Changing your baby's diaper is an important task that every parent and caregiver must learn to do correctly. While it may seem like a simple task, there are proper techniques to ensure that the baby's bum stays clean, comfortable, and healthy. In this blog post, we will discuss the best way to change a baby's diaper.

Before we get started, it's important to note that babies need to have their diapers changed frequently. Newborns may need to be changed up to 10 times a day, while older babies may need changing every 2-3 hours. A wet or soiled diaper can cause diaper rash, which can be painful and uncomfortable for the baby. Additionally, a dirty diaper can lead to infections and other health problems.

Now let's get into the steps for changing a baby's diaper the proper way

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies within reach. You'll need a clean diaper, wipes, diaper rash cream (if necessary), and a changing pad or clean surface to lay the baby on. It's important to have everything you need before you start, because you're not going to have a chance to run grab something mid-diaper change.

Step 2: Prepare the Baby

Lay the baby on his/her back on the changing pad or clean surface. If your baby is older and like to wretch and wriggle, you may need to use a strap to secure them in place. Undo the tabs on the dirty diaper, but don't remove it yet. Use the front of the diaper to gently clean up any poop from the baby's bottom, being careful not to wipe too hard or irritate the skin. If the baby has a lot of poop, you may need to use a wipe to clean them up before removing the diaper.

Step 3: Remove the Dirty Diaper

Once you've cleaned up any poop, gently lift the baby's legs by the ankles with one hand and use the other hand to slide the dirty diaper out from under the baby. Be careful not to bump the baby's head or bottom during this process.

Step 4: Clean the Baby

Using wipes or a damp cloth, gently clean the baby's bottom and genital area. Be sure to clean in all the folds and creases, as these areas can trap moisture and cause diaper rash. If your baby has a rash or is prone to diaper rash, you can use diaper rash cream at this time.

Step 5: Put on a Clean Diaper

Place the clean diaper under the baby, making sure the back of the diaper is lined up with the baby's bottom. Bring the front of the diaper up between the baby's legs and secure the tabs on each side. Be sure to adjust the diaper so that it's snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit one or two fingers between the baby's skin and the diaper.

Step 6: Clean Up

Once you've put on the clean diaper, dispose of the dirty diaper and wipes in a diaper pail or trash can. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Additional Tips:

• Keep one hand on the baby at all times during the diaper change to prevent them from rolling off the changing table or pad.
• If you're changing a baby boy's diaper, be sure to point his penis downward before securing the diaper to prevent leaks.
• If you're using cloth diapers, follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and care to prevent bacterial growth and odors.
• If your baby has a persistent diaper rash, consult your pediatrician for advice on treatment and prevention.

Changing a baby's diaper may seem like a daunting task, but with practice, it will become second nature. By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that your baby stays clean, comfortable, and healthy.

 

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The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on many people in a variety of ways, even babies. For babies born during the Covid19  pandemic, a JAMA study suggests, the log-term health problems has the potential to be lifelong.

The first three years of life are crucial for brain development in humans. But it’s not just the health of babies that it affected, but the interactions between babies, parents and other would be caregivers. Babies need to be touched, spoken to, swaddled, smiled at, played with, stimulated and loved. As they respond to those interactions, neural connections are constructed in the brain. Without those interactions, an infant's brain doesn’t develop and grow as it should.

A stressed out or depressed parent or caregiver may find it hard to find the time and energy required to give the child's brain the love, stimulation and attention it needs to develop. There are many studies showing that poverty, maternal depression and other factors can change the development of a child's brain forever.

 

Methodology

As part of an ongoing study of babies and their mothers, researchers from Columbia University studied the development of three groups of 6-month-old infants. Two of the groups were born during the COVID-19 pandemic; the mothers of one group had COVID-19, while the mothers of the other did not. The third group was a historical cohort (a group of babies who were born before the pandemic).

Mothers participating in the study used an Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) to record their babies’ development and evolution. The researchers noted no difference in the development of the two groups of babies born during the pandemic, suggesting that prenatal exposure to COVID-19 doesn’t affect development, which is good news. But babies born during the pandemic scored lower in gross motor, fine motor, and social-emotional development than the babies born before the pandemic. Examples of developmental tasks for babies in this age group are rolling from back to tummy (gross motor), reaching for or grasping a toy with both hands (fine motor), and acting differently to strangers than to parents or familiar people (social-emotional development).

 

Infant Development during COVID

It’s just one study, and we need to do more research to better understand this, but the findings are not really surprising given what we know about infant development. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of stress — emotional, financial, and otherwise — for so many families. It has also markedly affected the number and kind of interactions we have with other people. Babies are on average interacting with fewer people (and seeing fewer faces because of masking) than they did before the pandemic.

