You have to learn so many things when you become a parent, and diaper changing is one of the first. It can feel intimidating if you’ve never done it before, and especially if you didn’t grow up around babies. I was the youngest in my family and barely babysat, so the first time I changed a diaper was when we came home from the hospital. I had no prep and had to figure it out while still recovering.
Don’t be like me! This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to change a diaper, from what supplies to gather to step-by-step tips for newborns, girls, boys, and toddlers.
And if you’re wondering whether there’s a “right” way to do it, there are a few best practices that make diaper changing safer and easier.
If you want more newborn care guidance, visit our newborn care section for additional tips and support.
What Do You Need?
Before you begin, make sure you have everything within reach. It will help the process go smoothly and keep your baby safe.
Diapers
First and foremost, you need diapers. If you plan to use disposable diapers, that’s all you really need. If you use cloth diapers, you may also need fasteners and a covering, depending on the type of cloth diapers you’re using (Here is a list of cloth diapering essentials). Regardless of how you decide to diaper, make sure that all these items are within reach.
Wipes
Wipes need to be within reach so that you can clean up your baby during a diaper change. There are many options for wipes, and finding the ones you and your baby like best requires some trial and error. Sensitive skin wipes are usually a good starting point, or you can opt for cloth wipes and wash and reuse them.
Diaper Cream
Sometimes, babies develop diaper rash, and there isn’t a great way to prevent it. You should keep diaper cream within reach and apply it to the rash every time you change their diaper to help it heal more quickly. A good cream I recommend for diaper rash is Boudreaux’s Butt Paste! It stays soft, making it easy to get out of the tube, and it’s very spreadable. And it’s a great option if you want something without petrolatum. This kit comes with a larger and travel-size tube of this diaper rash cream, plus preventative ointment and a handy applicator!
A Changing Pad, Blanket, or Towel
You need a comfortable place for your baby to lie while changing their diaper. A contoured changing pad is great for a setup station, but if you are at someone else’s home, you will want to have something to lay your baby on, like a blanket, towel, or portable changing pad.
A Diaper Pail, Garbage Can, or Wet Diaper Bag
Have a convenient location nearby to dispose of the dirty diapers. You can dispose of them in a diaper pail or a garbage can if you use disposables. If you are using cloth diapers, a wet diaper bag is a great place to put them until you secure your baby and can clean the cloth diaper later.
Hand Sanitizer
Having hand sanitizer within reach is a great idea to make things easy. You will be able to sanitize your hands without needing to put down your baby in another location.
Where Should You Change Baby’s Diaper?
Choose a safe, flat, comfortable spot that allows you to keep one hand on baby at all times. Various places that can work are highlighted below:
A Changing Table
A self-standing changing table is a great place to change your baby. Typically, these have built-in drawers and storage areas to hold your diapering supplies.
A Contoured Changing Pad on a Low Dresser
Instead of having a changing table, you can use a contoured changing pad on top of a lower dresser, which is what I did. You will want to put something under the changing pad to ensure it doesn’t slide, but it worked well for us.
The Bed or Floor
You can change your child on the bed or floor if you have a regular changing pad. The important thing is that it’s a flat surface, so you don’t need to worry about your baby sliding or falling.
How To Change a Diaper
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, follow these simple steps to change your baby’s diaper safely and efficiently.
1. Out With the Old and in With the New
Lay your baby down on the changing area or a flat and clean surface. Unfasten the onesie and slide it up to keep it out of any possible accidents. Open a clean diaper and place it under the dirty one.
2. Clean the Diaper Area
Unfasten the diaper, and as you pull down the dirty diaper, use the front of the diaper to wipe off any excess poop the baby may have on them. Remove the dirty diaper, roll it up, and fasten it with its tabs to keep it shut. Keeping it closed will help keep everything contained while you dispose of it. Then wipe clean baby’s genitals and bum with wipes. Be sure to get in between all of the folds.
3. Use Diaper Rash Cream (If Necessary)
Diaper cream may not be necessary every time, but it is often needed when babies are little. If your baby has a rash, be sure to apply cream every time you change their diaper to help it heal.
