Newborn
HOW TO CHANGE A DIAPER
By Julianne Deveraux
Changing diapers is a rite of passage for every new parent. But don't
worry. You'll get really good at it in no time because you'll be
changing so many of them! Read on for some great diapering advice.
How to become a diapering pro No
one is an instant expert at diapering. And each baby has her own
opinion about the whole process: Some will lie still, some will wiggle,
some will kick and scream- and most will do all three. Here are some
tips to make diapering a snap:
- Find a sturdy changing surface. A table or the floor is a good
place- each has its advantages and disadvantages. There's less bending,
crouching, and kneeling with a table, but a floor is less expensive and
always handy- and baby can never fall off the floor. If you choose to
use a changing table, get one that puts baby at about waist height.
- Keep a hand on the baby. Never turn your back on your baby
when she's on her changing table. Keep one hand on her at all times
during a diaper change- it will make both of you feel more secure.
- Bond with your baby. You'll spend a lot of time with your baby
on the changing table, so why not make it fun for both of you? Changing
your child's diaper is a great opportunity to touch, talk, and connect.
- Be prepared. Organize baby's clean diapers, diaper pail, wipes, and ointments within easy reach.
- Use baby wipes. For the first few months, your baby's skin may
be sensitive to the ointments or lotions in prepackaged wipes, so you
may choose to use a warm, clean, soft washcloth to gently wipe baby's
bottom. Later, you can use any of the popular and economical moist baby
wipes available at local stores.
- Clean thoroughly. Wiping your baby's bottom clean will help
prevent diaper rashes and keep her smelling baby-fresh. When wiping,
always wipe from front to back, which helps reduce the chance of
spreading infections from stools.
- Prevent diaper rash. If your baby gets a diaper rash, apply a
diaper ointment, which will soothe her tender bottom and provide a
protective barrier to guard against further irritation.
- With boys, watch out. To avoid being splashed if your baby boy
starts to urinate while you're diapering him, place a soft cloth over
his penis until you can get the diaper positioned correctly.
- Secure diapers properly. How you get the diaper to stay on
your baby depends on whether you're using disposable or cloth diapers.
Disposable diapers
Go for a snug fit. Disposable diapers come with tape or Velcro strips
attached to the back panel that fasten in the front. When fastening a
disposable diaper, make sure it's not too tight. You don't want to
constrict your baby's tummy. But left too loose, even the most
expensive elasticized disposable will leak.
Cloth diapers
Secure the diaper with safety pins. To prevent a pin from sticking your
baby, keep your fingers between the pin and baby's skin- better that
you get stuck than baby. And always check the pin to make sure it is
securely locked. Add protective plastic or nylon pants or a diaper
cover for added security and waterproofing.
In the swim?
Say
"no" to ordinary diapers when it comes to playtime in the swimming
pool. Diapers are for protection, not swimming. They'll quickly absorb
water and become too heavy. What's more, they pose a sanitary problem.
Select a baby swimsuit or disposable diapers that are specially
designed for swimming instead, and change baby's diaper immediately
before going into the water.
Top
About The Author
Julianne Deveraux travels frequently between Atlanta and Boston
as a freelance writer and Your Baby Today contributor.
Main Menu
Community
Channels
Favorites
Printables & Links
Members
