Parenting Tips on Newborn Baby Diapering

Becoming a parent is undoubtedly an ecstatic feeling ever, but a lot of confusion and distress often accompanies it in the initial days of the birth of the child. It is quite challenging to adapt to the ‘feeding-sleeping-pooping’ routine of a newborn, especially for a first-time parent. And changing newborn baby diapers every 2-3 hours doesn’t make it any easier!

There is perhaps no parent in the world who does not find the ‘D’ word daunting. From which diaper to buy to who would be on poop duty – the struggle is real. Most parents are trying their hand at the art of diapering end up in a mess. But while it may seem complicated at first, keeping your baby clean and dry is an act. In fact, diapering a baby is quite easy.

Using Diapers for Babies is Good or Bad

Here are a few essential tips that can help you fix any first-time mistakes and master the task of diapering in no time:

Finding the Right Diaper

The first step towards easing into the work of diapering is to search for the right diaper for your newborn.

It is essential to do some research and experiment with a few different packs to see what works best for your baby. The primary factor that you need to keep in mind especially if you are planning to buy baby diapers online is the size. Most brands offer different sizes in diapers according to baby weight or age; however, you may consider going a size up or down if it is a perfect fit for your baby.

Preparing for a Diaper Change

The key to making diaper changing more easier and hassle-free is to keep all the essential supplies at hand.

You wouldn’t want to leave your newborn unattended even for a second, which is why it is advisable to keep everything handy, in one place. Typically, a planned changing area should always be stocked with a pack of disposable diapers or newborn baby nappies, baby wipes, changing mat, cotton, baby lotion, petroleum jelly and rash cream. You can also change the of clothes if the need arises.

How to Put a Diaper on a Newborn

Once you have all the supplies handy, follow these simple steps to change diapers on a newborn baby:

• Wash your hands and then, gently lay down the baby on a flat surface like changing table.
• Unfasten the dirty diaper and hold both your baby’s ankles up with one hand and pull down the diaper with the other to check if the baby has soiled it.
• Use a mild wipe or wet washcloth to cleanse the baby's bottom thoroughly. Make sure that you wipe the genital area from front to back to prevent any infection.
• Pat the area for drying with a soft cloth.
• Apply any ointment or powder around the genitals and the buttock to prevent diaper rash.
• Slide a clean diaper underneath the baby, making sure that the adhesive tabs go in the back.
• While applying it, the diaper should be pulled up between the legs, open the tabs and press them down firmly in place.
• Make sure the diaper is snugly fit and if not, lift the fasteners and reposition them to tighten or adjust it.

Throughout the changing process, make sure that you have one hand on the baby at all times as they can get wiggly or squirm or even roll down from the changing table or bed. You can distract the baby with a bright toy to be able to carry out the entire process without any movement.

Diapering Boys vs. Diapering Girls

Whether you have ever changed a diaper or not, it is common not to realize that boys and girls need to be diapered and cleaned differently.

When changing a boy’s diaper:

• Remember to keep a wipe or cloth over his penis, or you may get sprayed.
• Do not pull back the foreskin while cleaning the penis.
• If your baby has been circumcised, the area might be sensitive for a few days. Don’t forget to apply petroleum jelly over the head of the penis before securing the diaper.
• Ensure that his penis is pointing down while securing the diaper to avoid the mess.

When changing a girl’s diaper:

• Clean gently between the outer folds of the labia but do not pull it back. There is no need to clean inside the vagina.
• Always wipe from the vaginal area towards the rectum to prevent urinary tract infection.

Diaper Disposal

While you might think that your job is done once you have wrapped up your baby in a clean diaper, it isn’t true. You still need to take care of that soiled diaper you just freed your baby from.

Note some points that you need to keep in mind when disposing of a diaper:

• Make it a point to dump any poop from the diaper into the toilet first, to reduce odor and bacteria growth in your home trash bin.
• Wrap the soiled diaper as tightly as possible to avoid spillage. Use the adhesive tapes on the diaper to help keep it wrapped up.
• While traveling, don’t forget to carry some old newspapers or all those paper bags from the grocery store in your diaper bag to keep the dirty diapers in your bag safely unless you find a proper place to throw it away in the garbage bin. Always remember: Do not throw them away just anywhere as they will pollute the environment.

Some Helpful Tips

You might have learned plenty about diapering babies by now, but there are some suggestions right here to make the task even more convenient and fuss-free for both you and your newborn:

• Always store the diapers as well as newborn baby nappies in a cool and dry place to keep its absorbent capabilities intact.
• Keep the diapers stocked at all times to avoid rushing to the store at the last minute as it can cause inconvenience. You can always buy the baby diaper online to save time and effort.
• If your baby has sensitive skin, make sure that you only use hypoallergenic products that are free of chemicals to avoid the chances of diaper rash.
• Be sure to change the newborn baby diapers at regular intervals to make sure that the baby is not exposed to wet or soiled diapers for a long duration.
• Give the baby some diaper-free time for at least 3-4 hours in a day.
• It is advisable to use a separate bin, preferably with a lid, to dispose of the diapers at home.
• Make it a point to check the diaper fit periodically as the newborns grow at an astonishing speed and your baby might need an upgrade sooner than you think.
• Always carry a changing mat when traveling to be able to change your baby’s diaper in a safe environment. Avoid lying them down on unsanitary surfaces.

Once you stop dreading the diaper duty, you will realize that you can make the most of that time to bond with your babies. And even if you have to make it quick, better enjoy the ritual!