How to Change a Diaper on a Newborn Baby

A newborn baby needs up to a dozen diaper changes a day. At first, this many diaper changes may seem overwhelming. After all, it is not always easy to keep a squirming, sometimes screaming baby still while safely and swiftly cleaning the baby's bottom, checking for diaper rash and caring for the umbilical cord and circumcision. After a few days of practice, however, the diaper changing process will become second nature.

Things You'll Need

  • Disposable diaper
  • Cloth diaper (optional)
  • Waterproof diaper cover
  • Warm, wet wash cloth or baby wipes
  • Changing pad or towel
  • Hand towel
  • Diaper rash ointment
  • Gauze
  • Petroleum jelly

Instructions

    • 1

      Place all of your supplies close to you so that you can keep one hand on your baby at all times.

    • 2

      Lay a changing mat on your changing surface. While a towel will work, a water-resistant pad will protect the surface in case your baby wets mid-change. To make a plastic pad more comfortable and warm for your baby, lay a soft blanket, towel or cloth diaper over the top of the pad.

    • 3

      Open a clean disposable or cloth all-in-one diaper and lay it on the changing pad. If you use a traditional cloth diaper, spread a diaper cover beneath the cloth diaper and place your baby on top of the clean diaper.

    • 4

      Open the old diaper. Use the front inside part of the diaper to wipe off the baby's soiled bottom. Fold the top half of the soiled diaper over onto the bottom half and leave it under the baby's bottom.

    • 5

      Cover the baby's diaper area with a hand towel. When a newborn baby is exposed to the sudden chill of having a diaper removed, a common reaction is to wet. The cloth will keep the newborn warm, and, in the case of a boy, will stop the messy spray if the baby wets.

    • 6

      Hold the baby's ankles with one hand to keep his feet still. Use your free hand to wipe your baby with baby wipes or a warm washcloth, wiping from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria. A warm washcloth is mildest on a newborn's sensitive skin. Check for signs of diaper rash, such as redness and bumps. If a rash is present, apply a small amount of diaper ointment to the rash with your finger.

    • 7

      Lift the baby's bottom by gently raising his ankles with one hand. Slide the dirty diaper from beneath the baby with your free hand. Place the baby's bottom back down on the clean diaper. Pull the front of the clean diaper through the front of the baby's legs. If using a traditional cloth diaper, fold the front in thirds, pull it through the baby's legs and then fan it out.

    • 8

      Check the umbilical cord for any signs of infection, including redness, swelling or discharge. If it is dirty, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you clean it gently with a moist washcloth and let it air dry, or absorb the moisture with a clean towel or piece of gauze. If your newborn is a baby boy who has been circumcised, check the circumcised area for bleeding, swelling or discharge. Gently rub a small amount of petroleum jelly on the area so that it does not stick to the diaper.

    • 9

      Fasten the diaper at its sides. Disposable and cloth all-in-one diapers are easily fastened with Velcro or adhesive fasteners. Bring the fastener from the rear of the diaper and attach it to the front. When using traditional cloth diapers, hold the diaper in place by covering the diaper with the waterproof diaper cover. The cover will have Velcro fasteners that you fasten the same way as adhesive fasteners on a disposable diaper.

    • 10

      Adjust the diaper to keep the baby̵7;s umbilical cord dry. Fold the front of the diaper downward so that it does not cover or rub against the cord. If you use cloth diapers, fold the front of the cloth diaper and the diaper cover downward. Make sure the diaper is snug around the baby's waist and legs, but not too tight. You should be able to slip one or two fingers between the diaper and the baby's skin.

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