Overview
Diapering is a necessary task for any parent and most of them spend lots of their valuable time towards diapering their babies in the desired and proper manner. A baby can use more than 10 diapers a day and therefore it is very important for a parent to undertake diapering in the right manner. Some people see the task of diapering the baby as a very challenging and complicated operation. The notion is not right and diapering can be learnt by undertaking small amount of practice. The proper training ensures that you are able to keep the baby high and dry in a perfect way. The list of important steps of diapering are provided below which can help you while you actually diaper your baby.
Things to watch out for
1. Use good quality diapers.
2. Try to keep the process as neat and tidy as possible.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly with a disinfectant soap after completing the process.
4. Place a cloth over the genital of the baby boy, as it might get sprayed upon during the process.
5. Be very gently while doing the wiping and cleaning and do not apply extra pressure as it might hurt the baby.
6. Dispose the unclean diapers and clean the garbage after completing the task.
7. Assemble all the supplies required before starting the process.
Before undertaking the task, you require some supplies. These include:
1. Diaper
2. Fasteners (in case you are using a cloth diaper)
3. Petroleum jelly, or diaper ointment.
4. Cotton balls and container of warm water.
5. Changing pad or cloth diaper which has to be placed under the bottom of the baby.
DIY Steps
1. get started
Undo the diaper which the baby is presently wearing. The adhesive tab has to be folded back towards itself. This helps that the tab does not sticks to the skin of the baby. If the baby is a boy, then a disposable cloth or tab should be placed over the penis in order to cover it. This will avoid any accidental spraying of the penis.
2. Cleaning up
If the baby has undergone bowel movements, then the excreta has to be wiped off in a very gentle manner by moving the diaper in a wiping motion, gently from to back area. You can also use the cotton balls or a wet wash cloth for fulfilling this purpose. The now dirty diaper can be then be gently folded in half with the dirty side of the diaper facing inwards. The baby should lie on the clean area of the diaper only. The baby’s wipe can be used for cleaning the bottom of the boy carefully and thoroughly. Proper attention must be paid to all the little folds which are present in the diaper.
The wiping should again be done in the front to back motion only and must be done after lifting both the legs in a upward direction. This will ensure that all the soiled areas are cleaned thoroughly. You can now remove the soiled diaper carefully, tape it gently to the bundle and then dispose off to the ideal place.
3. Be ready to diaper
The unclean diaper can be swapped off with the dirty one and the taped sides should be placed under the bottom of the baby. If the baby is boy, his genital should be pointing towards the downward direction while this process is undertaken. You can now pull the diaper upwards and then fasten its two sides by using the tapes. You must ensure that the the diaper which you are using while being snug does not itches the delicate skin of the baby.
4. Fine tuning
In case the baby is newborn, the diapers can be folded below the umbilical cord area found in the naval region. This helps in keeping the diaper dry for a longer period of time. The foreskin of those babies who have not undergone circumcision must not be folded backwards.
5. Completing the process
You must wash your hands thoroughly after completing the process. You can further enjoy the diaper changing time by talking with the baby. This way both you and the baby will have fun.
6. Noteworthy points
It has been found that the newborns use at-least 6 to 8 diapers each day and the number can well cross the single figure. Those newborns who are breast feeded have to stool at-least two times each day. They can also stool after each beast feeding session. The babies who are fed on formula stool lesser number of times. In any case, the stools must not be dry and hard. The health care provider must be called upon if the baby is not having the stools or is not wetting the diapers adequately.
