper.

I learned this trick from my twin girl’s NICU nurses.

To avoid a major blowout from happening all over the changing surface or better yet, yourself, a fresh diaper underneath can be your saving grace.

Step 5. Unfasten the diaper to clean your baby’s bottom.

The method to wipe your baby’s booty differs from girls to boys.

For girls, wipe front to back to prevent bacteria from getting on the vagina and urethra (the opening where she pees) which may cause an infection. Basically, be careful not to get poop on the private parts.

For boys, you want to wipe everything down. Be sure to clean the genitals and areas around it.

Use a gentle baby wipe. There are a lot of brands out there, so I recommend finding one that is…

• For sensitive skin
• Hypoallergenic
• Free of the bad stuff like alcohol, parabens, and dyes

I personally used the Huggies Natural Care wipes which worked well for all three of my kids. These were also the wipes of choice when my girls were in the NICU. Water wipes are a great option too.

Step 6. If you’re using a diaper rash cream, now is the time to put it on your babe’s bum.

I always used Aquaphor because it works well for sensitive skin. At least for my girls, it did.

If my baby ever developed a severe diaper rash, I would use Desitin.

Again, both of these diaper creams I was introduced to while my twins were in the NICU.

Step 7. Put the soiled diaper in a diaper pail or bag, and wash your hands.

If you have a diaper pail in your nursery, throw the dirty diaper in there.

Another option is to put your diaper in a scented diaper sack. I found it easier to have scented disposable diaper bags on hand to take with me on the go or at home to throw in my trash can.

Step 8. Congrats! You’ve just changed your baby’s first diaper.

Now it’s time to thoroughly wash your hands. Great job!

To Wrap It Up…

So there you have it!

Changing a baby’s diaper really isn’t that complicated. Just make sure you have the right supplies and follow these steps to change your babe’s tush safely and effectively.

Most importantly, have fun with it! After all, diapering is just one of the many wonderful experiences of being a new mama or parent. So enjoy this special time with your precious one. 🙂

Until the next post, I’m sending you all the positive parenting vibes!

xo

Lindsey

Thank You

Thank you for being here today!

When it comes to the steps for changing a diaper, what other tips do you have? Let me know in the comments below.

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About The Author

Linds is the proud mom of two little miracles, Mono Mono twin girls, and one AMAZING older brother! She is the founder and content creator of Mono Mono Twins, Intensive Therapy for Kids, and Co-Founder of The LENN Foundation (a 510c3 that helps children with cerebral palsy receive grants for intensive therapies to thrive). ♥

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