How to Change a Diaper Without a Mess

Every parent will experience a dirty diaper, and changing it can lead to quite a mess. From the baby sticking his feet in the soiled diaper to shooting urine on you, diapering a baby can be an adventure. To lessen the chances of a mess during a diaper change, take a few precautions and do it in a structured and prepared manner so you won̵7;t be left with messy baby feet or a mess on the carpet.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean diaper
  • Baby wipes
  • Diaper rash cream (optional)
  • Cloth
  • Dry washcloth
  • Hand soap

Instructions

    • 1

      Gather your supplies when it̵7;s time to change the baby̵7;s diaper. Unfold the new diaper, open the container of wipes and take the cap off the diaper rash cream if you think you̵7;ll need it. Put all of the supplies within arm̵7;s reach of where you̵7;ll be changing the baby.

    • 2

      Lay the baby down where you̵7;ll be changing him. Unfasten the tabs on the dirty diaper. If you're changing a baby boy's diaper, place a cloth over his genitals to prevent him from urinating on you.

    • 3

      Use baby wipes to gently clean the baby̵7;s bottom, wiping from back to front, with the messy diaper still in place. Don̵7;t wipe from front to back, which can spread bacteria. If your baby has a diaper rash, use warm washcloths rather than baby wipes for cleaning to prevent burning or irritation. Once you̵7;ve given the baby̵7;s bottom a once over with the wipes, remove the dirty diaper and set it aside.

    • 4

      Hold your baby̵7;s ankles with one hand to lift up the bottom area to give you better reach. Wipe all creases and folds in the genital area, as well as the creases on the buttocks and thighs. Use a clean wipe when one becomes soiled. Place the dirty wipes inside the messy diaper.

    • 5

      Pat the baby̵7;s bottom and genital area with a soft, dry washcloth to remove any moisture. Slide a clean diaper under baby̵7;s bottom. Situate the diaper so the part with the tabs is level with the baby̵7;s bellybutton.

    • 6

      Apply diaper rash ointment, if necessary, to any irritated or red areas.

    • 7

      Pull the front of the diaper up between the baby̵7;s legs so it̵7;s resting on the bellybutton. Fasten each adhesive strip, one at a time, so the diaper fits snugly around the baby̵7;s belly. Place a boy̵7;s penis in the downward position before securing the clean diaper in place to help prevent leaks. If the umbilical cord has not yet fallen off your baby, fold the waist of the diaper down underneath the belly button before fastening the diaper with the tabs.

    • 8

      Fold up the messy diaper and wipes and secure it shut with the tabs. Dispose of the diaper in the trash can.

    • 9

      Wash your hands well with soap and warm water.

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