How to Change a Baby

Changing a baby seems like it should come easily, but it often doesn’t. Babies are squirmy, wiggly little creatures who may not want to cooperate with diaper changes. A few simple tricks can make changes easier, faster and more pleasant for you and your baby. Keep your baby safe, comfortable and clean with good planning, organization and a playful attitude.

Disposable Diapers

Step 1

Prepare a safe and convenient changing area near where baby spends the majority of her day. Use a traditional changing table, a dresser with a padded top or even just a spot on the floor with a changing pad. Have diapers and wipes on hand, either stored nearby or in an easily accessible basket.

Step 2

Remove baby’s pants or unsnap pant legs and move them out of the way. Be especially careful to keep clothing out of the way when changing messier diapers.

Step 3

Give baby a toy to hold or play with if the child is old enough to be interested. Keep some toys reserved for changing times to hold his attention.

Step 4

Remove the soiled diaper. Use the front of the diaper to wipe away as much waste as possible. Set the diaper aside and out of reach of baby’s hands.

Step 5

Hold her legs in one hand, lifting her bottom off the changing pad. Consider placing a clean wash cloth or wipe over your son’s penis to prevent accidents during diaper changes. Clean baby’s bottom from front to back, using clean wipes as necessary. Apply diaper rash cream if a rash or irritation is present.

Step 6

Slide a clean diaper under baby’s bottom, pull the front end around, and snugly fasten the adhesive tabs on either side. Be sure to tuck a boy’s penis downward to avoid diaper leaks.

Step 7

Shake any solid waste into the toilet. Roll the diaper and dispose of it in the garbage or a tightly sealed diaper pail designed for disposable diapers. Wash your hands.

Cloth Diapers

Step 1

Keep your diapering supplies together in one area, including cloth or disposable wipes, diapers, fasteners if necessary and diaper covers. Use a changing table, dresser top, or a simple basket on the floor for your cloth diaper supplies and changing area. Add a few small toys just for diaper changes to keep baby entertained.

Step 2

Undress baby from the waist down, removing pants or unsnapping pants legs. Remove the diaper cover and set it aside if it is not soiled. Unfasten the diaper, whether it uses pins, a Snappi clip, snaps or hook and loop closures.

Step 3

Wipe away as much solid waste as possible using the front of the diaper. Hold both of his legs in one hand and set the diaper aside using your free hand. Clean both boy and girl bottoms from front to back to prevent any risk of urinary tract infections. Use a fresh wipe as necessary. Place a wipe, washcloth or spare diaper over your son’s penis to avoid any surprises during diaper changes. Treat diaper rashes with rash cream, if necessary.

Step 4

Fold prefold-style diapers into thirds and fan the back of the diaper or place a fitted or all-in-one style diaper under baby’s bottom.

Step 5

Pull the diaper up and through her legs. Point a boy’s penis downward before you bring the front of the diaper up and into place.

Step 6

Fasten the diaper securely at either side with the built-in fasteners, pins or a Snappi clip. Cover the diaper with a waterproof diaper cover in the style you prefer.