Learning how to change diapers is super important for new parents when their baby arrives. It might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but don't worry! By picking up diaper-changing skills and knowing how often to change diapers, you'll feel much more confident taking care of your little one. These skills will make adjusting to your new life as a parent a whole lot easier. In this article, we'll break down all the diaper-changing tips and tricks in simple terms, so even if you're new to this, you'll become a pro in no time.
1. Baby Diaper Changing Techniques Explanation
Don't think that changing diapers is just a trivial matter. If you don't do it the right way, you could end up with a mess on your hands – literally! To avoid any surprise splashes, it's important to follow the proper steps for changing diapers. Doing it the right way keeps you and your baby clean and happy.
Step 1:
Lay out the diaper changing pad and prepare the necessary supplies such as a new diaper, wet wipes, etc.Step 2:
Clean your hands thoroughly to prevent any contamination of the baby's private area.Step 3:
Lay the baby down on a safe surface or secure them with a safety strap.
Step 4:
Unfold the new diaper completely, gently grasp the baby's ankles, and lift the legs slightly to place the new diaper under the old one, positioned beneath the baby's buttocks.Step 5:
Slowly unfold the old diaper, making sure the baby is not in the process of elimination. Then, using natural baby wipes or other supplies, thoroughly clean the areas that may have been soiled or potentially contaminated by urine and feces.
Step 6:
After wiping, discard the soiled wipes into the old diaper, fold and seal the old diaper, and simultaneously cover the baby's genital area with the new diaper to prevent any unexpected urination.
Step 7:
Securely fasten the new diaper, leaving about a finger's width of space for comfort, and ensure a snug fit along the sides to prevent leaks.
2. How often should you change the baby's diaper? How do you determine when it's time to change?
Age-based Judgement
➊ Newborn: Newborns have frequent urination and high stool frequency, so diapers should be changed every 2 to 3 hours.
➋ 3 months: Urination frequency decreases, but the amount of each excretion increases. Around 6 to 8 diaper changes may be needed per day.
➌ 6 months: Urination frequency further reduces, and approximately 4 to 6 diaper changes per day may be necessary.
Wetness Indicator Judgement
Urea in urine and bacteria in feces, when accumulated on the diaper for an extended period, can lead to diaper rash and other skin issues. Therefore, diapers should be changed when thoroughly wet. High-quality diapers on the market might not feel wet from the outside, but they often come with wetness indicator lines specifically designed to determine when it's time to change. Opt for diapers with wetness indicators, strong absorbency, breathability, and natural materials. When the wetness indicator changes color, parents can quickly know when to change the diaper, thereby avoiding leakage issues.
Wetness Indicator Judgement
Having a clean and dry diaper before the baby's feeding contributes to their comfort during feeding. As the baby's digestive system is active during feeding, they might urinate or defecate. Therefore, checking the diaper before and after feeding can help determine when to change the diaper based on feeding times.
3. Are the diaper-changing techniques the same for baby boys and baby girls?
In addition to the diaper-changing techniques described in the above article, there are also some subtle differences to be aware of when changing diapers for baby boys and baby girls due to their different physiological structures.
Considerations for Changing Diapers for Baby Boys
To prevent being caught by surprise by a "fountain" of urine from a baby boy, once the old diaper is removed from under the buttocks, quickly place the new diaper to cover and replace it. Additionally, although wetness indicator designs can show whether the diaper is full, baby boys need to take special care to position their genitalia downward. This ensures that during urination, the male baby's urine is correctly contained within the diaper and is properly indicated by the wetness design.
Considerations for Changing Diapers for Baby Girls
For baby girls, the anus and urethra are closer in proximity. When wiping, it is crucial to wipe from the urethra downward to prevent the risk of infection due to incorrect wiping.
4. Considerations When Changing Baby's Diaper
After mastering the complete diaper-changing technique, novice parents will undoubtedly encounter other questions while taking care of their baby. Below is a compilation of common Q&A to help you know how to respond when faced with similar situations.
Q2: What to do if the baby is moving around?
When the baby is squirming and fidgeting, it's a challenge for diaper-changing skills. During such times, you can use toys or make enticing sounds to distract the baby's attention. However, if the baby is at an age where they crawl or run away from you, you don't need to force them to lie down for a diaper change. It's recommended to opt for pants-style diapers that are easy to put on and take off. The baby can stand while getting changed.
Q3: Should you change diapers at night?
A damp diaper can make the baby uncomfortable and even lead to fussiness. If you hear the baby crying, no matter how tired you are, it's necessary to get up, check the baby's condition, and change the diaper. However, due to this, both parents and baby's sleep can be disrupted, affecting emotions and well-being. Therefore, it's advisable to use highly absorbent diapers that prevent leakage and keep the baby dry for an extended period. This can help avoid such situations and ensure sound sleep quality for both parents and the baby.
Q4: Should you change a dry diaper?
If you notice that the baby's diaper has been dry for a while, check if the baby has urinated or if there are any other contaminants or odors in the diaper. If everything appears normal, you can continue to wait for the right time to change the diaper.
Q5: How to change diapers when you're outside?
Look for changing rooms, nursing rooms, or restrooms in public places – these areas usually have changing tables. You can also use a clean diaper pad on the back seat of a car, on a stroller, or in a grassy area for diaper changes. When changing diapers outside, try to be efficient while cleaning every area carefully. If changing isn't convenient, having good-quality diapers on hand can help manage the inconvenience of long trips and prevent potential infections or contamination for the baby.
Learning the correct diaper-changing technique is important, and having good diapers is equally essential! Parasol's new technology water-absorbing diapers has revolutionized the traditional notion of how often diapers should be changed. Through sight, touch, stretch, wear, and smell – engaging all five senses – every parent can experience the simplicity, softness against the skin, snug fit without leaks, superior absorbency, rash prevention, and eco-friendliness of these diapers. These advantages turn the diaper itself into a supportive tool for enhancing diaper-changing skills, ensuring that both parents and babies face each day with a positive spirit.