What should you pay attention to when changing your child? We have ten handy tips to help you change your baby's diaper quickly, carefully, and lovingly.

1. How often should you change your baby's diaper

In a diaper, it’s warm and humid—and your little explorer’s bottom doesn’t like that. That’s why it’s important to change your baby into a clean diaper regularly. A newborn should be changed approximately six to ten times a day. When they are a bit older, four to six times a day is usually enough. In theory, you change the diaper when it’s full. Your little one won’t tell you when that is, but you’ll notice it quickly enough, as it often results in a crying or grumpy spell. Others stay perfectly happy, but the smell test always provides clarity.

When the best time to change a diaper is also not easy to say. Many babies have a bowel movement while drinking, and some do so afterward. Therefore, some mothers use the pause during breastfeeding to clean the child. Others only change after feeding. Within a few weeks, you’ll probably have a good idea of when and how often you need to change your little one.

2. When you need to change during the night

Sleep is not only incredibly important for your little explorer, but also for you. That’s why it’s smart to change your baby during the night only when you’re sure their diaper is full. After a big poop, or if clothes are wet, changing is always a must. If there’s only a little urine in the diaper, you only need to change it if your little one has a red bottom. A thin layer of soft diaper cream protects delicate skin during sleep. Are you changing at night? Make sure to create a pleasant, stress-free environment, and don’t turn on the bright ceiling light right away. This way, your baby can fall asleep peacefully again afterward.

3. What to pay attention to in diaper contents

Parents love to talk about their little one’s bowel movements. How it looks, what the consistency is, and how it smells depend on countless factors—for example, diet, health, and how much your little one drinks.

For babies who are exclusively breastfed, thin, watery stool with small lumps is completely normal. Over time, it gradually becomes more formed and turns yellow and firmer. If the baby is on formula, the stool becomes formed more quickly and is slightly firmer. Green stool in babies is completely normal, but other characteristics should be taken seriously if necessary.

If your baby has several episodes of watery stool in a row, consult your midwife to see whether this could indicate an infection and whether a visit to the doctor is necessary. The midwife can also advise you in cases of very dark urine or blood in the stool.

4. This is how you dispose of your diapers in the trash

In every house where multiple families live, it can eventually become a challenge: overflowing trash bins and stinky diapers. Special bins with plastic wrap to seal in the smell are especially helpful when the container is far from home. A more affordable alternative: put the diapers in a trash bag and tie it tightly before placing it in the container. Depending on your budget, diaper containers are becoming increasingly sophisticated—ranging from a simple lid to models equipped with a real ventilation system.

5. First aid when your baby cries during diaper changing

Does your little explorer protest during diaper changes, and you don’t know what to do anymore? Maybe it’s too cold, or the lying position is not to their liking. A toy, mobile, or lamp projecting colors and shapes onto the ceiling can provide a distraction. Or sing a song for your child. Even if your musical talent doesn’t fill stadiums, your little one is most likely your biggest fan. You can also comfort your child for a moment in your arms. If nothing else seems to help, try to handle the diaper change quickly and remember the cliché: this is also a phase.

6. Boy or girl? These differences are present when changing

Your little girl in her dino phase, or your little boy who prefers to wear pink? We do not make distinctions based on gender. It’s different when changing diapers. To put a new diaper on boys, you only need to wipe the genitals and the area around the foreskin and scrotum. During the first year of life, you do not need to retract the foreskin. For boys, make sure that the tip of the genitals always points downward so that the diaper does not leak. For girls, always wipe from front to back to prevent intestinal bacteria from entering the vagina. Remove any foreign bodily fluids from the genitals, which can develop over time from skin moisture.

7. Showering in the bathroom

A heat lamp above the changing table keeps you and your little explorer comfortably warm. If you prefer to save on the purchase and associated electricity costs, you can also change your baby in the bathroom. The perfect temperature for your baby to be diaper-free is often maintained here, namely 22 to 25 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the sink and bathtub are within easy reach if wipes are not enough during cleaning.

8. Protect your baby from falls

The risk of falling during diaper changes is often underestimated. Make it a good habit to always hold your baby with one hand. Even newborns can sometimes make surprisingly quick, sudden movements on the changing table, which can cause them to fall.

9. Keep it light, even with the little ones

Feel free to give your little one a chance to stretch their legs. This way, their bottom will be dry again in no time after cleaning, and you’ll help prevent red skin caused by inflammation. Almost every child enjoys this.

10. This is what the ideal changing area looks like

Find a warm, stable spot in the house to change your little one—ideally a place where you don’t have to twist your baby into impossible positions and where all the essentials are within easy reach. Your baby is safe and comfortable on a comfortable changing pad with raised edges and a cover that feels soft against the skin. A wall-mounted lamp provides enough light without shining annoyingly into your little one’s eyes. Regularly check that there are no sharp or dangerous objects, outlets, or cables within your baby’s reach.

Changing can be quite challenging at first, and it’s perfectly okay if things don’t always go as planned. Just enjoy the moments you spend changing your little one. For even more quality time together, there are now the diapers, skin-friendly and super-absorbent diapers that are delivered quickly and easily to your home in your favorite design.