How to Change the Diaper of a Fussy Infant

New parents may dread that whiff in the air that can only mean a messy diaper. What do you do when the baby is fussy and still requires that necessary change? Remember that your baby cries and fusses to tells you that she needs something. Its up to you to figure it out. A diaper change or a diaper check can help you rule out several issues.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Figure out why your baby might be fussy. There are many possibilities, including a wet diaper, gas, an impending bowel movement, fatigue, boredom or illness. The act of a diaper change may actually help relieve your baby's fussiness.
2. Make sure you have a safe place to change the baby. If you're at home, you should have a changing table with a safety strap. This is especially important when you have a baby who is worked up and could roll off the table. If you're away from home, you'll have to improvise, but always
3. Distract a fussy baby with happy songs, funny faces or anything your imagination can conjure up. But don't waste time on entertainment if it doesn't seem to work or if your show seems to be ramping up the fussiness.
4. Inspect the baby's bottom for signs of rash. Also check an infant boy's circumcision to make sure it's healing properly.
5. Apply any necessary lotion, cream or a small amount of powder (being careful to not get any powder in the baby's eyes, mouth or lungs.)
6. Work fast. Get the job done, making sure that everything you need is close at hand for an uninterrupted diaper change. It also helps to have a helper who can be a runner if you find one of your necessary supplies in another part of the house.
7. Keep the baby warm. If you must remove clothing from the baby, make sure you have a warm blanket you can wrap her in or temporarily cover exposed areas.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget about good hygiene for your hands, washing with antibacterial soap and hot water before and after handling your baby. If no soap is available, use antibacterial gel on your hands.
• Distract the baby during the diaper change. Hang a mobile above the changing table or keep a stash of toys that you only allow the baby to play with during diaper changes. It may keep her quiet long enough for a quick, quiet diaper change.
• Always keep your hands on your baby and never walk away from the changing table, not even for a second.