Diaper Changing 101
Whether this is your first diaper change or your 500th, you will soon become a pro! Babies, especially newborns go through a TON of diapers in the first couple of weeks. Putting the diaper on backwards or making it too lose are common mistakes. Being peed on WILL happen at some point, it is just a matter of time, so be prepared.
TIPS:
First, have all your supplies ready. Diapers, wipes, a change of clothes and a flat surface. If baby has rash, have ointment nearby. Toy nearby if baby is wiggly (for distraction).
Second, always keep a hand on your baby. Undo diaper tabs. Hold legs with one hand and pull down the diaper with the other. Do not remove it yet. If you have a boy, rip a wipe in half and put it over the penis (wipe will absorb urine if he starts to pee). Used by many chiropractors, try this technique to help protect the spine and reduce colic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9IDpEVkemM
Third, place clean diaper under dirty diaper and use the front of the dirty diaper to wipe. ALWAYS, wipe front to back to prevent urinary tract infections. Grab one wipe and wipe baby front to back, make sure to check in all the folds.
Fourth, hold legs up or roll child on the side. Pat dry bottom first before putting on diaper rash ointment. For a boy, make sure that his penis is pointing down (saves diapers and his clothes from pee coming up his diaper). Disposable diapers, adhesive tabs go in back and should be about belly-button level.
Fifth, close the tabs on the diaper and make sure diaper is snug. Make sure you are able to slide two fingers in the top front of the diaper. Pull out cuffs/ruffles on the sides of the diaper. Ruffles tucked inside are a common cause of leakage. Fold top down below umbilical cord or use diapers with the newborn notch cut out.
Six, discard dirty diaper and wash your hands.
Have NO fear, soon you will be an EXPERT!