Proper wrapping in 8 steps

It may not be a great art to change a baby's diaper correctly. Nevertheless, you might wonder how proper diapering actually works. Don't be confused by the hundred well-meaning tips that friends and relatives want to share with you, and find your own way of diapering your child correctly. This guide can be a helpful resource for you and for any questions related to babies and diapering, especially in the first few months, where you can wonderfully orient yourself.

1. Set up the wrapping station

To change your child properly, you need a suitable changing area. A changing table or a with a pad provides a comfortable place for your child to be changed. Caution: Even if you don't yet trust your baby to make larger movements, you must hold your child securely on the changing table at every second. Even the tiniest babies perform acrobatic movements on the changing table that can cause them to fall to the ground in seconds. The changing table should be protected from drafts and direct sunlight. A heat lamp with an automatic shut-off ensures cozy warmth within minutes.

2. Prepare everything for wrapping

It is terribly annoying when you have changed your child and then realize that there are no new diapers ready on the changing table or the box with the wet wipes is empty. Make sure that the compartments of your changing table are always well stocked. This means that there should always be enough diapers, washcloths, a towel, spare clothes, water, and wet wipes available. To ensure that you never stand empty-handed in front of the changing table, the flexible . With this, you can easily have the right diapers, wet wipes, skin care, and changing mats delivered right to your home.

You should store lukewarm water best in a small thermos. A fever thermometer can also be useful. A rattle, a squeaky toy, or a first touch-and-feel book can keep your child occupied during diaper changes and ensure they stay still for a few minutes. Make sure that swallowable, pointed, or heavy objects are never within your child's reach.

3. The right clothing for changing

When you buy the first clothes for your baby, you'll surely be delighted by the adorable designs. Just as important as catchy slogans, ruffles, and cool appliqués is that you can easily put the clothes on and take them off. Winged bodysuits are especially wonderful in the first few months because your baby never has to lie naked for long. You will definitely love snap-on pants and overalls at the crotch as much as dresses that you can simply pull up when changing diapers. On the other hand, bodysuits and shirts that you have to pull over your baby's head are extremely uncomfortable. They may distribute the overflowing diaper contents all over the back and sometimes even into your child's hair.

4. Clean properly

The skin of your baby is particularly sensitive in the diaper area. That is why our are free from fragrances and other unnecessary ingredients. When changing diapers, always remove stool and urine completely and carefully. Especially when your baby is a girl, you will be surprised at how many skin folds stool can spread into. Never forcefully spread the labia apart; instead, gently pat with a soft cloth. The same applies to the foreskin of a male baby: it is not necessary to retract the foreskin during cleaning. Your pediatrician will determine during regular check-ups when the foreskin is sufficiently mobile and can give you, as well as your midwife, valuable tips on how to thoroughly clean your baby's most sensitive areas. should always be wiped from front to back to prevent intestinal germs from causing infections in the genital area.

5. Properly lifting the baby

A baby is certainly not made of sugar and is capable of the most peculiar movements. When lifting the bottom, you should still proceed with caution and gentleness. When grasped at hip level, you can comfortably turn your baby onto their side. The prone position is perfect for cleaning the baby's bottom. Now you can easily reach all areas to be cleaned with a washcloth or moist wipe. In this position, your baby can comfortably lie during cleaning and can train neck and back muscles when lifting their head. You will be amazed at how high the baby can already lift their head.

6. Dry the skin and apply cream

To prevent your baby's diaper area from becoming sore, it should always be thoroughly dried before putting on a new diaper. In summer or under a heat lamp, you can simply let your baby kick around naked for a moment and let the warm air dry the moist skin. If your baby is very small or it is colder, you should gently pat the skin dry with a soft cloth. Most doctors and midwives strongly advise against blow-drying the diaper area. The hot air can cause burns. Additionally, there is a risk of electric shock if the baby suddenly urinates. When applying cream: more does not necessarily mean better! It is much more important to thoroughly dry the diaper area than to constantly apply cream. A healing ointment helps in case of skin irritation to speed up the healing process. In everyday life, occasional application of a thin layer of children's cream is completely sufficient.

7. Properly putting on the diaper

To put on the diaper correctly, gently lift your child's bottom and slide the diaper halfway under the baby. Then bring the other half of the diaper up through the legs to the tummy and fasten it with the two adhesive strips on the sides. Make sure not to lift your child by the legs, as this is not good for the baby's hips. A diaper should fit well around all edges but not be too tight. Check if you can comfortably slide one or two fingers into the top of the diaper. If yes, the diaper fits perfectly. For infants whose is not fully healed yet, in sizes 1 and 2 have a navel cutout to avoid unnecessary irritation of the sensitive navel area. With their flexible leg cuffs, they are easy to change in all sizes and adapt flexibly to the bottom of your little explorer.

8. Quickly dress the child again

Have you removed the old diaper, cleaned your baby, and put on a new diaper? Then it’s high time to quickly dress the child again so it doesn’t get too cold. Even if diaper changing feels like an eternity in the first few days and you have the feeling of spending the entire day solely on breastfeeding and changing diapers, enjoy diapering as a special time that belongs exclusively to you and your child. Share tender glances with your baby, talk to them, and sing a song to them.

If you want to see this guide in action, click on our YouTube video. There, LILLYDOO midwife Sissi provides you with plenty of information about stress-free diapering.

And if your baby immediately goes back into the fresh diaper with a smile on their face and a loud noise right after the diaper change, take it as a compliment: your child can't get enough of your attention!