Diapering
If you are a first time parent with a newborn baby, one of the important skills you are going to need to master is the art of diapering, Although this can look like a pretty easy task when done by someone with experience, it can be tricky at first, and because diapers can be expensive it is a good idea to learn how to do this as quickly as possible to save wasting diapers and money, and more importantly to ensure that the baby is comfortable when his or her diaper has been put on.
Parents have the choice of using cloth diapers or the disposable ones, which for most parents is the easiest option simply because they are more convenient, easier to put on, and there is no washing involved. After you have had a little practise the art of diapering will come naturally. Just make sure that you prepare yourself when you are changing the baby and have everything you need to hand. This includes:
- Changing mat to lie the baby on
- Cotton wool buds
- Warm water and a washcloth or special baby wipes
- A safety fastener for cloth diapers
- A diaper (cloth or disposable)
- Skin ointment for babies (if you are using this for treatment of nappy rash)
The process for changing baby’s diaper is quite simple:
- Lay the baby on the changing mat or on the changing table depending on where you are changing the diaper. Remove the old diaper, seal it up, and set it aside.
- Wiping from front to back, use the wipes or the washcloth/cotton wool and warm water to clean the baby’s bottom. Remember, wiping should always be front to back as this reduces the risk of the spread of bacteria.
- Use a soft cloth to pat the baby’s skin dry, and then place a diaper underneath the baby’s bottom. Use the skin cream to treat the nappy rash if necessary before you complete the diapering, and if you want to use baby talc do so at this stage.
- Pull the front part of the diaper between baby’s legs and upwards, so it is resting in the tummy. You can then pull the sides of the diaper up and removing the adhesive strips you can seal the diaper in place.
- Using a cloth diaper can be rather more complicated, and can take some getting used to when it comes to putting it on. However, although cloth diapers are less convenient than disposable ones, it can also be a cheaper option if you plan to wash them yourself.