Diaper-changing time, especially in the first months of a newborn's life , comes around frequently throughout the day, reaching approximately 8-10 diaper changes per day . It is a delicate moment of intimate connection between parent and child and, once you’ve overcome the initial uncertainties, with a few tips and suggestions, it can even become fun .

Diaper change: everything you need to know

The first diaper change is never forgotten!

It's true that during prenatal classes, the demonstrations midwives give on changing diapers seem so clear and simple, but when you return home after the birth, everything can suddenly feel so complicated!

It’s not enough to rely only on advice from grandmothers and friends who are already mothers, because in the first days of new motherhood, it’s normal to have doubts even about the very first diaper change.

Organization

The most important thing is to organize the space dedicated to the diaper change , choosing a safe place for the changing table that is protected from drafts. Keeping all the essentials for hygiene and changing within easy reach ( diapers , moistening wipes , protective cream, almond oil , and spare clothes) helps you stay focused.

When is it time to change the diaper

The answer is quite simple: every time your child's diaper is dirty, even if it’s only wet with pee. In any case, it is good practice to check a newborn's diaper at least every 2-3 hours , to help prevent irritation and redness. It may be recommended to change the diaper before each feeding, so your newborn can sleep clean and dry; however, to make the right decision, it helps to know your child's habits, because many newborns have a bowel movement immediately after feeding, and changing them beforehand would be unnecessary. LILLYDOO diapers in size 1&2 feature a urine indicator: a yellow line that turns blue when urine collects in the absorbent core. The urine indicator helps you understand when it’s the right time to change the diaper.

Diaper change: how to entertain your baby

It takes time and patience to transform a stressful diaper change into a pleasant ritual filled with cuddles with a parent. For a newborn, diaper changing is unfamiliar and often unwelcome: they may not like being undressed, they may feel cold, or the sensation of being on the changing table can make them feel unsettled.

To turn diaper changes into moments of smiles and caresses, you can introduce a few simple entertainment strategies.

Games to help him relax

• Stuffed animals and rattles are a great way to keep your baby occupied during diaper changes. Keep them within reach near the changing table so you never have to leave your baby alone, and then hand them over when needed.

• A crib mobile to hang above the changing table can capture your child's attention, making it easier to change the diaper. As an extra idea, you can create a magical mobile yourself using recycled materials such as small sticks, shells, feathers, and more.

• Another idea to entertain your child is books or black-and-white cards , which at this age can stimulate and hold their attention.

Songs and nursery rhymes to capture attention

Songs and nursery rhymes are a great way to distract your child, because they stimulate imagination and support language development . Songs or rhymes can be accompanied by playful, fun gestures that encourage parent-child contact; with a gentle touch on your child's belly, you can stimulate greater body awareness and help your baby relax.

Cuddles and extra ideas

Don’t rush diaper changes. It goes without saying that for this routine to go smoothly—especially when it can feel repetitive throughout the day—you need to convey plenty of calm to your baby. It may be enough to soothe your child by explaining the actions you’re about to take during the change: “ now I will take off your romper ”, “ Now let's pass the wipe on the little bottom ", and so on. Your baby will feel included in the ritual and more confident about what is happening. Over time, these repeated gestures will become automatic and familiar to them as well.

You can involve older children during diaper changes by giving them, for example, the package of wipes to hold (which they will try to squeeze or open), or by letting them touch a clean diaper. Often, today’s diapers are adorned with sweet designs that will surely catch their attention.

Leaving your child's little bottom uncovered helps them become more aware of their body, feeling free to toddle around without a diaper. Additionally, being without a diaper, even for a short time, helps the delicate skin of newborns breathe.

We’ve seen together how very little it takes to create a calm, intimate atmosphere and turn diaper changing into a pleasant ritual of cuddles, play and complicity between mother and child : a few carefully chosen games to stimulate and capture their attention, a calm and clear tone of voice that explains each step to involve and reassure your child, and a few little songs and nursery rhymes to read aloud and accompany with a sweet caress or a funny gesture.

We are sure that your child will enjoy being the center of attention!