You'll quickly master removing and changing your baby's diaper. After all, you'll probably be doing it about 10 times a day for a while. Babies urinate about 20 times every day for the first few months, notes the American Pregnancy Association. However, it's only necessary to change their diaper once every two to three hours, and as soon as possible after bowel movements. There are a few key things to do as you familiarize yourself with diaper removal.
Step 1
Gather all necessary items for changing your baby's diaper before removing it, because you must never leave a baby unattended on a changing table or other elevated surface. Get a clean diaper, fasteners if you use cloth diapers, moist wipes, a changing pad if you use one and a clean cloth to use as a shield if you're changing a boy's diaper. Baby boys have a reputation for peeing everywhere during a diaper changing. Include baby powder or ointment or petroleum jelly when treating a diaper rash
Step 2
Lay your baby down on his back on the changing table, pad, or other warm, soft surface. Use any built-in safety mechanisms on your changing table, such as a guard rail or straps.
Step 3
Unfasten the dirty diaper.
Step 4
Lift your baby's legs slightly in the air by his ankles with one hand. Be gentle. Cover a baby boy with the clean cloth to protect against a spontaneous spray of urine.
Step 5
Fold the front half of the diaper down over the back half with your free hand. As you do so, use the front of the diaper to wipe any accumulation of feces stuck to your baby's bottom into the diaper.
Step 6
Slide the folded diaper out from under your baby. Discard disposable diapers.
Step 7
Check around your baby's waist and thighs to make sure there are no marks from the diaper. If you see impressions or red lines, the old diaper was on too tight. Take care to put the new one on a bit looser.
Step 8
Wipe the baby gently but thoroughly from front to back and put the clean diaper on. Fasten it securely around the baby's waist.
Things You'll Need
- Clean diaper
- Fasteners
- Wipes
- Diaper rash treatment
- Changing pad
- Cloth
