How to Change a Baby's Diaper

While it might seem complicated, diaper changing is a skill you will master quickly with a newborn. During the first few weeks, you'll be changing your baby's diaper every couple hours. Follow these tips and techniques to get started and before you know it, you'll be a pro and able to change a diaper in no time at all.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean diaper
  • Wipes
  • Diaper ointment or petroleum jelly

Instructions

    • 1

      Lay your baby down on a flat surface such as a blanket on the floor or a changing table.

    • 2

      Un-tape the sides of the dirty diaper and use the front of the diaper to wipe down from the front to the back to remove the majority of feces from your baby's skin.

    • 3

      Wipe any urine or feces off your baby's skin from front to back with baby wipes. This prevents bacteria, which can cause urinary tract infections, from getting in the urethra. Use unscented wipes for babies with sensitive skin. Don't forget to wipe in between creases.

    • 4

      Lift your baby's legs and remove the dirty diaper. Lay a clean diaper under him with the tabs level with his belly button.

    • 5

      Apply diaper ointment or petroleum jelly if your baby currently has a rash or as a proactive measure to prevent future rashes from forming due to moisture sitting on his skin.

    • 6

      Fasten the back of the diaper to the front using the tabs on the sides. Pull the tabs tight enough to keep the diaper from leaking, but not tight enough that red marks or irritation forms on the skin.

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