How to Diaper a Child
Parents have a number of choices when it comes to diapering their baby, specifically between disposable and cloth diapers, which can be put on in different ways. A key aspect of the process is ensuring that good cleanliness and hygiene are observed, and this requires proper cleanup and antirash cream. It also is important to keep the baby from falling off the changing table or surface. If done correctly, however, the process is simple.
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Things You'll Need
- Burp cloth
- Wet wipe or washcloth
- Diaper
- Safety pins (if using cloth diapers)
- Wipes
- Lotion
Instructions
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Disposable Diapers
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1
Lay the baby down. Use straps to keep it from falling off if you are using a changing table. Remove the baby's clothing.
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2
Unfasten the soiled diaper and cover the baby in a burp cloth.
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3
Clean the area with a wet wipe or washcloth, wiping from front to back to avoid infection. Apply lotion, baby powder or diaper rash cream.
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4
Open the clean diaper. Remove the soiled diaper and slide the clean diaper underneath the baby.
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5
Pull the front of the diaper through the baby's legs and hold it against his stomach. Fasten the diaper with the adhesive strips.
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6
Dress the baby and wash your hands.
Cloth Diapers
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7
Lay the baby down. Use straps to keep it from falling off if you are using a changing table. Remove the baby's clothing.
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8
Unfasten the soiled diaper and cover the baby in a burp cloth. Use a wet wipe or washcloth to clean the area, wiping from front to back to avoid infection. Apply lotion, baby powder or diaper rash cream.
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9
Fold the diaper into a triangle, put it under the baby, bring one corner between its legs and hold it against her belly. Bring the other corners around the hips and fasten them to the first corner with a safety pin.
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10
Dress the baby and wash your hands.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Alternatively, you can fold the cloth diaper into a rectangle and place it under the baby, the long sides of the rectangle being parallel to the baby. Bring the bottom end through the baby's legs and fold it onto the baby's belly. Fasten the back and front at the sides with safety pins.
You should be able to slide two fingers into the diaper, otherwise it is too tight or too loose.
Use oversize pins with plastic safety heads to avoid pricking the baby.
References
Resources
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