A New Parent’s Guide to Diaper Changes

When you are new to parenting, especially if you do not have very much experience with babies in general, certain aspects of the job may seem daunting. Diaper changes are definitely one of the parts of parenting that can cause some consternation, but don’t worry- you’ve got this. With a few helpful tips, you will soon be changing diapers like a pro.

What to Expect in the Diaper

The answer to this may seem obvious, but in fact, it might surprise you. In the first few days of a newborn baby’s life, the poop will be abundant and will look like black tar. This may sound horrifying, and if you don’t know about it, you might be alarmed, but it’s just meconium. It’s the result of materials the baby ingested in utero, and it is difficult to clean from a baby’s skin. After the first change, slather your baby’s bum with diaper cream, and it will be easier next time. Fortunately, meconium has very little odor and only lasts a few days.

Understanding the Basics

Before the baby is born, you will likely be given all sorts of diaper changing gear. The truth is, you don’t really need a fancy changing table, diaper warmer, and all the other accoutrements; as long as you have a changing pad, a clean diaper, wipes, and diaper cream, you are good to go. You can change a baby just about anywhere you can lie the baby down. Here’s how:

• Grab your supplies- diaper, wipes, diaper cream, and changing pad.
• Put the pad on a safe surface, and lie the baby on the pad, keeping a hand on baby at all times.
• Remove only the clothes you need to take off to free the diaper, and slide the new diaper under the old one.
• Unfasten the dirty diaper, and if it is poopy, lift baby’s feet to his or her chest so that you can clean the poop, first with the top of the old diaper, then with wipes.
• Fold the old diaper and remove it, then apply diaper cream if desired.
• Pull up the new diaper and fasten it, folding the top down below the umbilical cord stump when your baby is a newborn.
• Dispose of the dirty diaper and wipes in an appropriate receptacle, and then wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer, taking care to never leave baby unattended.

The Difference Between Boys and Girls

Of course, you know the obvious difference between boys and girls, but did you know it affects the diaper change? First, you can expect that your little boy will pee on you at some point, because the air hitting the diaper area causes this reaction. To protect yourself from errant baby urine, strategically place a wipe or the second diaper to block the flow. With little girls, the thing to remember is to always wipe from front to back. This prevents infections by keeping poop out of her vagina.

What if Baby Hates It?

Diaper changes are a necessary part of life, but that doesn’t mean the baby will like them. Have a toy readily available to distract your little one, and keep talking while you are changing the diaper. Explain what you are doing and narrate the sensory experience for the baby, or sing songs. The sound of your voice will soothe your baby and make diaper changing easier.

Center for Vasectomy Reversal Loves Supporting New Parents with Helpful Tips

For more useful advice on raising your family, check back here often! At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start their healthy, happy families, and we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more about the work we do or our discounts for active duty military and veterans, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.