10 Expert tips on Diaper Changing

Let's face it – Diaper changing is not a fun chore, even when your baby or infant is at her cooperative best. But the best case scenario is rare, and mostly your child is squirming, arching his back, screaming aloud, and making rapid limb movements – all adding to your woes and resulting in a messy diaper change. Add to it, all the stress about maintaining hygiene. Read on to find out how to make this chore easier for yourself, while taking care of hygiene.

Expert Tips On Diaper Changing

Here's a tip for starters: A baby usually cannot get sick from her own germs. But even then, how to tackle a restless child and diaper change? Another common query is: What's the most sanitary way to change a diaper? Since it is just not possible to take care of everything all together, just stick to these basics.

1. Where to start: Choose a good spot to change the diaper. It helps to choose the same spot every time so all your ‘tools' are conveniently placed and you don't have to rush hither thither, incase, of an emergency mess!
   • Investing in a diaper change table is a great idea – it helps curtail any unnecessary mess
   • A floor with a diaper mat in place is the next best option
   • Setting up a changing station in the bathroom (if space allows) works out well too – you would be close to the sink and washing up is easy that way
   • Prep up well – you should have everything you need. Stick up a note with a list of things so you don't have to worry if something's missing every time you get down to the task
2. How to distract your baby: Changing a restless baby's diaper is a real struggle. It's also less likely to be sanitary. If you're wrestling with your newborn and rushing to pull off the dirty diaper, you're more likely to end up in a messy affair.
   • To ease the task, shake a rattle, sing a song… keep your child occupied in some way or the other – sounds work best
   • Keep some distractions handy, such as a couple of toys to divert your child's attention
   • Just a couple of ‘distracted' seconds are enough at times to get the job done neatly. Once the diaper change is over, make sure to wash off or disinfect the toys
3. How to clean and change: Wash your hands every time before and after a change. Allow your child to settle down into the space.
   • If you are calm, it is more likely that your child will be more calm as well (the vibes pass on, you know!)
   • Open up, see what you've got and get down to business but don't be hasty about it
   • Use the dirty diaper to swipe off as much poop as possible, before turning to the wipes
   • Be prepared for your baby to pee during the change – as soon as you remove the new diaper, use the new diaper as a shield!
   • Keep a big bowl of lukewarm water handy – dip a soft cloth in it and wipe away
   • Make sure to pat dry (really well) until the whole area is completely dry. Last but not the least – massage in the anti-rash cream
4. How to wipe: With a girl, always wipe from front to back to prevent infections. With a boy, always put a cloth over his penis to prevent a spray of urine during the diaper change
5. How to wrap a diaper before disposal: It is not always easy, especially if your child is shrieking and kicking you in the chin. But if you can roll up the diaper and reseal the adhesive tabs, you would come in the league of super ‘diaper changers'!
6. What's a diaper pail? Does it help: A diaper pail is a bin with a lid to dispose the diaper and prevent the house from smelling bad. The diaper pails are designed to reduce the spread of germs as well. So yes, it's a good idea to invest in a diaper pail
7. What are the after-checks to be made? During diaper changes, a baby's moving hands and feet have the tendency to land in poop.
   • So after change but before dressing up your baby make sure that baby's still clean
   • Also, clean and disinfect the changing area. Never forget to wash your own hands properly
8. Hygiene mantras: Whether or not you've actually seen your baby touch anything nasty during the diaper change, it's still a good idea to wash their hands once you're done.
   • Wash your own hands right away
   • Clean and disinfect the changing area regularly with soap and water or a disinfectant
9. Are you using cloth diapers: If you're washing your baby's cloth diapers yourself, pre-soak them and then wash them in hot water (separate from other clothes) and double rinse after each wash
10. What to do when travelling?: Always pack in a big diaper changing pad, big enough for your baby to lie comfortably on – and plastic bags to dispose the diapers in a safe and secure way.
    • Wipe down the public changing tables first with a disinfectant wipe
    • Throw the diaper in trash immediately; if there is no bin nearby, put the diaper in the plastic bags and carry till you can dispose it out
    • Wash your diaper bag once you are back, especially if you occasionally had to stuff a dirty diaper in there

Use these tips to make this not-so-pleasant chore much easier for yourself, while protecting your baby from harmful germs. Happy Parenting!

Did you find the above information useful? If yes, do share in the comments section. Go more diaper – changing tips, something that's really worked well for you? We would love to know and so would your fellow parents.