Changing a diaper
Changing your baby's diapers can seem like a scary task, especially if you've never been around babies before. Don't worry. It's not that hard, and in a few weeks you'll be an expert too.
Here are some helpful tips and guidelines to help you get started on the right track:
Prepare: Start by gathering all the necessary materials before changing a diaper. This is important for safety as you don't want to leave the baby alone.
You will need:
a clean diaper
Wet wipes / wet warm towel (be careful to use soft wipes for newborns)
burp cloth
A safe place (changing table or bed)
Changing the pad (if you are not using a changing table)
baby powder (optional)
Lotion (optional)
Diaper rash ointment (optional]
Directions Step by Step
(for disposable diapers)
Lay the baby.
If you use a changing table, use the safety straps to prevent the baby from falling.
Remove your baby's clothes.
Un-tape the dirty diaper, but don't remove it.
Place a burp cloth over the baby, especially when changing toddlers, to prevent any spraying accidents on your or baby's face.
Clean the diaper area with a damp cloth/wash cloth. Sweeping from the forehead to the back will help prevent bacteria from spreading that could cause an infection when changing the girls. Also make sure that you completely clean between skin folds.
Open the clean diaper.
Gently lift the baby's legs, and slide the soiled diaper off. Replace with clean diaper. The engraved part should be below.
Apply any lotion, baby power, or diaper rash cream as directed by your doctor to your baby.
Pull the front of the diaper between your baby's legs and use one hand to gently hold it against the baby's stomach.
With the non-tape one side another side and fix it to the front of the diaper. Repeat with the other side.
To prevent the diaper from being too tight or too loose, make sure that you are able to slide two fingers into the top front of the diaper.
Fix your baby, and you're all done!
Cloth diapers
A cloth diaper is basically changed in the same way as a disposable diaper. The main difference lies in the way cloth diapers are folded. "Pre-folds" are the most commonly used cloth diapers and can be folded several different ways.
No pin method for a wrap style cover – Lay the diaper lengthwise then fold down the front to the desired length. Next fold on both sides in the middle so that the diaper has been folded into three parts. Place the diaper in the wrap-style cover. The diaper should fit into the cover and not hang over. Close the lid.
The Flying Angel Wing - Lay the diaper flat. Next, position your baby so that the short side of the diaper is at your baby's waist. The section that the bottom of your baby is not on, must be folded in three parts and then bring this section between the legs of the baby. Bring the back sides to the front and pin.
The Twist – This method allows for larger leg openings. Place your baby in the diaper so that the short side of the diaper is at your baby's waist. Flip the bottom section over 180 degrees. Pull up and between your legs and pin.
(A great website that has lots of helpful tips for cloth diapering is www.https://babyproduct6565.blogspot.com/)
How often can I change a diaper?
Babies urinate approximately 20 times a day for the first few months of their lives.
You want to change his/her every 2 to 3 hours, but you don't need to wake a baby from changing a wet diaper. However, the acid content of a bowel movement can irritate your child's skin and should be changed as soon as possible once your baby is awake.
Helpful tips:
If you are not using special newborn diapers, then you will need to fold down the front of the diaper so it does not rub against the healing umbilical cord.
Wash your hands after changing a diaper. A bottle of hand sanitizer at your diaper changing station is a great way to do this without having to leave baby alone.
As your baby grows, give him/her something to hold on to. This not only distracts him/her, but also prevents them from interfering with the process.
Especially when changing young children, it's best to use some kind of "shield" to protect your baby both you and the baby from any accidents that may possibly occur.
Be patient. Babies can often be apprehensive and will follow your lead.
Don't worry. It would be easier. You'll be an expert in no time.
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