Even though we need to do more research, this study should serve as a warning for us as a society. The children of this pandemic will carry scars forever if we don’t intervene now. We’ve already seen the emotional and educational effects on children, and we need to be aware of the developmental effects on babies too. The stakes are too high to ignore the research.

 

What Can be Done?

We need to find ways to financially and emotionally support families with young children. We need to be diligent, energetic and creative, and work every angle available. And even if our government can't help out enough and play a role, our communities and individuals must take up the slack.

And parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers need to know about this research — and ask for help. It’s understandable and natural for parents to think that babies are too small and unaware to be affected by the pandemic. But they are affected, in ways that could be long-lasting. Talk to your doctor about what you can do to help yourself, your family, and your baby’s future.

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You’ve been trying to conceive and now your period is late, so it’s possible you could be pregnant, right? But even before a home test can detect your condition, your body may be sending out a few hints that you’re a new mom-to-be. If you pay close attention, you’ll pick up on a few of these early signs of pregnancy.

Tender breasts. Breast soreness is a very common early pregnancy clue. Hormones help to increase your blood volume, leaving you with heavier-than-usual breasts.

Nausea. Morning sickness usually starts in the first month and can last through the third or fourth month. And this queasy feeling doesn’t always, or only, occur when you first wake up; a few new moms-to-be feel green morning, noon, and night.

Constipation and bloating. Feeling a little bloated and uncomfortable is normal. The digestive track tends to slow down during pregnancy, leaving you a little, well, backed up.

Moodiness. One minute you’re laughing, and the next, you’re in tears, thanks to your changing hormones. A few new moms-to-be may even feel depressed or anxious, too.

Cravings or food aversions. Some women can’t stop eating peaches, while others find that the sight of chicken turns their stomach into knots. If you fall into either camp, it could be an early pregnancy clue.

Fatigue. It’s hard work growing a new baby! Increasing hormones are contributing to that sluggish feeling. Take heart: Most women get a surge of energy in their second trimester.

Backaches. Hormones released during pregnancy allow pelvic ligaments to soften in preparation for the birth. This change may affect the usual positioning of your spine and cause some pain. You’ll likely be dealing with back strain quite a bit as your belly swells. If your back is giving you grief, try a heating pad set at the lowest temperature, or a warm water bottle, or a cold compress for relief.

Heightened sense of smell. An extra-sensitive nose is another early pregnancy sign, so don’t be surprised if you can smell the dirty dishes in the sink from the other side of the room.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and your period isn’t on time, head to the drugstore for a home pregnancy kit to confirm your suspicion, or have your doctor give you a pregnancy test. You may find out that you’ll soon be welcoming a new baby!

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When you’re having a baby, your body will go through a multitude of changes. Some you’ll expect (the weight gain, for example) while others might come as a surprise (hello, hemorrhoids!). Here’s the rundown on the trimester-by-trimester changes most expectant moms experience. Keep in mind that while these symptoms are perfectly normal, if any cause you severe discomfort or stop you from going about your daily routines, talk to your doctor.

In Your First Trimester
 In the initial trimester, your body isn’t quite used to the idea of being pregnant yet, and your increasing hormone levels are wreaking some havoc. Here’s what to expect:

• Your breasts will most likely become swollen, and your nipples may start to stick out.

• Morning sickness can cause some soon-to-be new moms to have upset stomachs or to throw up.

• An increase in hormone levels can bring on acne (talk to your doctor before using any acne medication).

• Mood swings may occur (again, blame the hormones!). Don’t be surprised if one second you’re laughing with friends and the next you’re sobbing.

• It’s likely you’ll experience constipation or difficulty with bowel movements.

• You may need to urinate more frequently.

In Your Second Trimester
By now your body has probably settled into a more steady pregnancy routine. Here’s what expectant moms should be on the lookout for during this time.

• General body aches in the back, groin, or thighs may start to kick in.

• Your skin may start to change, including a darkening around your nipples and the appearance of stretch marks, especially on your stomach, breasts, thighs, and buttocks.

• Your ankles, fingers, and face may start to swell.

• Other normal symptoms are itching of the abdomen, palms, and feet as well swelling of your ankles, fingers, and face. However, if any of these symptoms are accompanied with nausea, a loss of appetite, vomiting, or extreme fatigue, contact your doctor immediately, as it could be a sign of something more serious.

In Your Third Trimester
Good news: You’re almost at the finish line! Here are a few additional symptoms expectant moms may notice in those final weeks:

• Shortness of breath, heartburn, and swelling may occur, as well as the development of hemorrhoids.

• Your breasts may become very tender, and may begin to leak colostrum, a watery pre-milk your body produces as it gets ready to provide nourishment for your new baby.

• Your new baby will probably “drop” during these weeks, moving lower in your abdomen to prepare for birth.

While some of the symptoms are annoying and even worrisome, keep in mind that most disappear within a few months of giving birth. And by that time, you’ll be so in love with your new baby, you won't even notice a little acne!