Changing Baby's Diaper

Get everything you need before changing your baby's diaper. Once you start changing, don't take your eyes off your baby even for a second. Babies wiggle and move. They can get hurt or fall in an instant.

To change your baby's diaper:

It's best to wash your hands before changing your newborn's diaper. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after each diaper change, too.
Lay your baby on a clean surface. Take along a blanket or changing pad when you go out.
Remove the dirty diaper.
Use a washcloth dipped in clean, lukewarm water. Wash all the area on your baby that the diaper covers. Wipe from front to back to avoid infection.
Every time you change a diaper, clean your baby's umbilical cord. Use a cotton swab that you have dipped in rubbing alcohol. Squeeze it so that it is almost dry. Gently clean off the sticky stuff around the cord where it touches your baby's tummy. The cord will fall off by itself in five to 10 days. Your baby may cry when you touch the wet swab to the cord. Be gentle. Check with your doctor if your baby cries at other times when you touch the cord. Check with your doctor if the skin around the cord is red.
Now put a clean diaper on your baby. If you are using pins, put your hand between the pin and your baby's skin. Do not let the diaper cover up the umbilical cord.

Newborns use about 10 diapers every day. Change them as soon as they are wet. This can prevent rashes. Have a place to put the soiled diapers and washcloths.

Next » Keep a Memory Book

Diaper Creams & Wipes

California Baby Calming Diaper Rash Cream Details Add to Wishlist	JJ Cole Diaper Caddy Pink Stripe Details Add to Wishlist	Mustela Cleansing and Soothing Wipes Details Add to Wishlist

California Baby Calming Non-Talc Powder Details Add to Wishlist	JJ Cole Essentials Diapers & Wipes Pod Blue Square Details Add to Wishlist	Mustela Stelactiv Skin Protectant Diaper Cream Details Add to Wishlist

California Baby Non-Burning and Calming Diaper Area Wash Details Add to Wishlist	JJ Cole Essentials Diapers & Wipes Pod Gray/Green Details Add to Wishlist	Noodle & Boo Cleansing Cloths Details Add to Wishlist

Desitin Clear Multi-Purpose Ointment Details Add to Wishlist	JJ Cole Essentials Diapers & Wipes Pod Khaki/Pink Details Add to Wishlist	SaraBear Baskets SaraBear Diaper Caddy Bailey Details Add to Wishlist

Desitin Creamy Details Add to Wishlist	JJ Cole Essentials Diapers & Wipes Pod Pink Flower Details Add to Wishlist	SaraBear Baskets SaraBear Diaper Caddy Havana Details Add to Wishlist

erbaorganics Diaper Cream Details Add to Wishlist	Kushies Flushable / Biodegradable Diaper Liners Details Add to Wishlist	SaraBear Baskets SaraBear Diaper Caddy Milan Details Add to Wishlist

JJ Cole Diaper Caddy Blue Stripe Details Add to Wishlist	Lansinoh Clean & Condition Cloths Details Add to Wishlist	SaraBear Baskets SaraBear Diaper Caddy Oahu Details Add to Wishlist

JJ Cole Diaper Caddy Cocoa Stripe Details Add to Wishlist	Lansinoh Diaper Rash Ointment Details Add to Wishlist	SaraBear Baskets SaraBear Diaper Caddy Riviera Details Add to Wishlist

JJ Cole Diaper Caddy Green Stripe Details Add to Wishlist	Mustela Baby Vitamin Barrier Cream Details Add to Wishlist	SaraBear Baskets SaraBear Diaper Caddy Sara Details Add to Wishlist

Month By Month has been adapted for Fathers from Healthy Start, Grow Smart, Your Newborn, Washington, D.C. 2002 - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Brand New Dad provides general information and is designed for educational purposes only.
If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Please review the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy before using this site. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Service.

Copyright © 2003-2012 Brand New Dad

Forums Shop Columns Month by Month Money

Brand New Dad » Month By Month » Newborn » Changing Baby's Diaper

Diaper Creams & Wipes