A newborn can go through as many as twelve diapers a day, and while that number can feel daunting at first, a few days of practice is all it takes for diaper changes to become second nature.
To help you along, this blog will guide you through how to change your baby’s diaper to keep your little one comfortable and clean.
What to Prepare Before a Diaper Change
Once your baby is on the changing surface, your full attention and both hands will be occupied. As such, it’s essential to have everything within arm's reach beforehand.
Gather these before you start:
- A clean diaper
- Fragrance-free baby wipes or a damp soft cloth
- Barrier cream to protect against nappy rash and skin conditions like baby eczema
- A changing pad or clean towel laid on a flat, stable surface
- A disposal bag or diaper pail
- A small toy or distraction for wriggly babies (optional)
Wash your hands before and after every change. Additionally, remove watches or jewellery to avoid scratching your baby’s skin.
How to Tell When It Is Time to Change a Diaper
Newborns should be checked regularly throughout the day. Look out for visual cues, such as a sagging or bulky diaper and visible soiling.
Many modern diapers also include a wetness indicator stripe that changes colour when wet, which is particularly useful in the early weeks when feeding and output patterns are still forming.
Fussiness or crying is also a reliable prompt to check. It is worth building a habit of checking before and after feeds, and before settling the baby down to sleep.
How to Change a Baby's Diaper
1. Remove the Soiled Diaper
Lay the baby on its back on the changing pad or towel.
For tape diapers, unfasten both tabs and fold them back to avoid sticking to the baby's skin. Holding both ankles gently, lift the baby's bottom and slide out the soiled diaper. Fold it inward to contain the mess before setting it aside.
For diaper pants, pull them down like regular underwear, or tear open both sides for easier removal.
2. Clean and Dry the Nappy Area
Using baby wipes or a damp cloth, clean the nappy area thoroughly, working carefully between all skin folds. Always wipe from front to back to reduce the risk of infection.
- For baby boys: Cover the penis with a clean cloth or fresh wipe at the start of the change to avoid unexpected spraying.
- For baby girls: Take extra care to wipe gently between the labia folds from front to back, using a fresh wipe for each pass.
Pat the nappy area dry with a soft cloth and allow a brief moment to air dry if possible. After that, apply a thin layer of barrier cream to protect against nappy rash.
3. Put on the New Diaper
How to wear tape diapers for a baby:
- Slide the clean diaper under the baby's bottom with the tabs at the back.
- Pull the front panel up between the baby's legs and fasten both tabs symmetrically, so the waistband sits just below the belly button.
- Check the fit by sliding two fingers under the waistband.
- Turn out the leg cuffs on both sides to prevent leaks. For boys, ensure the penis is pointing downward before fastening.
How to wear diaper pants for a baby:
- Pass one leg at a time through the leg holes and pull the diaper pants up to tummy height.
- This can be done with the baby lying down or standing.
- Adjust the inner leg gathers evenly on both sides for a snug, leak-free fit.
4. Dispose of the Soiled Diaper
Tip solid waste into the toilet before disposing. Then, roll the soiled diaper as tightly as possible and seal it using the adhesive tab at the back. Place it in a disposal bag or diaper pail to contain odours.
Finally, wipe down the changing surface with a disinfectant-safe cleaner and wash your hands thoroughly.
How Often Should You Change a Baby's Diaper?
As a general guide, newborns need a diaper change every two to three hours, or roughly eight to ten times a day. Always change immediately after a poo to reduce the risk of nappy rash.
It is generally not necessary to wake a sleeping baby for a wet diaper at night. However, if the diaper contains poo or is causing leakage or visible discomfort, change it.
As babies grow and their bladder capacity increases, the frequency of changes will naturally decrease.
A Skill That Grows With You
Mastering diaper changes comes down to preparation, a calm approach, and consistent practice. For most parents, the process becomes effortless within days.
Of course, diapering is just one of many newborn care skills that you’ll need to master when your baby arrives. As such, having the right guidance from the start can make a significant difference.
At Flegen, our infant care course offers practical, hands-on guidance in essential skills, so you can step into those early days feeling ready rather than reactive.
From critical baby bathing practices to breastfeeding and formula feeding guidance, you can get all your postpartum questions answered and build the skills you need to care for your newborn.
So, take the first step towards confident parenthood and book a call with Flegen today.