Newborn Baby Diapering Tips

If you are a new parent, you must already have spent a lot of time changing the baby's diapers when it really needs five to ten minutes. Take a look at these newborn baby diapering tips to go quick with diaper changing.

Get Ready

Before you begin diapering your baby, make sure that you have gathered the following supplies.

• Diaper.
• Fasteners, if you are using cloth diapers.
• Container of warm water and cotton balls, clean washcloth or diaper wipes.
• Petroleum jelly or diaper ointment.
• A cloth diaper or changing pad to place under the baby.

Wipe

With the help of the washcloth, baby wipes or cotton balls, gently wipe the baby clean from front to the back. Make sure that you never wipe the baby from back to front, especially if it is a girl baby. Do not leave the creases in the buttocks and thighs.

Diaper

In the case of disposable diaper, open the diaper and slide it under your baby. Make sure that the back part of the diaper's adhesive strips is about the level of the baby's bellybutton. Bring the front part of the baby's diaper up between its legs and onto the belly.

In the case of cloth diapers, there are several ways of fastening them, one of which is the triangular fold. To fasten the triangular fold way, fold the square in half to form a triangle and place the baby in the diaper by lifting the baby's feet and legs and sliding the diaper under the buttocks. Ensure the longest side of the diaper is on the baby's back. Bring the front part of the diaper between the baby's legs onto its belly. Bring one side of the diaper around in such a way that it overlaps the centre and bring the other part around such that it overlaps the two parts. Fasten all the three parts together using a safety pin.

Prevent Diaper Rash

Prevent diaper rash by:

Changing the diapers frequently, especially after the baby has had bowel movements. Clean the area softly. Do not wipe vigorously or rub excessively.

Use a diaper ointment to heal the rashes. Prefer one that has zinc oxide in it as zinc oxide acts against moisture. You may also use A&D ointment to soothe minor rashes.

Let your baby be undiapered for as much time as it can. Lay your baby on top of diapering cloths instead.