4. Stick It and Close It Up
Fasten the diaper by pulling the tabs on the sides open and adhering them to the front of the diaper. They should stay in place. If you are using a cloth diaper, you will need some sort of fastener. Place the dirty cloth liner in a wet diaper bag for when you’re ready to clean it and replace it with a new one. Then, close up the onesie.
5. Sanitize and Give Cuddles
Sanitize your hands and cuddle your baby! You’re done! (Unless you need to take care of the cloth diaper!)
Special Considerations
Diapering needs change as your baby grows. Here’s what to know for newborns, girls, boys, and toddlers.
For Newborns
Newborns need extra attention during diaper changes, including frequent changes, careful cleaning, and special cord care.
Change Them Often
You will get plenty of practice because newborns will go through about ten diapers (or more) a day in the beginning. Be sure to change them often enough.
Don’t Freak Out About the Colors
When you’re first starting out, you may witness some funky colors. The first few times your baby poops, they pass meconium, which is tar-like and black. After this, the poops will shift to a darker green and then yellow-green. You could also see a little blood in the poops for the first few days, which is pretty common. However, notify your baby’s doctor if this occurs. You may also see some vaginal discharge in girls, which is also normal.
Mind the Umbilical Cord Stump
You must take great care when handling the umbilical cord stump. When changing the diaper, be sure to fold the top down to ensure it’s not resting on top of it. The umbilical cord stump needs to be exposed to air to help it dry, and eventually, it will fall off; therefore, it shouldn’t be covered. Many newborn diapers are designed to allow this, but your baby may outgrow them before the stump comes off. It just depends on their size.
For Girls
Proper wiping and gentle cleaning help prevent irritation and infection in baby girls.
Wipe Front to Back
It is important that you wipe a girl from front to back. You don’t want to bring any poop forward. By wiping in this manner, you will help prevent your little girl from getting an infection.
Tip: Use warm wipes if your newborn startles easily — it helps keep diaper changes calmer.
Clean Skin Folds
Be gentle and thoroughly clean between the folds of skin.
For Boys
Baby boys may surprise you with unexpected sprays, so simple positioning tricks help prevent messes and leaks.
Cover the Penis
When you change a boy, they may pee into the air all over the place. A way to prevent this is covering their penis with another diaper, wipe, or other cloth to avoid getting sprayed.
Point It Downward
When you close up a boy’s diaper, be sure the penis points down. This position can help prevent leaks.
For Toddlers
Toddlers often resist diaper changes, so distractions, choices, and flexibility can make the process smoother.
Distract Them
You can distract your toddler from the diaper change itself by talking or singing a song or giving them a little toy to look at and play with. It may be just enough to keep him from struggling.
Have Them Help
Toddlers love to help. Give him a job when it comes to diaper changes, and it may be easier to get through it.
Be Open to Changing a Diaper in Other Locations
It’s possible that your toddler no longer likes the changing table. You can change diapers in other locations and see how it goes. Again, it is recommended to change your baby or toddler on a flat surface.
Ask About Changing
Instead of just pulling your child out of their activity, tell them you will soon change their diaper so they know that it’s coming.
Let a Toy Come Along
If there was a toy they were playing with, you could make it a game to drive the truck over to the changing table or let them bring along the stuffy they were playing with. Those, too, can be helpful distractions to make the changing process easier and faster for you.
Related: Physical and Emotional Readiness Signs for Potty Training
Video: How to Change a Baby’s Diaper
This quick video demonstrates the same steps in action, so you can see exactly how a diaper change looks in real-time.
While reading the tips above is helpful, we also have a video to show you how it’s done. This extra learning can go a long way in helping you feel prepared. So many things about becoming a parent are unknown when you’re pregnant, but changing a diaper doesn’t have to be one of them.
Changing a diaper may feel overwhelming at first, but it quickly becomes second nature. With a little practice, the right supplies, and a calm routine, you will feel much more confident. Remember, there is no perfect technique. The best approach is simply the one that works for you and your baby. You’ve got this!
