Changing a baby's diaper correctly isn't exactly an art. Still, you might wonder what proper diapering actually looks like. Don’t let the hundreds of well-meaning tips from friends and relatives confuse you—find your own way to diaper your child with confidence. This guide is a helpful resource for you and for any questions related to babies and diapering, especially in the first few months, when you can use it as a reliable point of reference.
1. Set up the wrapping station
To change your child properly, you need a suitable changing area. A changing table or a changing surface with a pad provides a comfortable place for your child to be changed. Caution: Even if you don’t yet expect your baby to make big movements, you must keep your child secure on the changing table at all times. Even the tiniest babies can make surprisingly acrobatic moves that may cause them to fall in seconds. The changing table should be protected from drafts and direct sunlight. A heat lamp with an automatic shut-off provides cozy warmth within minutes.
2. Prepare everything for wrapping
It’s terribly annoying when you’ve changed your child and then realize there are no fresh diapers on the changing table or the box of wet wipes is empty. Make sure the compartments of your changing table are always well stocked. This means you should always have enough diapers, washcloths, a towel, spare clothes, water, and wet wipes on hand. To ensure you’re never left empty-handed at 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.
It’s best to store lukewarm water 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 help them 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 your baby’s first clothes, you’ll surely be delighted by the adorable designs. Just as important as catchy slogans, ruffles, and cool appliqués is choosing items that are easy to put on and take off. Wrap bodysuits are especially great in the first few months because your baby never has to lie naked for long. You’ll also love snap-crotch pants and overalls, as well as dresses you can simply pull up during diaper changes. On the other hand, bodysuits and shirts that you have to pull over your baby’s head can be very inconvenient. They may spread overflowing diaper contents all over the back—and sometimes even into your child’s hair.
4. Clean properly
Your baby’s skin is especially 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 gently. Especially if your baby is a girl, you may be surprised by how easily stool can spread into skin folds. Never forcefully spread the labia apart; instead, gently pat with a soft cloth. The same applies to a baby boy’s foreskin: 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. Still, when lifting your baby’s bottom, you should proceed with care and gentleness. If you support your baby at hip level, you can comfortably turn them onto their side. This side-lying position is ideal for cleaning your baby’s bottom. You can easily reach all areas with a washcloth or moist wipe. In this position, your baby can lie comfortably during cleaning and can also train neck and back muscles by lifting their head. You may be amazed at how high your baby can already lift their head.
6. Dry the skin and apply cream
To help prevent your baby’s diaper area from becoming sore, always dry it thoroughly 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 allow the warm air to dry damp skin. If your baby is very small or it’s colder, gently pat the skin dry with a soft cloth. Most doctors and midwives strongly advise against blow-drying the diaper area. Hot air can cause burns. In addition, there is a risk of electric shock if the baby suddenly urinates. When it comes to applying cream, more does not necessarily mean better. It’s far more important to dry the diaper area thoroughly than to apply cream constantly. A healing ointment can help soothe irritated skin and support the healing process. For everyday care, applying a thin layer of children’s cream occasionally 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 your baby. Then bring the front of the diaper up between the legs to the tummy and fasten it with the two adhesive strips on the sides. Be careful not to lift your child by the legs, as this is not good for the baby’s hips. A diaper should fit snugly around all edges without being too tight. Check whether you can comfortably slide one or two fingers into the top of the diaper. If you can, 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 fresh one? Then it’s time to dress your child again quickly so they don’t get too cold. Even if diaper changes feel like an eternity in the first few days—and you feel as though you spend the entire day breastfeeding and changing diapers—try to enjoy diapering as a special time that belongs just to you and your child. Share tender glances with your baby, talk to them, and sing 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 fills the fresh diaper again 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!
