Changing baby's diapers is absolutely not for the faint of heart. It requires skills and much preparation on your part as the parent. Considering that you only have two hands and that your baby tends to move a lot, it's important that you follow a step-by-step procedure on dressing your baby. This will help you avoid getting stressed.
Before anything else, see to it that you already have the things needed prepared on the dressing table. You don't want to leave your child unattended while you go and get things you need later on. To ensure that you are with your baby all throughout the period of changing his diapers, place everything you need, including the clean diaper and the powder somewhere where you can reach them easily.
While it is safer to dress your baby inside the crib, the rails may prevent you from having full access to your baby. Lay the baby instead on a flat surface or on the dressing table if you have one and secure him with the use of a baby strap. For safety reasons, do not leave your child without anyone attending to him.
The cleaning process may be a little bit tricky especially if baby's diaper is heavily spoiled. With one hand, grip both your baby's ankles and gently lift his bottom. Using wet wipes, clean your baby's bottom thoroughly. You can also use the clean side of baby's soiled diaper to remove remaining dirt from his bottom. After ensuring that baby is all clean, slowly remove the rest of the diaper.
Don't let your baby down yet until you have placed the clean diaper below him. In the case of a newborn, it is important that you leave enough space for the umbilical cord. You can do this by folding the upper edge of the diaper. Following your diaper brand's instruction manual, secure the clean diaper in place.
For an important reminder, buy diaper brands that are compatible to your baby's skin type. Most babies have sensitive skin, especially newborns. If you notice some red marks on your baby's waist and some rashes on his legs and his rear, it indicates that the diaper is not suitable for his skin type. Opt for other diaper brands if this is the case.
