How To Change a Baby’s Diaper

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.

If you’re new to diapering, this guide can help. It 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 To Change a Diaper?

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 cover, depending on the type you use. If you’re using cloth diapers, here are the cloth diapering essentials you’ll need. 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 wipe options, and it may take some trial and error to find the ones that work best for your baby. Sensitive skin wipes are usually a good starting point, or you can opt for cloth wipes and wash and reuse them.

Related: 12 Types of Baby Poop and What They Mean

Diaper Cream

Sometimes babies develop diaper rash, even with frequent diaper changes and good hygiene. 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. If your baby develops diaper rash, apply a diaper rash cream or ointment at each diaper change to help protect the skin and support healing. There are many effective options available, so choose one that works well for your baby’s skin and follows your pediatrician’s recommendations if needed.

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 for disposing of 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 them 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 having to put your baby down elsewhere.

Where Should You Change Baby’s Diaper?

Choose a safe, flat, comfortable spot that lets you keep one hand on the 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 keep it from sliding, 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.

Related: Baby Constipation Remedies: How To Help a Newborn Poop

How To Change a Diaper Step by Step

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 on a flat, clean surface. Unfasten the onesie and slide it up to prevent any accidents. Open a clean diaper and place it under the dirty one.

2. Clean the Diaper Area

Unfasten the diaper, then use the front of it 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 use wipes to gently clean your baby’s genitals and bottom. 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. Fasten the Clean Diaper

Fasten the diaper by pulling the side tabs open and securing them to the front of the diaper. They should stay in place. If you are using a cloth diaper, you will need a 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, then enjoy a few cuddles with your baby. You’re done! (Unless you need to take care of the cloth diaper.)

Diaper Changing Tips for Newborns, Girls, Boys, and Toddlers

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.

Tip: Use warm wipes if your newborn startles easily. It helps keep diaper changes calmer.

Change Them Often

You will get plenty of practice because newborns will go through about 10 diapers (or more) a day at first. Be sure to change them often enough.

Know That Newborn Poop Can Change 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 so it doesn’t rest on top of it. The umbilical cord stump needs to be exposed to air to help it dry; eventually, it will fall off, so 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.

Related: How To Care for a Newborn’s Umbilical Cord

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.

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 to cover 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 help them stay still.

Have Them Help

Toddlers love to help. Give them a job during diaper changes, and it may be easier to get through them.

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’ll change their diaper soon so they know 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.

Video: How to Change a Baby’s Diaper

This quick video demonstrates the same steps in action, so you can see exactly what a diaper change looks like in real time.

If you’re a visual learner, watching someone change a diaper can help you feel even more confident before it’s your turn. Every baby is a little different, but once you’ve done it a few times, diaper changes quickly become second nature.

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 isn’t one perfect technique. The best approach is simply the one that works for you and your baby. You’ve got this!