Are you a new parent trying to learn the art of diapering a baby? If you’re not, but you still want to venture into the world of the Baby diapering process, then don’t leave. You’re welcome here too!
Diapering a baby is difficult, especially if you have no previous experience. Unfortunately, it’s really not something you can avoid.
But don’t worry, as this article is going to give you all the information you need to become a baby diapering expert.
Type of Accident
The type of accident is going to determine your actions. In general, you don’t really have to go all out for cleaning pee as much as you have to for poop.
Pooping Disaster
Poop is scary, but nothing you can’t handle. But it’s definitely a long process, as it involves the use of water. Either wash the poop away under running water or wipe it off with a wet towel.
You need to be really careful about the water temperature and how securely you’re holding the baby.
Urine
Cleaning urine is comparatively easier than bigger accidents. All you need to do is clean off the baby bottom with wet wipes.
Gender Matters
The way you approach diaper changing is going to be different based on the gender of your baby. Here’s the prime difference in how you should go about wiping your baby boy and girl:
Baby Boy
If your baby is a boy, you need to make sure he’s clean under his penis. Also, here’s a tip you’ll thank me for- definitely cover his penis with a cloth while you’re changing the diaper to avoid accidents. Or else, you might need a shower!
Baby Girl
There’s really only one rule for baby girls – wipe front to back! This is an important rule to maintain so that there are no bacteria in her vagina.
Where Do I Change the Diaper?
The best thing you could do is arrange a separate changing table. Changing in the bathroom is a good option, but is not always possible. So as long as you’re near a source of water, you’re good to go.
If the table isn’t practical, whatever you do, don’t opt for the floor. Bending and lifting the baby is just going to ruin your back. So, do yourself a favor, and choose the bed instead.
Keep in mind that the water you use needs to be humid. Also, don’t forget, you’ve got to be a super parent and reach for a million things, while never actually leaving your baby.
So, make sure everything you need, like new diapers, cotton, towels, ointment and even clothes, is within an arm’s length distance.
Okay, But How Do I Put the Diaper On?
First of all, you need to be able to tell the difference between the front and back of the diaper. It’s helpful to remember that the diaper is always secured at the front and never from the back.
The process of diaper changing is pretty simple. Here’s what you have to do:
* Lift your baby’s leg up by grabbing his/her ankles with one of your hands, and slide the nappy under its bottom.
* Bring up the nappy between the baby’s legs and secure it. This should never be done too tightly. The rule of thumb is that two of your fingers should be able to fit between the diaper and your baby’s stomach.
* Lest of a baby boy, don’t forget to keep his penis downwards while changing.
* In certain types of diapers, you have to do an extra step and check whether the elastic is in the right place using your fingers.
Don’t worry instructions and any extra steps that need to be carried out are written on the packages.
How Often Should I Change the Nappy?
During the day, check your baby’s nappy by squeezing it. If it seems to be heavy and full, then it’s definitely time to change.
If your baby has pooped, however, you’ve got to change immediately. But wait for five minutes so that your baby is fully done with pooping.
In case of nighttime, it’s best to not change nappies at all. Nappies are supposed to help your baby stay dry for up to twelve hours so that should be enough to last throughout the night. So, if you get up to change the baby’s nappy, it will wake them up too.
Important Things to Remember
While we’ve covered all the key points, there are still some important things you should remember-
Always Be by Your Baby’s Side
Never make the mistake of leaving your baby alone. Although newborns can’t crawl or move, don’t expect them to stay still. They can actually wiggle and wave around their limbs enough to fall off a bed or table.
Within a matter of seconds, disaster could strike. So, don’t take the risk and always keep your baby in sight.
When you’re doing something, use one of your hands to hold your baby. If you’ve got to get something from a distance, pick up your baby and then take it.
Baby Rash Tips
Some babies suffer from diaper rashes. For such cases, here are some helpful tips:
* Use ointments like white zinc oxides. However, only put the ointment on when your baby’s skin is completely dry.
* You’ve got to let your baby be without the diaper for at least an hour every day. If your baby is in the active stages, this might be difficult. But you could always place him/her in the bathtub for that specific hour and play.
* During the diaper free one hour, place a cloth on your baby boy’s penis. Again, I’m stressing on the importance of this, if you don’t want to get peed on.
* Make sure to try different brands of diapers in order select the best one for your baby. Rashes tend to develop when babies wear diapers all night, so you can also try out a wide variety of overnight diapers. You might actually find one specifically suited for your baby.
Final Words…
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of the guidelines. Everything mentioned here is tested and proved from personal experience.
If you follow these instructions, there’s really no need to worry about the right way to diaper your baby. So, take your newly gained knowledge and go diaper your baby with confidence!
Author Bio:
Shawn is a content writer at Feedfond. A tech-geek and a bookworm, he’s obsessed with all things baby. If you want to read more of his articles, visit Feedfond.com.
