How to Change a Diaper as a Childcare Provider

By carlyz

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If you’ve seen the movie "Three Men and a Baby," then you know how daunting and messy changing a diaper can be. Really, it’s not as bad as it seems, if you know what you’re doing and these steps can help.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Plenty of wipes
  • Diaper cream (optional)
  • A flat, easily accessible surface
  • A strong stomach
  • A toy distraction

Step1
Gather the supplies and open all necessary containers before placing the baby on the changing surface. Make sure that they will be within your reach but not so close that the baby can hit them.
Step2
Figure out the front and back of the diaper. This sounds silly, but it can be difficult to figure out when you have a naked, flailing and wailing baby on the table, so determine the front from the back beforehand.
Step3
Put the baby on the changing table and remove whatever clothing you need to get access to the diaper.
Step4
Place the new diaper under the old diaper. This makes replacing the new diaper much simpler and you can easily stick the new diaper over the uncovered baby before it reacts to the cold air (this is especially important for boy babies).
Step5
Remove the old diaper, as swiftly as possible and dispose of it in the trash or diaper container. If you can’t figure out how the diaper container works, simply move the dirty diaper out of your way and out of the flailing baby’s way, until you can deal with it and the baby is safely on the ground.
Step6
Clean up. Grab as many wipes as you need to feel comfortable and go to work. Remember, babies are tiny people, so wipe front to back.
Step7
If you feel like it, or if the parents told you to, apply diaper cream, Vaseline, lotion, or baby powder. Usually, it’s good to use a Q-tip to avoid direct contact with the baby’s skin.
Step8
Close up. Fasten the diaper securely and put their clothes back on. Place the baby in a safe place. Get rid of the messy diaper, wipes and whatever else is dirty. Then be sure to wash your hands before you pat yourself on the back.

Tips & Warnings

  • Speak soothingly to the baby. Many babies dislike having their diaper changed, so along with a toy, they can be soothed and distracted from what you are doing if you talk to them in a soft voice.
  • Babies are very squirmy so make sure you are holding them at all times. Just a light hand on the tummy will let you know if they are about to wriggle off the edge.

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eHow Article: How to Change a Diaper as a Childcare Provider

eHow Member: carlyz

carlyz

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Category: Careers & Work

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