When you have a new baby the nurses probably put on the first diaper and maybe even change a diaper or two before you are given the opportunity to go at it on your own. Many first time parents sit in the hospital room with their new baby and just look at each other when it is time to change their baby’s diaper for the first time. A lot of times the mother is sure she can do it, while the father sits there looking dumbfounded, not having a clue. There are steps that both parents can take to help make diaper changing whether it is the first one, or their 100th.

Step 1: Be prepared before you begin to change the diaper. Have all the items you need together before it is time to change the diaper. Diapers, diaper wipes, cream and powder should all be within arms reach when you start. Once your baby starts rolling it isn’t safe to leave him to get supplies, and before hand you need to be prepared and be fast because babies like to pee on their parents. Being prepared will cut down on clothing changes, for you and for your baby.

Step 2: Create a safe place to change your baby. It is important to have a flat firm place to change your baby. Even newborns can flip themselves off a table just by kicking and moving so make sure that you keep one hand on your baby at all times. Many Pack N Plays now come with build in changing tables, and you can also buy changing tables at your local baby store. Changing tables normally have an area for all the supplies making it convenient.

Step 3: Undress your baby just enough to make it easy to change him. If he is just wearing an onesie unsnap it and pull it up a bit. If he is wearing pants or a one piece outfit remove the bottom part in order to free up the legs. When you can, take off the socks so that your baby doesn’t stick his feet in his dirty diaper, and make sure you have a change of clothes in case he does.

Step 4: When removing one diaper be sure to have another underneath your baby’s bottom or ready to put under there immediately. You will be surprised at how often your baby will decide to pee and poop as soon as you take off his diaper. Also have a diaper wipe or wash cloth ready to cover your baby’s genitalia because you never know when your baby might become a fountain.

Step 5: Use the diaper wipes to clean the baby off well. Especially for a girl who has extra folds; you want to make sure you get every area. On a girl wipe front to back in order to keep from introducing the bacteria into her genitalia which can cause infection.

Step 6: If it is needed put on diaper rash cream. Many pediatricians no longer recommend using baby powder so check with yours and weigh the pros and cons before you decide.

Step 7: The tabs on the diaper should be behind the baby. After your baby is clean pull the front of the diaper up between your baby’s legs and fasten it closed. Not so tight that your baby can’t breathe, but not so loose that it can easily leak.

Step 8: Clean your hands and if necessary the baby’s feet and legs. Diaper wipes are a great cleaning source to have around for more than just cleaning a bottom. Keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer at the changing table will help insure that you are able to fight away the infection causing bacteria.

Step 9: Redress your baby, including his socks and be prepared to start all over again soon, as it won’t be long before your baby needs another diaper change.

Once the umbilical cord has come off your baby you can start giving him baths! Some babies love baths, other babies detest them; if you are lucky yours will love his bath. What do you need to know before you start however and how can you make it easier?

Checklist:
What items do you need to have prepared before you put your baby in the bath in order to make your job go smoother?

____ A sparkling clean baby bath (or sink) with soft insert (towel or sponge, also clean)
____ Running water
____ Baby soap
____ A warm room
____ Wash cloth and small face washing cloth
____ Clean baby towel
____ Clean outfit
____ Two clean diapers (just in case)
____ A baby!

Tips:

• Have everything ready before you start the bathing process.
• Make sure the room is warm – if necessary, use a space heater to help warm it up.
• In a small bowl, mix a little baby soap with warm water. Use this solution for washing so you won’t have to worry about getting too much soap on an already slippery baby.
• Want to remember these early days? Get someone else to take a picture or two of your little one in the bath.

Step-by-step:
1. Choose a clean place to bathe your baby. The kitchen sink, since it’s higher it won’t strain your back as much, is a popular place for a baby to take their first bath. You can also use a baby bath. You will want to use a foam bath mat or washcloth at the bottom of your “tub” so that your baby doesn’t slip.

2. Make sure that the room is warm and draft-free and have everything – from soap to towel – ready.

3. Don’t plan on answering the phone or the door or using the facilities. Babies can drown quickly in as little as two inches of water so stay within arms reach of your baby at all times.

4. Fill the bath a few inches deep with warm water. Some babies don’t like the water running while they are in the bath. If this is your baby turn it off before you put him in.

5. Slowly get the baby undressed. Tell your baby what is going to be happening and make it sound like fun. Babies will learn what bath time is and get excited, often kicking and squealing if they know it is something you are excited about as well.

6. Slowly put your baby in the tub, supporting her neck and body the whole way as she gets used to it.

7. Start washing her face. Use a very small amount of soap. (We cut a soft towel into little strips for washing the baby’s face.) They really don’t like having their whole face covered, so just wash one small area at a time.

8. Some people will start with the head next and work their way down, but if your baby isn’t really dirty you may want to do the body first. Heat is lost through babies head so often if you wash their hair first and then wash their body they may get chilled. Don’t forget to get behind the ears, her neck and under the arms – all places where stuff can accumulate.

9. Wash your baby’s arms and legs. It’s amazing the lint that collects in their little fingers and toes, so make sure to rinse those areas well.

10. Clean around the belly button, and finally, the diaper zone. Remember to rinse this area thoroughly so that there isn’t soap left there that will irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.

11. Once you’ve washed the front of baby, it’s time to clean the back. Cup your hand around the baby’s neck and hold your little one up so that with the other hand, you can clean her back and rear.

12. Almost done! Lean your baby back and hold on tight, they are slippery! Place a hand under each arm, lean her slowly forward and pick her up out of the bath. Gently lay her down on the towel.

13. Dry off your baby thoroughly. Some babies like hooded towels (they are cute) and it’s comforting to them and keeps their wet heads warm. (Make sure the hood doesn’t descend into their eyes). Hood or no hood, make sure that you keep your little one’s head warm while you dry her.

14. Your baby’s clean! Time for a new diaper and a clean outfit.