Diapering

Before you begin, make sure you have everything ready that you might need: 

• a changing pad or cloth diaper to place under your baby
• a diaper
• fasteners (if using cloth diapers)
• a container of warm water and a clean washcloth, or diaper wipes
• diaper ointment or petroleum jelly, if needed (for preventing and treating rashes)

Notes:

• Wash your hands before and after each diaper change.
• If you use a change table, always have one hand on your baby. Sometimes they can surprise you by rolling over when least expected.
• Give your baby a toy during changes when you can, to keep their hands occupied.

• Using a wet cloth or baby wipes, gently wipe your baby clean from front to back. Do not wipe from back to front, especially on girls – this can spread bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections. Don’t forget the creases in the thigh and buttock areas.
• After you finish wiping, pat your baby dry with a clean washcloth and apply diaper cream if you are using it.
• If diapering a boy, place the penis facing down before fastening the diaper. This will help prevent future leaks from happening.
• After wiping is complete, pat the area dry or let it air dry.

• If you are using disposable diapers:
  • Open the diaper and slide it under your baby while gently lifting their legs and feet.
  • Bring the front part of the diaper up between your baby’s legs place it on their belly.
  • Bring the adhesive strips around and fasten securely, but not too tight. Be careful not to get the tape stuck onto your baby’s skin.
• If you are using cloth diapers, there are a few methods. Here is one:
  • Fold the square in half to form a triangle.
  • Gently lift the baby’s feet and legs and slide the diaper under. Bring the longest part of the triangle behind your baby’s back, with the opposite corner pointing toward their feet.
  • Bring the front part of the diaper up between your baby’s legs place it on their belly.
  • Bring one side around so it overlaps the center.
  • Bring the other side around to overlap the other two parts. Secure all three parts together with a safety pin.

It’s common for babies to have some diaper rash. But if the rash happens often, lasts for more than two or three days, or gets worse, call your health-care provider (if your baby also develops a fever, make sure to let them know).

Follow the below tips to help prevent and help heal diaper rash:

• Change diapers often, and right after bowel movements. Clean the area gently. Wiping vigorously or rubbing can further irritate the rash.
• Use a diaper ointment with zinc oxide, which acts as a barrier against moisture.
• Expose your baby’s bottom to fresh air as much as possible, laying your little one on top of a few diapering cloths. (If your baby has a penis, place another cloth diaper over their penis when they are on their back, so it doesn’t spray everywhere.)
• If you use cloth diapers, wash them in fragrance/dye-free detergents, and also avoid using scented dryer sheets.

Note: Baby powder may cause breathing problems and serious lung damage if your baby inhales it. The Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) recommends against using baby powder.