How to Change a Diaper

Co-authored by Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA) and Jessica Gibson

Changing diapers is often a source of dread, fear, and humor for new parents and caregivers. Babies and toddlers who are not potty trained need to have their diapers changed every few hours to avoid rashes and discomfort. Create a diaper changing station so you can easily change disposable or cloth diapers at a moment's notice.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Removing the Diaper and Cleaning the Baby

1
Wash your hands. Before you change the baby’s diaper, wash your hands with soapy water. If you don't have access to a sink, you can rub hand sanitizer on your hands. If you don't have hand sanitizer, rub a clean baby wipe on your hands.^{[1]
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- If you work in a daycare, put on disposable gloves after washing your hands.
2
Have all your supplies ready to go. It helps to have everything prepared and within reach before you start so you don't have to leave the baby to grab anything.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA)
Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth, & Lactation Educator
Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.}
- You'll need: a few wet rags or washcloths, a new diaper, and a change of clothes. you will also need a package of baby wipes nearby and keep a few packages on hand for when you've changed enough diapers to use up a whole package.^{[3]
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  Expert Source
  
  Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA)
  Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth, & Lactation Educator
  Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.}
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3
Prepare the clean diaper. Place the baby on the changing surface and get out a new diaper. If you're using a disposable diaper, unfold it. If you're using a cloth diaper, fold it or stuff it with an absorbent insert depending on the style of diaper you have. Set the diaper to the side so it's ready once you've removed the dirty diaper.^{[4]
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- Many people place the clean diaper directly under the dirty diaper before they remove it, to catch any accidents that occur during changing. Just keep in mind, the clean diaper can get dirty, so you may need to use a second one if that happens.
4
Unfasten and remove the dirty diaper. Pull away the tabs, snaps, or Velcro from the dirty diaper to unfasten it. Pull down the front part of the dirty diaper and gently lift the baby's legs up a little. If the diaper is wet, slide the back of the dirty diaper out from under the baby's bottom. If there is poop, use the front half of the dirty diaper to scoop as much of it off the baby as you can. Set the dirty diaper aside until you can fold it.^{[5]
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- Hold the baby’s legs in one hand so that their bottom is in the air to avoid letting it touch the diapering surface.
- Ensure that you put the dirty diaper out of the baby's reach.
5
Wipe the baby's bottom with a wipe or a damp cloth. Take a baby wipe or damp cloth and wipe the baby's genitals from front to back (towards the bottom). Cleaning is important to prevent bacterial infections. To clean poop, you'll probably need several wipes to ensure the baby is clean. Gently lift your baby's legs by the ankles and wipe in between the baby's buttocks.^{[6]
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- Ensure that there's no poop around the baby's genitals or along the creases of their thighs.
- During the first few weeks of the baby’s life, it’s a good idea to use a cotton ball or soft washcloth dampened with a little bit of warm water. This can be less irritating to newborn skin than pre-moistened baby wipes.^{[7]
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6
Air dry the skin for a moment. You can prevent diaper rash by keeping your baby's bottom clean and dry. Give their bottom a few seconds to dry out before you put on the clean diaper. If your baby has a rash, apply diaper cream or petroleum jelly before you put the new diaper on.^{[8]
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- If you're using cloth diapers, you'll need to lay a disposable insert in the center of the diaper. The insert will keep the diaper cream from touching the cloth diaper which could damage it.
- Some popular diaper rash creams include Aquaphor, Desitin, and Boudreaux’s Butt Paste.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Putting on the Clean Disposable Diaper

1
Lay the clean diaper under the baby. Grab the opened clean diaper and lay the back half of it underneath the baby. The diaper should be near the baby's waist. If you're changing a boy's diaper, point his penis down to direct any urine into the new diaper. Pull the front half of the clean diaper up onto the baby's stomach.^{[9]
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- Ensure that your baby doesn't bunch their legs or the diaper might be uncomfortable. Try to spread the baby's legs so the diaper will fit comfortably.
- If you're changing a newborn, use a newborn diaper that leaves room for the umbilical cord stump. Or fold over the front of the diaper so you don't cover it.
2
Fasten the diaper. Hold the front part of the diaper in place with one hand. Use your other hand to pull the tabs on each side of the diaper and fold them up towards the front. Fasten them onto the diaper so the diaper is secured to the baby. Avoid fastening the diaper too tightly.^{[10]
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- Check to see if the diaper is too tight. If it is, the skin will look pinched or red. You should also ensure that the tabs aren't sticking to the baby's skin.
3
Dress the baby and throw away the disposable diaper. Pull the onesie down and snap it closed or put the baby in a new outfit. Set the baby in a safe place while you fold the dirty disposable diaper. Throw it in the trash or in the odor-sealing canister.^{[11]
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- To fold the dirty diaper, fold the front part of the dirty diaper in half towards the back of the diaper to make a slight ball shape. Fasten both of the tabs in the center of the diaper to contain it.
4
Wash your hands. If you are wearing gloves, remove and dispose of them. Then, wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap. Aim to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Rinse them thoroughly, then dry them off.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Putting on and Handling Cloth Diapers

