How to Change a Baby's Cloth Diaper

Wash your hands before and after changing your baby's diaper, and remember that frequent diaper changing prevents diaper rash.

Things You'll Need

• Changing Pads
• Cloth Diapers
• Diaper Changing Tables
• Baby Cornstarch Powder
• Diaper Pins
• Diaper-rash Ointments
• Talcum Powder

Instructions

1. Strap baby onto a changing table, or lay baby on a towel or mat on the floor.

2. Unfasten diaper pins or remove Velcro diaper covers and set them aside.

3. Holding baby's feet together, lift feet up as you fold up soiled part of diaper and set it aside.

4. Wipe buttocks and genitals gently from front to back with a baby wipe. Don't forget the lower back and skin folds of thighs.

5. Remember baby girls might get stool around their labia and vagina, so clean area gently with baby wipe.

6. Pat area dry with towel.

7. Apply diaper rash cream to area, if baby has diaper rash.

8. Place a new cloth diaper under baby.

9. Making sure the back of diaper is high enough to prevent leaks, pull up front of diaper and fold just under baby's abdomen.

10. Hold your hand between baby's skin and diaper pin to prevent sticking, and pin diaper back in place or simply reattach Velcro fittings.

Tips & Warnings

• Try the new diaper wraps instead of pins - they're made of cotton or wool and fasten with Velcro.

• If baby is small, fold prefolded cloth diapers a bit more - for girls, the extra fabric should be in back; for boys, extra fabric in front.

• Stick the diaper pin in a bar of soap to make it slip through the cloth diaper more smoothly.

• Pillowcases make excellent changing pads.

• Turn diapering into a game of peek-a-boo to distract baby.

• Never leave baby unattended on a changing table.

• Talcum powder or baby powder that contains talc can cause baby to develop upper respiratory problems from breathing in particles of powder. Instead, opt for cornstarch powder.

• If your baby is allergic to baby wipes, use a soft, wet washcloth.