How to change a dirty diaper

How to change a diaper.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Diaper (correct size)
• Wipes
• Diaper rash cream (if applicable)
• Distraction item
• Safe, flat surface

1. Lay the baby down on a safe, flat surface. If it is a hard surface, lay a soft blanket down first. If the baby is on a bed or somewhere off the ground, be sure they cannot roll off. Give the baby a toy or safe object to play with so they will remain still while you change the diaper.

2. If the baby is wearing a soiled diaper, unfasten the tabs of the old diaper. If the diaper is just wet roll the diaper up from the end closest to you and set to the side. Wipe the areas clean that were touching the soiled part of the diaper. (Go to step 3) If the baby has had a bowel movement, lift the baby's legs up in the air and use the moistened wipes to clean. It may take several wipes to do the job. Place used wipes on the dirty part of the diaper as you are wiping.

3. When the baby has been wiped clean, while keeping the legs in the air pull the soiled diaper toward you and away from the baby. Fold the mess, including used wipes by rolling the diaper away from you until the mess is not visible. Take one of the tabs of the used diaper and fold it tightly over to the opposite side to enclose the sides of the diaper. Take the other tab and fold over to the opposite side. This should made a tight, enclosed rounded ball ready to be discarded.

4. Place the clean diaper under the baby's bottom. Make sure the adhesive tabs are facing you and the diaper is placed so the tabs are slightly above the baby's hip area. If you are changing a boy you may want to place a wash cloth over the undiapered area, as they have been known to urinate mid-changing.

5. If there is redness on the baby's bottom or in the creases between their legs, apply diaper rash cream such as Desitin or Balmex. This is done by placing enough cream to cover the redness on your finger and dabbing it on the red areas. You can wipe the extra cream from your finger on a wipe or on the inside of the clean diaper.

6. Fold the part of the diaper without tabs up over the front of the baby so the front of the diaper is even with the back. It should reach just at the belly button. Lay the left front corner against the baby's hip and hold flat. Unfasten the left tab and pull over the front left corner until the tab reaches half-way across the baby's belly. There should be about a fourth of and inch to a half of an inch of extra diaper above the tab. Repeat for the right side. The diaper should fit snuggly against their stomach but not too tight. You should be able to pull the diaper slightly away from their stomach but it should retract back into place without showing a gap between the top of the diaper and the stomach.

Tips & Warnings

• Constant leaking may be an indication that the diaper is not on tight enough or that you are using an incorrect size.
• If you are not sure if the diaper is too tight, check with a health professional.

[HardworkinJudy]

on 12/5/2008 Great tips for proper diapering.