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DIAPER BASICS
First time moms and dads find changing diapers the biggest task ever as babies need as many as ten of them a day and it is quite a messy and smelly affair, but with a little practice it doesn’t seem all that tough a task.
First things First – before changing a diaper, get
- Small tub of warm water and some cotton swabs or cloth to wipe.
- A diaper
- Petroleum jelly or an ointment incase of any rashes
Cleansing
Before putting a diaper on your baby, using the warm water and cotton swabs , gently wipe your baby’s bottom from the front to the back . Then clean the folds of the thigh and then the buttocks. Pat dry after the wipe and rub in the jelly or the ointment if required to avoid rash.
While cleansing boy babies, cover their genitals, as contact with air causes them to urinate and you could end up being a possible target while changing the diaper.
Putting on the Diaper
- Untie the diaper and slip it under your baby, softly lifting his legs and feet.
- Get the front of the diaper between your baby's legs and on his belly. Pass the adhesive strips around and fasten neatly. Ensure that the adhesive is not on your baby’s skin.
- Look out for marks if any around the baby’s waist and legs, it could be because of the diaper being tight, change it to slightly loose one the next time.
- If a rash develops on the baby, try changing to a different brand as sometimes certain brands don’t suit the baby.
- If the umbilical cord has not fallen off yet, don’t let the waistline of the diaper touch it.
- Maintain clean hands before and after a diaper change.
- Be gentle on your baby, do not rush to speed up the process and hurt the baby.
- Distract your baby by giving him a toy or anything that interests him if he isn’t allowing you in putting on the diaper.
Rash
Its most common for babies to develop rashes once they start having diapers on them but if the rash stays on inspite of applying ointment and jelly, its time you got in touch with the doctor.
Follow these simple methods to avoid rashes on your baby:
- Avoid using diapers as much as possible while the baby is home. Try using them only when you take him out.
- Use specific ointments and jelly that are suggested for diaper rashes instead of using just about any medication.
- Change diapers immediately once they are soiled without delay.
- Use dye and fragrance free detergents while washing cloth nappies.