How to Pick the Perfect Stroller For Your Baby

7 Diaper Changing Tips Every New Parent Needs to Know

How you change your baby’s diaper has a lot to do with how comfortable you are changing it. If you don’t know how to properly change your baby boy’s diaper, you risk leaving his bottom irritated and sore, which can make him cranky or even prevent him from eating well.

 New parents may find the task of changing their baby ’s diaper intimidating, but by following these seven diapering tips, new parents can feel confident in their baby’s hygiene and comfort.

1) Start with clean hands

This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many new parents don’t wash their hands before changing their baby. 

This can cause skin infections and create a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, neither of which you want anywhere near your baby. 

Be sure to always wash your hands with soap and water before changing your baby’s diaper or doing anything else.

2) Change in an area with good lighting

Poor lighting can cause you to miss a dirty spot, meaning it will take longer for you to finish.

 Make sure you change your baby’s diaper in an area with good lighting—and if that’s not possible, bring a portable lamp or flashlight so you don’t have to bend over as far. 

It also helps if your back is supported while changing diapers—you might want to put down a towel or lean against a wall.

3) Keep your supplies organized

It might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth considering where you keep your diaper changing supplies. 

First of all, make sure you have everything you need on hand: diapers, wipes, extra clothes for baby and for yourself (in case of accidents), and a small trash can. 

It’s also good to keep items within arm’s reach in easy-to-reach places so you don’t spend precious minutes wandering around looking for things—as any parent knows well!

4) Make sure you use enough cream/ lotion

Your baby’s skin is delicate and should be treated as such. Use lotion or a specially-formulated cream each time you change your baby’s diaper. 

This will protect against diaper rash, which can cause irritation for your child—and discomfort for you. 

Many pediatricians recommend that parents apply lotion to their baby’s bottom after every diaper change, while others suggest doing so after only two changes in a row. 

If you follow either of these recommendations, make sure that you use enough lotion (but not too much). If you use too little, it won’t provide any protection; if you use too much, it could cause your baby to slip off of his changing table when he wiggles around.

5) Change babies in quiet places

Babies, like all humans, can get overwhelmed in new and busy environments. An ideal changing location for a baby is somewhere quiet, where he or she feels like there’s nothing else going on but you. 

A baby may resist a diaper change if they have too much stimuli; try changing them in a dim room with minimal noises. If that doesn’t work, try using white noise—like a fan or an air purifier—to drown out background sounds. 

The goal is to create a distraction-free environment so your baby will be more likely to focus on what you’re doing during a diaper change.

6) Try different positions

It’s not uncommon for infants to move around while they’re being changed. It may be easier, therefore, if you don’t have a specific schedule or pattern when changing your child.

 When possible, try different positions (such as having him sit on your lap, facing away from you). 

You can also start out by putting a comfy towel in his favorite position so that he feels comfortable and knows what’s coming next. 

In addition, if you feel like it’s time to change your baby but he’s still sleeping, try covering up with a warm blanket first—it will help get him awake faster! And remember: Always make sure that you are paying attention to any signs of discomfort or pain. 

If there is anything about your baby’s behavior that makes you uneasy, stop immediately and contact a medical professional for advice.

7) Don’t give up, even when it feels tough

The baby days are almost always challenging. At one point or another, you’ll probably think about calling it quits on parenthood. 

Don’t let that thought stick around for long: even if it feels as though your entire life is consumed by diapers and dirty clothes, hang in there. 

Your child will get bigger (much faster than you expect) and will eventually be able to change his own diapers—and maybe even empty his own laundry basket. 

Before you know it, he’ll be a big kid who can change his own light bulbs and mow his lawn. And when that day comes, you won’t believe how quickly those early days seem like they were just a dream.