A little boy’s diaper must be changed every two to three hours or when he has a bowel movement, according to the American Pregnancy Association. For many new parents, the thought of changing the baby’s diaper may invite a sense of dread. However, once you have changed a few diapers, this sense of dread will give way to a sense of competence and diaper changes will seem like second-nature.
Step 1
Place your little boy on a changing table or another safe surface. He should be lying on his back. Secure him with the safety strap if available.
Step 2
Remove any clothing that is over the diaper area. In most cases, you will be able to just unsnap or unbutton buttons in the diaper area of the clothing.
Step 3
Lift your baby’s bottom gently and slide a clean diaper under his bottom with the tape tabs on the table. This will help to speed the time the little boy is without a diaper, which will minimize the risk of an accident.
Step 4
Unfasten the dirty diaper by pulling the tabs from the front of the diaper if using a disposable diaper. If you are using a cloth diaper, remove the cover or pins. Fold the diaper so the front of the diaper is under the baby’s bottom. This provides a clean surface to lay the baby’s bottom on while you clean him up.
Step 5
Put a towel, baby wipe or burp cloth over the little boy’s penis to prevent urine from spraying everywhere if he urinates while you are cleaning him.
Step 6
Wipe his entire diaper area from front to back with a baby wipe. If he has recently had a circumcision, follow the directions from the pediatrician about cleaning the area.
Step 7
Pull the dirty diaper out from under the little boy while lifting his bottom slightly.
Step 8
Remove the towel, baby wipe or burp cloth from his penis. Apply any powder, diaper rash cream or other medications necessary by following the directions on the packaging.
Step 9
Fold the diaper up to cover his genitals. If his umbilical cord is still attached, fold the top of the diaper front so it doesn’t rub against the umbilical cord.
Step 10
Secure the diaper by fastening the tape tabs for a disposable diaper, or using the diaper cover or pins for cloth diapers. Redress the baby and remove him from the table. Dispose of the diaper.
Things You'll Need
- Clean diaper
- Towel
- Baby Wipe
- Burp cloth
- Powder
- Diaper rash cream
