How to Change a Newborn Baby Diaper – Diaper Changing Tricks

Parenting is a unique experience, especially when you are welcoming your little munchkin to your waiting arms! All the baby cooing, toothless giggles, tiny feet, and arms making unfathomable gestures fill your heart. Then there are less glamorous experiences such as frequent, and nighttime feedings, baby wailings, and not to forget wet/poopy diaper swaps. We have jotted down a quick guide on diaper changing tricks to ease your parenting experience and help you bond enthusiastically with your bundle of joy!

Every baby is unique in its own way, and this remains the same with diaper soiling habits as well. Until your baby is a few months old, you might have to struggle with quite frequent diaper swaps, much to your distress, every couple of hours. This chore gets worse at night when you have to rethink “how to change the diaper when the baby is sleeping”. Though your baby may clue you in with wails, and the restless gestures that they want to get rid of the soiled diapers, you may take a strategic approach to diaper changing.

Before we dive deeper, let’s understand why an on-time diaper change is so essential.

• Wet, soiled diapers make your little one less comfy, irritated, and you sure won’t want to deal with the endless crying bouts
• Wet and poopy diapers are breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi, and other allergens and make your baby’s delicate skin prone to nappy rashes
• Soiled diapers may also lead to urinary tract infections, especially in baby girls

Now that you have understood why diaper swaps are essential, let’s learn when to change a baby’s diaper and how often to change a baby’s diaper.
When your newborn is just a few months old, experts suggest changing the diapers every 2 to 3 hours or whenever necessary. You can find some of the smart diapers in the market that come with wetness indicators, color changing stripes to help you know the right time your baby is due for a diaper change. However, as your baby gets older, and being introduced to solids, you may relax for 5 to 6 hours without worrying about diapers.

Another great time to change your newborn’s diaper is before or during the scheduled feedings. If you’re breastfeeding, or bottle feeding, take the time to check your baby’s diaper and change it if needed. If your baby has gone to sleep, then there’s no need to wake him/her unless you feel the baby is overly wet or you may smell a whiff of poop.

Do you dread frequent nighttime diaper swaps? No matter how straining it may seem, it’s essential for letting your baby have a restful night’s uninterrupted sleep. Experts advise changing the baby’s diapers after the nighttime feedings. This way not only new parents can breathe a sigh of relief; they can also indulge in a good night’s sleep.
No matter how boring diaper changing may seem, it’s an art in itself. Here is a step by step guide on how to change a newborn baby diaper.

Step 1: A clean, soft, and secure surface

A changing table, a dresser equipped with a changing pad, a crib, or a bed (preferably protected with a towel or waterproof pad) are some of the key essentials to get your baby ready for a diaper swap. You may opt to spread a protective cloth on the surface to keep your baby comfy as well as avoiding spillage blues.

No matter where you’re changing diapers, make sure to keep your baby protected at all times. Babies more than 5 months old tend to roll over, and may hurt themselves. Even if you have strapped-in your baby, s/he should be kept within arm’s reach.

Step 2: Clean up your baby

Unfasten the diaper and survey the problem at hand. Clean up your baby with wipes made of natural ingredients to suit their delicate skin. Once the baby’s diaper area is clean, slip the soiled diaper out and put a fresh one under the baby before releasing the baby’s legs. Pat your baby dry before putting on the clean diaper or any diaper rash creams.

A few more tips to follow when changing a baby’s diaper. Your baby girl needs to be wiped from front to back, to avoid getting poop in the vaginal area. With boy babies, you have to be a bit more careful while cleaning their genital areas; keep the diaper or a cloth handy as you never know when they have the urge to pee again!

Step 3: Dispose of the dirty diaper

For disposables, wrap the diaper into a ball, using the tab fasteners to secure it, put it in your diaper pail, plastic bag, or trash can (but avoid flushing it down the toilet).

When you’re away from home, always carry a stash of plastic bags. These will come in handy to place the soiled diapers before tossing them into the trash can. Put cloth diapers into a bucket with a tight-fitting lid, or a vinyl bag if you’re out, until laundry day.

Diaper changes can’t be avoided. But as a new parent, you won’t have to struggle through the entire journey. You can always master this art, and make this experience as convenient, and hassle-free as possible for you, your partner, and your little one.

Baby Amore, one of the top-notch baby care product online stores in the UAE, brings to you premium baby diapers online such as Pampers Pure Protection, and PureBorn. These diapers come with a wetness indicator, the assurance of 12+ hours of dryness, and comfort. Being dermatologically tested and recommended by experts, these diaper variants are all set to lend you a helping hand in your parenting endeavor. Do check out the collection online at Baby Amore, right away!