Put on a Baby's Diaper - Choose and prepare a safe place to change the diaper. While changing tables are designed to be the ideal place to change a baby's diaper, they aren't always readily available. When it's necessary to use a different option, make sure you choose a flat surface to minimize any risk of the infant rolling off and suffering an injury. It is recommended to either use a clean changing pad or to wipe down any surface using a gentle antibacterial formula. Beware of any nearby objects in arm's reach of the infant. When you're busy balancing dirty diapers, clean diapers and wet wipes, it can be tricky to pull an object away from a baby before they get it to their mouth.
Set up the supplies. One of the best ways to prevent getting dirty, as well as to help ensure a happier baby, is to have the supplies ready. Many babies become fussy when their clothes and diapers remain off for too long, as they can get cold rather quickly. Before taking off the old diaper, open all of your supplies. This means unfolding the new diaper, opening the ointment if you'll be needing it, and opening the wet wipes. If the wipes you're using aren't the “pop-up” dispensing variety, you may want to lay out the wipes before removing the old diaper.
Put on a Baby's Diaper
Remove the soiled diaper. While you might assume this part of the process is self-explanatory, the best thing to do for this step is not to take the diaper completely off. Instead, unfasten the diaper, using the front part to wipe away any excess “poo” that may be on the baby. Tuck the front part of the diaper underneath the baby, so that the soiled diaper is closed, but remains available to “catch” the soiled wipes. This will make clean up much easier.
Clean up the baby. The best thing to remember when wiping down the baby is to be gentle. A baby's skin is very sensitive, and therefore can easily be irritated. Quickness is also the key as the longer you leave the baby exposed to the air, the more likely they are to let loose all over you, the changing pad and anything else nearby. Be sure to clean the area thoroughly, getting into any creases in the baby's skin. If redness or irritation is present, applying a diaper cream can reduce this.
Replace the old diaper with a new one. For, disposable diapers, lift up the baby's bum by holding both ankles gently in one hand. Remove the old diaper and slide the new one underneath. Remember, the little Velcro-like tabs go in the back. Next, bring the front of the diaper up over the front of the baby. Then simply pull each of the tabs around the side of the baby, securing them to the front. Be sure to pull tight enough that the diaper stays on, while remaining loose enough not to irritate the baby's skin. For cloth diapers, it's a little different. Most cloth diapers now come with a fastener of some sort built in, such as snaps or buttons on the sides. If this is the case, simply treat it as you would a disposable diaper. For those using the old-fashioned version, it's best to have the cloth diaper already folded into a triangle. Remember that the largest part is the rear. Bring all three corner to meet in the front, with the sides being in front of the bottom point, fastening with a safety pin.
Hollywood loves to play up on first-time baby diaper changes, making it seem much more daunting a task than it really is. Following these simple steps should help ensure you remain clean and dry and so will the baby. - by eHow
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