1
Position the clean diaper under the baby. Take the prepared cloth diaper and lay the back half of it underneath your baby so it's near your baby's waist. If you're changing a boy's diaper, you can prevent leaks by pointing his penis down. Grab the front half of the diaper and pull it up onto the baby's stomach.^{[12]
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- Spread the baby's legs so the diaper won't bunch while you're fastening it.
- If you're changing a newborn diaper, ensure that you're using the smallest cloth diapers. You'll probably need to fold them specially so they don't rub against the umbilical cord stump.
2
Secure the diaper. Hold the front of the diaper in place with one hand. Use your other hand to hook a T-shaped fastener or a 2-pronged fastener onto the front of the diaper. Some cloth diapers use snaps that you simply snap into place or Velcro that you can just pull and press down on. Dress the baby before you handle the dirty cloth diaper.^{[13]
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- If you're using diaper pins, put a few of your fingers under the diaper and above the baby's skin so you don't accidentally poke the baby.
3
Store the dirty cloth diaper. If you're handling a poopy diaper, take it to the bathroom and dump as much of the poop into the toilet as possible. You can use a diaper sprayer to remove larger amounts of poop. Place the dirty diaper and any dirty cloth wipes into a diaper pail or hanging wet bag. Wash the cloth diapers according to the manufacturer's instructions.^{[14]
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- If you're changing a poopy diaper from an exclusively breastfed baby, you don't need to dump the poop in the diaper. It will dissolve in the washing machine.
4
Clean your hands. Remove your gloves and throw them away, if applicable. Wash your hands using antibacterial soap and warm, running water for at least 20 seconds. After thoroughly rinsing your hands, dry them off.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Gathering Diaper Supplies

1
Choose an area to change your baby's diaper. Set up 1-2 diaper changing spaces in easy-to-access places in your home. For example, you could set up a changing table in the nursery, your bedroom, or near a bathroom. If you don't want to use a changing table, you can easily change the baby's diaper on a comfortable flat surface (like a bed or on the floor). Put down a diaper changing pad on the surface to prevent messes.
- Choose convenient diaper changing areas based on where your family spends the most time.
- It's a good idea to pack a diaper bag or backpack with some diapering supplies. Keep the diaper bag in the changing area so you can stock it and then grab the bag when you need to leave the house.
2
Organize the changing area. You might need more than just a diaper and some wipes to change the baby. Keep things organized and easy to find by using dividers, containers, and small baskets. This way you know right where something is if you need it quickly.
- For example, it will help to have a drawer or basket that has extra pajamas or pacifiers if your baby needs a change in the middle of the night.
3
Stock up on diapers and wipes. Newborn babies can go through 8 to 10 diapers a day, so keep a lot of clean ones nearby. They should be easy to reach so you don't have to step away from your baby during the diaper change. You'll also need to keep wipes nearby to wipe your baby's bottom.^{[15]
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- If you're constantly refilling the diapers at your diaper changing station, consider leaving a new box of diapers in the same room. This way, you'll never be completely out.
4
Store diaper cream or petroleum jelly. Babies frequently get rashes, and you might need to apply diaper cream or petroleum jelly. Keep tubes of these at your diaper changing area so you can easily use them when you notice a rash.^{[16]
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- It's also a good idea to keep these in your diaper bag so you can treat your baby's rash when you're out together.
5
Have a place to put soiled diapers. Decide how you'd like to dispose of or handle the soiled diapers. For example, if you're using disposable diapers, set up a trash can or odor-sealing canister. If you're using cloth diapers, you may want to set up a wet pail where you can store the diapers until you're ready to wash them.^{[17]
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- It's a good idea to keep hand sanitizer nearby to quickly clean your hands before you wash them in the bathroom. Remember to keep the hand sanitizer out of your baby's reach.
6
Keep distractions nearby. As the baby gets older, you'll need to distract them during diaper changes.^{[18]
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Expert Source

Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA)
Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth, & Lactation Educator
Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.} Distracting the baby with a toy, object, or book will also keep the baby from grabbing soiled diapers or squirming during the diaper change. Consider keeping some of these near your diaper changing station:^{[19]
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- Small board books
- Pacifiers
- Toy keys
- Rattles
7
Store changes of clothing and extra sheets. If your baby has leaked through their diaper, you'll need to have a change of clothes close by. Keep several clean onesies at the changing area just in case. You should also have a few sets of clean crib sheets in case these get dirty.^{[20]
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- If your changing table has a soft, removable cover, you should also have an extra clean cover in case the baby gets the cover dirty during the diaper change.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I stop my baby boy from peeing in his diaper?

Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA)
Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth, & Lactation Educator
Deanna Dawson-Jesus is a Birth Doula, Childbirth, and Lactation Educator based in Danville, California. As the owner of Birthing Babies - A Celebration of Life, Deanna has 19 years of birth doula experience and has assisted with over 250 births. She also has over five years of postpartum doula experience and assists more than ten families. Deanna has additional extensive training in Assisted Reproductive Technologies, VBAC support, and Perinatal Loss Support. She is a Certified Birth Doula by DONA International and teaches at Blossom Birth and Family.

Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA)

Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth, & Lactation Educator

Expert Answer

If you’re changing a baby boy who pees during diaper changes, consider laying a clean cloth or baby wipe over his penis while you change him.
Question

What do I need to change a diaper?

Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA)
Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth, & Lactation Educator
Deanna Dawson-Jesus is a Birth Doula, Childbirth, and Lactation Educator based in Danville, California. As the owner of Birthing Babies - A Celebration of Life, Deanna has 19 years of birth doula experience and has assisted with over 250 births. She also has over five years of postpartum doula experience and assists more than ten families. Deanna has additional extensive training in Assisted Reproductive Technologies, VBAC support, and Perinatal Loss Support. She is a Certified Birth Doula by DONA International and teaches at Blossom Birth and Family.

Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA)

Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth, & Lactation Educator

Expert Answer

At the very least you'll need a few wet rags or wash cloths, a new diaper, and a spare change of baby clothes.

Warnings

Never leave your baby unattended on a changing table or high surface. Even stepping away for a moment can give the baby an opportunity to roll off the changing table or bed.

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Always wash your hands after handling a soiled diaper. Good hand hygiene will help prevent the spread of disease.^{[22]
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