How To Change A Diaper

New Dad's: How to Change a Diaper

For those new dads out there that still do not know how to change a diaper, whether it is because you have never done one or you are just to afraid to ask, I have here a nice step by step article (along with a video) to help you along the way.

It may seem a bit overwhelming at first but be assured, once you have done it a few times, it will get a lot easier. New babies, seem like, need to be changed about 1000 times a day. At least that is what It felt like to me.

Things You Will Need

SOLID ADVICE: Get everything you need to change a diaper at the ready. The last thing you need is for your kid to have taken a giant dump and you looking for wipes while he/she is playing with it…do not go down that road my friend. So here is a standard checklist of what you need at your changing station before you remove that diaper bomb.

It is recommended with newborns to use a warm cloth as their skin is sensitive. Try to avoid baby wipes with alcohol as they can cause rashes and irritation until the kid is over a month or two.

SOLID ADVICE: Get a few changing pads! Why? Say kid dumps and it gets all over your changing pillow/area, instead of washing the whole thing you just need to pop those pads into the washer, and you are good to go.

How To Change A Diaper: Step by Step

Give your hands a good wash.
Place the baby on their back on your changing area.
Unfasten the diaper tabs. Raise your child’s bottom from the diaper by gently grasping their ankles and lifting. If there is a lot of dump present, you should use the upper half of the diaper to gently sweep it toward the lower half of the diaper.
Take the diaper away. Place it nearby, but out of reach of baby.
Wipe the baby clean. When wiping a girl, always go from front to back to prevent an infection. Thoroughly cleanse the area so the baby does not get a rash.
Place any used disposable cleaning supplies on top of the soiled diaper.
Slide a clean diaper under your baby’s bottom. Make sure the tabs are on the side located under your child’s bottom. Most diapers today have colorful markings or characters indicating the front of the diaper.
Apply any ointments or creams. Before closing the diaper, use any products your doctor has recommended for rashes. Doing this step after you have placed the new diaper under your baby will help prevent you from having to clean ointments off the changing surface, which can sometimes be difficult.
Close the new diaper. Pull the front up over his belly and pulling the tabs open and around to the fastening surface. If you are not using specially cut newborn diapers, be sure to fold the diaper down to avoid irritation of the umbilical stump until it falls off.
Roll the used diaper. Wrap the tabs all the way around it. Place the diaper in a bag, diaper bin, or garbage can.
Wash your and your baby’s hands. Clean the changing surface. This step is especially important if your baby is ill, as it helps prevent contamination.

Surprisingly, good step by step. If you are like me, you are more a visual learner. Below is a video of these steps in action. Thanks Pampers!

Buying Diapers

Buying diapers is something you will need to sort out for yourself. I know we went through a few different brands before we settled on one that was both good for the baby, my wallet and comfortable.

Here are some links for diapers: