You're aware that it's not rocket science, but you're not sure how to proceed. Knowing how to change a diaper is not knowledge you are born with, so there is no shame in seeking help. If you've not had occasion to learn, here is your opportunity.
"Children are a great comfort in your old age - and they help you to reach it faster, too." --Lionel M. Kauffman
Newborn babies come in two models - boys and girls. The baby boys are a little bit trickier when it comes to changing a diaper because fresh air tends to encourage fresh "production". If you are not careful, everything will get wet. This means that you need to be FAST (or at least prepared).
While this issue doesn't affect newborn baby girls as much, they come with their own "rules" when it comes to a diaper change. Always wipe from front to back, in order to avoid contamination of the urinary tract (resulting in a possible bladder infection).
Keeping these things in mind, here is how to change a diaper:
Collect any items you may need for the diaper change: diaper, wet washcloth or wipes, fresh clothing, diaper rash ointment.
Lay the baby on a secure, protected surface (such as a blanket spread out on the floor). Even newborn babies are physically able to roll over (although it is usually not a purposeful event). Make sure you are prepared for this possibility, and NEVER leave a baby unsecured.
Expose the soiled diaper, making sure that all clothing is tucked out of the way.
Open the tabs of the diaper. Using the front of the diaper, wipe from front to back of the baby's bottom. Keeping the back of the diaper under the baby, fold the top over, dirty side in, and rest your baby's bottom on top of the folded diaper. Watch out for those little feet! If you are not careful, one of them is sure to end up in the mess.
Note:Generally, newborn babies do NOT enjoy having their diaper changed. They usually let you know it.
Using one hand to hold the legs, and the other to wipe, clean the area thoroughly. This is optional if the diaper is only wet, and not soiled. (Here are some instructions for how to make your own homemade baby wipes.)
Pull the used diaper and soiled wipes out of the way. (After the diaper change is complete, roll the soiled diaper front to back with the used wiped inside. Use the tabs to secure it closed.)
Place the clean, opened diaper under the baby, so that the tabs are behind the baby. The diaper should be placed so that the tabs are at the infant's waist.
If your baby has a tendancy toward diaper rash (or if you are in "prevention mode"), now would be a good time to apply a good
diaper rash remedy
or barrier cream.
Bring the front of the diaper up between the baby's legs, and smooth the front flat. (If you are changing a little boy, point his little "shooter" down.) Pull the tabs around front to secure the diaper snugly around the waist. The finished diaper should be snug both at the waist and the leg holes. If you are diapering a newborn baby, you may find that even the newborn size diapers are very large for the baby. If this is the case, you may want to fold down the front waistband before securing with the tabs.
Repeat. Often.
That's not too difficult is it? Knowing how to change a diaper doesn't take much study, only practice. And you'll be getting lots of that.
Keeping these things in mind, here is how to change a diaper:
Note:Generally, newborn babies do NOT enjoy having their diaper changed. They usually let you know it.
