6 New Mom Diaper Changing Tips

Learning how to change a diaper isn't rocket science, but there are a few tricks to making the process a bit easier. Believe it or not, if all the stars align, a diaper change can even be a sweet bonding moment. Until, of course, you realize you've got a smear of poo on your forehead. Here are some tricks I’ve picked up as a new mom:

Tip #1: Gather everything you need, such as a clean diaper, plenty of wipes, and a towel or changing pad to keep the floor from getting dirty. And yes, I said "the floor!" I find it's easier to sit on the floor and change my son. This way, I don't have to worry about him rolling off a changing table.

Tip #2: Tell your baby what you're going to do. Even a newborn can start to learn cues. Say, "I'm going to change your diaper now. Please hold still." Show your baby the clean Pampers diaper. My son responds better to diaper changes when I approach it this way,as opposed to suddenly removing him from fun time and stripping him naked without a word -- how jarring!

Tip #3: Check down the back for poop. The worst thing is being 'surprised' by a really dirty diaper.

Tip #4: Although you're concentrating on the task at hand, it really helps if you can simultaneously distract your baby with a toy, a song, or (as they get older) a request, such as, "Can you sing me the ABCs?"

Tip #5: If it's a poopy diaper, use the front inside to do the initial wipe instead of a disposable wipe. This technique cleans up most the mess in one swoop. Put the dirty diaper out of your baby's reach. As you use disposable wipes to clean up any remaining poop, put the wipes in the center of the dirty diaper. When you're all done with the change, roll up the dirty diaper and wipes, and then affix the tabs across the front to make a ball. This traps all the waste inside and will keep your diaper pail smelling decent for longer.

Tip #6: When boys are little, they may pee as a reflex when their penis is exposed to the air. Prevent this -- or at least, prevent a huge mess -- by putting a washcloth over the penis after you prepare the clean Pampers diaper. Girls should be wiped from front to back to prevent the transfer of fecal matter into their vaginas.

Learning how to change a diaper can be a challenge. To become a diaper-changing pro, just remember: Practice makes perfect!

Photo by Marcin Jozwiak on Unsplash