This article will look at how to change a baby diaper and get it right the first time, even if you’re a newbie.
There are many beautiful things about being the parent of a baby. Changing their diaper isn’t one of them, but it comes with the territory.
It’s something you will have to do every three hours or so during the day and when your baby wakes to feed during the night.
If you leave it any longer than that, they will feel uncomfortable and likely get diaper rash.
There’s no getting around the fact that changing a baby’s diaper can be messy. But, by being prepared, you can get the job done with minimal fuss.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and you will have plenty of that in the coming months.
The first few times will be the hardest, but you will soon get used to it. When you do, it will be smooth sailing all the way.
Next, we look at how to change a diaper.
What you will need to Change a Baby Diaper
There’s nothing worse than running out of diapers and having to drive to the store in the middle of the night, so be sure to stock up. 
Whether you use cloth or disposable diapers, you can never have too many.
You will also need a stash of baby wipes, powder, rash cream, and a pail to hold soiled diapers.
A light blanket will help keep your baby’s top part warm during cold weather.
A baby change pad or a soft towel to place on the changing surface is a must. It will help protect the changing table so you will have less to clean.
If your baby is a boy, you will also require a washer. This is because when a male baby urinates while lying on his back, the urine sprays up into the air.
If you don’t have a cloth handy, the spray could hit you in the face or land on your hair.
A short video showing how to change a baby diaper
Step-by-step Instructions
Now you’ve gathered the essentials, you are ready to change your first baby diaper.
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Wash your hands
Before you start, wash your hands in warm, soapy water, then dry them. If you don’t have access to a faucet, use hand sanitizer.
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Find a suitable surface
With everything in reach, place your baby on a sturdy surface.
You could use a bed or even the floor, but you will have to bend to do this. This will quickly become tiring and can lead to an aching neck, shoulders, and back.
Changing the diaper on a table is also an option if it is the right height; however, this isn’t hygienic.
The best option is to buy a baby changing table. They come with adjustable heights, and the better ones have storage, so everything you need will be on hand.
They also have a safety strap, so you can feel more relaxed when doing a diaper change. While the strap is practical, for safety’s sake, you will still need to keep at least one hand on your baby while they are on the table.
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Grab a diaper
Place a baby change pad or a clean towel on the table or bed, then put a clean, open diaper on top.
If you are using a disposable diaper, ensure that the side with the tabs is facing down.
Some diapers have hook and T-shaped or two-pronged fasteners onto the front. Others have snaps or velcro.
The instructions for all are almost identical.
NB: If you use a diaper that needs pins, place your fingers underneath it, covering your baby’s skin to prevent accidentally pricking them.
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Remove the baby’s clothing
Remove your baby’s clothing, being careful not to get them soiled, then lay them on their back so that the top of the diaper lines up with the small of their back.
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Unfasten the soiled diaper
Unfasten 
the soiled diaper and fold over the tabs so they don’t stick to the baby’s skin.
Gently lift the baby’s legs by the ankles with one hand.
As you do this, fold the soiled diaper so the clean part faces up. Use this to wipe off as much poop as possible, then move the diaper so it is out of your baby’s reach.
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Clean the baby
Next, use a baby wipe or a moist cloth to clean the baby. Start at the front, then move to the back, being sure to clean underneath their bottom and in their thigh creases.
Let the baby’s bottom air dry briefly, or dry it with a soft, clean towel.
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Apply powder or diaper rash cream
Next, apply powder or diaper rash cream to your baby’s bottom (if required), then slide out the soiled diaper and drop it into a pail.
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Fasten a clean diaper
Lift the clean diaper so that it is between the baby’s legs and the front half is over their tummy with the top at naval height.
If your little one is a boy, point his penis downwards to help prevent him from urinating over the top of the diaper.
Lower the baby’s legs.
Use the tabs to fasten the diaper, bringing them up to just beneath the child’s naval.
The diaper should be snug but not tight on their tummy. You should be able to fit your first two fingers into the front of the diaper.
Leave ample room between the baby’s legs, as a bunched diaper will be uncomfortable and chafe the baby’s delicate skin.
You can now dress your baby, dispose of the dirty diaper, and thoroughly wash and dry your hands.
NB: If your child is a newborn and their umbilical cord stump has not yet fallen off, fold over the front of the diaper so that it doesn’t come in contact with the stump.
Alternatively, you can cut out a section of the diaper or buy disposable diapers with notches cut out of the front.
Changing a Baby Diaper Summary
Now you know how to change a baby diaper; the rest is up to you. It may be daunting the first few times, and it’s not a job you will enjoy, but I promise you, it’s not that hard, and you will soon be changing diapers without giving it a second thought.
