Diapering is costly and time consuming. But come on now, did you even thing about diapers when you were pregnant? Nope. Figures. It’s a pretty mundane subject. But girl, get real, diapers are going to be one of your top budget items. Get your head out of the clouds daydreaming about that unbelievably cute but equally expensive nursery! Opening a Morehouse College savings account is important, but right now, let’s focus on what’s real.
First off, you’ve got one basic choice to make: Cloth or Disposable. My Great Aunt Joy was shocked to find out I wanted to go with disposable diapers. It’s true, I am usually eco-minded but washing out poop was not on the top of my to-do list. But looking back, maybe I should have at least given it a try.
Which ever way you go, here’s how to get down to business, when you’re newborn needs a change.
First, have a prepared changing area that’s clean and dry. Prepare all your supplies ahead of time. This list includes a clean diaper, plenty of wipes or wet cloths. If you’re using cloth diapers, keep pins or a diaper fastener handy and cloth diaper. A diaper pail or a “Diaper Genie” is a necessity! And, just in case, make sure to keep diaper rash ointment handy.
So, here’s the Eight Step Guide:
- Unfasten the dirty diaper, but don’t remove it yet.
- If your baby is a boy, cover his penis with a clean cloth so he doesn’t pee on either of you. Use the front half of the diaper to wipe away any poop.
- Grasp your baby by the ankles and gently lift his bottom off the changing table.
- Fold the dirty diaper in half under your baby, clean side up.
- Use a baby wipe or wet cloth to thoroughly clean your baby’s front. For a girl, be sure to wipe from front to back (from her vaginal area to her bottom). This helps keep bacteria from causing an infection.
- Lift both of your baby’s legs and clean the back side with a wipe or wet cloth. Apply ointment or petroleum jelly, if needed.
- Remove the dirty diaper. Position the back half of the clean diaper under your baby’s bottom and the front half between his legs (spread as wide as seems comfortable). Try not to bunch the diaper between your baby’s legs – it can cause chafing and discomfort. For newborns, avoid covering the umbilical cord. You can buy special disposable diapers for newborns with notches cut out for the stump, or fold down the front half of cloth diapers. For boys, be sure to tuck the penis down so they’re less likely to pee over the top of the diaper.
- Fasten the diaper securely; making sure it’s snug but not so tight that it pinches your baby’s skin.
NOTE: You should refer to your diaper brand’s instructions for specific tips.
After disposing of the dirty diaper, dress your baby and wash your hands thoroughly. That’s it – you’re done!
Is there anything I’ve left out? Or, have you got any funny diaper changing stories? I would love to read them, so please feel free to post below…
First off, you’ve got one basic choice to make: Cloth or Disposable. My Great Aunt Joy was shocked to find out I wanted to go with disposable diapers. It’s true, I am usually eco-minded but washing out poop was not on the top of my to-do list. But looking back, maybe I should have at least given it a try.
Which ever way you go, here’s how to get down to business, when you’re newborn needs a change.
First, have a prepared changing area that’s clean and dry. Prepare all your supplies ahead of time. This list includes a clean diaper, plenty of wipes or wet cloths. If you’re using cloth diapers, keep pins or a diaper fastener handy and cloth diaper. A diaper pail or a “Diaper Genie” is a necessity! And, just in case, make sure to keep diaper rash ointment handy.
So, here’s the Eight Step Guide:
- Unfasten the dirty diaper, but don’t remove it yet.
- If your baby is a boy, cover his penis with a clean cloth so he doesn’t pee on either of you. Use the front half of the diaper to wipe away any poop.
- Grasp your baby by the ankles and gently lift his bottom off the changing table.
- Fold the dirty diaper in half under your baby, clean side up.
- Use a baby wipe or wet cloth to thoroughly clean your baby’s front. For a girl, be sure to wipe from front to back (from her vaginal area to her bottom). This helps keep bacteria from causing an infection.
- Lift both of your baby’s legs and clean the back side with a wipe or wet cloth. Apply ointment or petroleum jelly, if needed.
- Remove the dirty diaper. Position the back half of the clean diaper under your baby’s bottom and the front half between his legs (spread as wide as seems comfortable). Try not to bunch the diaper between your baby’s legs – it can cause chafing and discomfort. For newborns, avoid covering the umbilical cord. You can buy special disposable diapers for newborns with notches cut out for the stump, or fold down the front half of cloth diapers. For boys, be sure to tuck the penis down so they’re less likely to pee over the top of the diaper.
- Fasten the diaper securely; making sure it’s snug but not so tight that it pinches your baby’s skin.
NOTE: You should refer to your diaper brand’s instructions for specific tips.
After disposing of the dirty diaper, dress your baby and wash your hands thoroughly. That’s it – you’re done!
Is there anything I’ve left out? Or, have you got any funny diaper changing stories? I would love to read them, so please feel free to post below…
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