How to Prepare For Diapering

Before mom even goes to the hospital to deliver her baby, there are preparations she can make for bringing baby home. Being properly prepared will mean less stress and scrambling around after baby comes home. .

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Diaper bag
• Bag of cotton balls
• Zinc oxide based ointment
• Baby wipes
• Basin
• Newborn diapers

Setting Up a Diapering Station

1. 

   If your due date is within six to twelve weeks, begin sitting up a diapering station. Of course, you may choose to do this even earlier. If you do not have a changing table, the top of a low dresser will work, as well.

2. 

   Buy a tabletop changing pad. According to Angela Mihalic, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, TX, the best tabletop changing pad should be one with a center indentation to hold the baby plus safety straps that you can fasten around your baby's tummy. Even still, never leave your newborn unattended on the changing table.

3. Set your supplies on the changing table so that you won't have to turn your back on your baby to get them.

4. 

   Only purchase one package of newborn diapers. Once your baby is born and you know their weight you can purchase more. A baby weighing nine pounds or more at birth may need the next larger size..

5. 

   When you go out with your newborn, put the supplies in a diaper bag to take with you. Most stores have changing stations in the restrooms.

Tips & Warnings

• When you go somewhere after having your baby, add the tube of zinc oxide based cream or pertoleum jelly, baby powder, cotton balls, and other supplies to your diaper bag.Most stores now have a changing station in the restrooms to make changing easier and more convenient.