How to change a nappy/diaper

Being a dad means that you’re gonna have to get your hands dirty, but knowing how to change a diaper/nappy properly will hopefully mean that your hands won’t get too dirty! Regardless of the type or brand of disposable diaper/nappy the process will be the same. Warning: Do not leave your baby unattended on a raised surface!

Photo Credit: Designlazy.com

Steps

1- Set everything up. Wash and dry your hands and set up a warm, clean area to change your baby. If you’re not using a changing table, lay a blanket, towel, or changing mat on the floor or bed. Have all your supplies available to hand including rash cream if your baby is prone to nappy/diaper rash.

2- Unpack a new nappy/diaper and place the back half (the half with tabs on either side) under the baby. The top of the back half should come up to your baby’s waist. Now the clean diaper is ready to be fitted but is also doubling up as a means to keep the changing table from getting dirty.

3- Unfasten the tabs on the dirty diaper and fold them over to prevent them from sticking to your baby. Pull down the front half of the dirty diaper. Boys tend to pee when getting a nappy change so be sure to cover his penis with a cloth or similar.

4- If there’s poo in the nappy/diaper, use the front half of the diaper to wipe most of it off of your baby’s bottom. Fold the dirty nappy/diaper in half under your baby so your baby is resting on the clean side, providing a layer of protection between the clean nappy/diaper and your baby’s unclean bottom. Do this by lifting your baby’s bottom off the table by holdng both ankles with one hand and gently lifting upward.

5- Clean your baby’s front with a baby wipe. If it’s a girl, wipe from front to back (toward her bottom). This helps prevent the spread of bacteria. If your baby pooped, use a second wipe and clean the bottom by either lifting the legs or rolling the baby gently to one side then the other. Remember to clean the creases of your baby’s thighs and buttocks as well.

6- Let the skin air dry for a few moments or pat it dry with a clean cloth. This is when you should treat for nappy/diaper rash.

7- Remove the dirty nappy/diaper and put to one side. Pull the front half of the clean nappy/diaper up to your baby’s tummy. For a boy, point the penis down so he’s less likely to pee over the top of the diaper. If the baby is newborn, try not to cover the umbilical cord stump until it’s dried or fallen off.

8- Ensure that that the part of the nappy/diaper between your baby’s legs is spread as wide as seems comfortable as too much bunching will cause chafing and discomfort.

9- Fasten the nappy/diaper at both sides with the tabs. The nappy/diaper should be fastened tightly but not so tight that it pinches the skin. The tabs should be stuck to the nappy/diaper, not the baby’s skin.

10- Dispose of the nappy/diaper appropriately. Wash your hands thoroughly.

Tips

Change your baby regularly to avoid rashes

Keep toys or distraction to hand if your baby is particularly fond of the changing process

Keep plenty of nappys/diapers in stock. Newborns can wet as many as eight to ten diapers a day.

If poop leaks out the top back of your baby’s diaper, it may be time to go up a size. The weights noted on diaper packaging are just guidelines, and your baby may need a bigger size sooner.