How to Properly Change a Baby Diaper？

Preparatory Work
Wash your hands: Ensure that your hands are clean before proceeding.

Prepare necessary supplies: Arrange clean diapers, wet wipes or soft cotton wipes (moistened with warm water), diaper cream (if required), and septum pads within easy reach.

Ensure safety: Place the infant in a secure and flat area, such as a changing table, bed, or sofa. Always keep one hand on the baby to prevent falls. Never leave the baby unattended on an elevated surface.

Removing the Soiled Diaper
Unfasten the Velcro on both sides of the soiled diaper.

If the diaper contains feces, use the clean portion of the front section of the soiled diaper to wipe away the majority of the waste.

Gently hold the baby’s ankle and lift the hips. Fold the front part of the soiled diaper downward and place it beneath the baby’s bottom, ensuring the soiled side is folded inward to avoid contaminating the new diaper.

Carefully clean the baby’s genital and anal areas, as well as the creases in the groin, using a wet wipe or a soft cotton towel dampened with water, wiping from front to back. This is especially important for female infants to prevent infection. Thoroughly dry the area or allow it to air-dry, as maintaining dryness is crucial for preventing diaper rash.

Putting on the New Diaper
Retrieve the new diaper

Position the back portion of the diaper (the section with Velcro, typically longer and equipped with an elastic waistband) beneath the baby’s bottom, approximately aligned with the waistline.

Ensure that the leak-proof barrier (the three-dimensional guard at the base of the thighs) is fully extended outward and not compressed.

Adjust the Front Section

Bring the front portion of the diaper (usually the decorated or patterned side) up over the baby’s abdomen.

Ensure the diaper is positioned high enough at the back to cover the waist area.

Attach the Velcro Straps

Secure one side of the Velcro first: Open the Velcro strap and apply it symmetrically to the designated adhesive area on the front panel.

Important: When attaching, ensure the Velcro is applied parallel to the waistline (not tilted upward or downward), and both sides should be fastened at the same height to prevent the diaper from shifting or tilting.

After securing one side, fasten the other side. Ensure the fit is neither too tight nor too loose.

Adjusting the Fit

Waistband Fit: Check the tightness around the waist. The ideal fit allows one or two fingers to be easily inserted. If too tight, it may cause discomfort or leave red marks on the baby’s abdomen. If too loose, it may lead to leakage.

Thigh Fit

Ensure the leak-proof barrier is fully extended outward, as this is essential for preventing side leakage. Gently run your fingers around the base of the baby’s thighs to ensure the inner leak-proof edge is fully extended and snugly fits the skin, rather than being folded inward or compressed.

Check for gaps at the thigh area. The diaper should conform to the shape of the legs without leaving red marks. If the baby has thick thighs or visible pressure marks, consider using a larger size or adjusting the Velcro slightly looser.

Final Adjustments and Inspection

Smooth out the edges of the diaper and ensure that the leak-proof barriers at the waist and thighs are properly extended and in contact with the skin.

If applicable, fold down the top edge of the diaper slightly to avoid irritation to the umbilical cord stump in newborns.

Dress the baby appropriately.

Key Points and Precautions
Front-to-back cleaning: This is especially important for female infants to prevent contamination of the urethral opening.

Ensure complete dryness: Before applying a new diaper, ensure the baby’s bottom is completely dry to reduce the risk of diaper rash.

Leak-proof barrier positioning: Proper extension of the leak-proof barrier is crucial for preventing side leakage. Confirm its correct placement each time.

Symmetrical Velcro attachment: Ensures even pressure distribution and prevents the diaper from tilting.

Appropriate tightness (Two-finger rule): Check both the waist and leg areas to ensure a snug but comfortable fit that prevents leakage without causing discomfort.

Urine indicator strips: Many diapers are equipped with urine indicator strips (usually located on the front panel). A change in color (e.g., from yellow to green or blue) indicates that the diaper needs changing. However, also consider the time elapsed and the baby’s condition when making the decision.

Timely diaper changes: Change the diaper immediately after a bowel movement. For urination, change within 2 to 3 hours or as indicated by the urine strip. Newborns require more frequent changes. Avoid waiting until the diaper becomes visibly bulky.

Correct diaper sizing: Choose the appropriate size based on the baby’s weight. Frequent leakage, pressure marks on the waist or thighs, or inadequate coverage of the lower back may indicate that the current size is unsuitable. Refer to the weight range indicated on the packaging for guidance.

Use of protective cream: If the baby is prone to diaper rash, apply a thin layer of protective cream (e.g., zinc oxide ointment) after cleaning and drying to create a protective barrier.

Nighttime leakage prevention: For babies who are active during sleep or prone to back leakage, slightly elevate the lower back when attaching the diaper. The back portion should be slightly higher than the front, but not excessively so, to avoid discomfort. Ensure the elastic portion at the back adheres closely to the skin. Some brands offer specialized night-use models.

Summary: The key to proper diaper application lies in ensuring that the leak-proof barrier is fully extended outward, the Velcro straps are attached symmetrically and parallel to the waistline, and the fit around the waist allows for a two-finger clearance. With practice, these steps will become second nature. May your baby remain comfortable, dry, and free from diaper rash!