One of the first things that as first-time parents we have to do is changing the diaper of the newborn and, although after a while, we become authentic experts thanks to the practice acquired after having placed them several times upside down, here are some tips that will help you perfect the technique.
When should we change the diaper
The first thing you have to be clear about is that your baby's skin is very sensitive and therefore you must prevent stool and / or urine from staying in contact with it for a long time. So, as much as possible, you should change the diaper every time the newborn urinates or poops to avoid possible irritations or other rashes in his intimate area.
Common sense will tell you how often you should change the diaper since your priority will be to keep your baby comfortable and dry but, as a general rule, a newborn can use up to ten diapers in one day. Ideally, as much as possible, change it as soon as you notice it wet. In the case of feces it will be easy to detect them because their strong smell gives them away. As for the urine, it is normal that after each take, at least, you change the diaper especially if it is too swollen.
What will you need
Make sure all the utensils you need are close every time you have to change a diaper to your baby. It is important that you wash and dry your hands and choose a clean, comfortable and warm place to place your baby and proceed to change.
You will need to a new diaper of his size, warm water and cotton to clean sensitive skin or recurrences wet cleaning wipes, a cotton towel to dry already clean skin, a portable changer if you are away from home and a lenitive cream like Chicco Baby Moments balsamic paste which is specially formulated to prevent skin rashes caused by diaper thanks to zinc oxide (10%), which creates a breathable protective barrier, and to panthenol that helps the regeneration of your skin.
Step by step change
Once you have all the utensils on hand, this is how you should change your baby's diaper:
Place your baby on his back, release the adhesive closures of your dirty diaper and stick them so they don't rub the baby's skin. Do not take it out yet.
If you carry poop, clean it (always from front to back, especially if your baby is a girl) before removing the dirty diaper. If it is meconium, that is, the baby's first feces, it is more sticky with what the cleaning has to be more strict so you are likely to need more than a damp cloth. For these cases, use warm water and specific soap and remember to dry your skin before continuing. Do not forget to clean the folds that your baby may have between the thighs and the buttocks.
- With one hand, hold the baby by the feet and lift the legs until the buttocks are raised and you can remove the dirty diaper with the other hand.
- With the skin already dry (either because it has dried in the air or because we have used paper or cotton to do so), apply a small amount of Chicco Baby Moments lenitive cream, free of parabens, dyes and alcohol. Dermatologically tested on sensitive and hypoallergenic skin. Thanks to her, your baby will be protected from any type of irritation.
- Take your baby's feet again with one hand and gently and gently lift the buttocks to place the new diaper. Remember that the part that has the adhesive closures is the one that should be put under the buttocks. Pass the front part of the diaper between your legs and adjust it so that the diaper completely picks up your baby's intimate parts, being careful not to squeeze it too much or leave it too loose.
- Dress up the little one, wash your hands and test passed!
Surely, at some point, you will live some "surprise rain", which can be especially "fun" if your baby is a boy, so, as it is inevitable that you will spend sooner or later, we advise you to use a clean diaper to cover your baby's penis while you make the change or that you have toilet paper on hand to clean up the "disaster" as quickly as possible.
Caution with the umbilical cord
If your baby still has the umbilical cord with the clamp, you should take special care so that it does not get dirty and avoid a belly button infection. Normally, it is well protected and fixed below the diaper, being careful to place the newborn's penis, if male, down to prevent wetting that delicate area when urinating.
Once the clamp has fallen, you should continue to maintain the same care and precautions until the navel has healed completely.
We hope we have helped you solve the doubts about the diaper change and now that you know the theory, it's time to practice!
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