Diapering is one of those essential skills every new parent must quickly learn. Choosing the right type of diaper—whether you’re team cloth or team disposable—and mastering the art of the quick change can make a world of difference in your baby’s comfort and hygiene. This guide is here to help you navigate everything from diaper choices to rash remedies, ensuring your bundle of joy stays clean, comfy, and ready for cuddles. With a little practice and the right supplies, you’ll be a diapering pro before you know it!¹

Important Reminders

• Wiping Technique: Always wipe baby girls from front to back to prevent bacteria from spreading to the urinary tract. This is crucial for reducing the risk of infections.
• Avoiding Sprays: Be prepared! When removing the diaper, baby boys can sometimes urinate. Placing a cloth or wipe over the penis can help prevent surprise sprays.

Diapering Basics

• Prepare Your Supplies: Gather everything you need—a clean diaper, wipes, diaper cream, and a changing pad. Having a diaper pail or trash can nearby will make disposal quick and hassle-free.
• Safe Changing Environment: Use a clean, flat surface like a changing table or bed, and always keep one hand on your baby to prevent falls.
• Open a Fresh Diaper: Slide the clean diaper underneath the one your baby is currently wearing, setting the stage for a smooth transition.
• Unfasten the Old Diaper: Gently unfasten the dirty diaper, be careful if it’s a bit messy!
• Clean Your Baby: Lift your baby’s feet and legs, and carefully wipe from front to back. Avoid reusing soiled wipes on clean areas. Don’t forget to clean into the folds and rolls of skin to ensure everything is fresh and clean.
• Dispose of the Old Diaper: Tuck everything into the soiled diaper and dispose of it in the nearby diaper pail or trash can.
• Apply Diaper Ointment: If needed, apply diaper ointment to protect your baby’s skin.
• Finish the Change: Secure the new diaper, ensuring it’s snug but not too tight. Check the fit around the legs and waist to make sure it’s comfortable for your little one.
• Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands and clean the changing table to prevent the spread of germs. 

Understanding Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a common concern for many little ones, often showing up as red, irritated skin in the diaper area. It can be caused by various factors, such as prolonged exposure to moisture, friction, sensitivities to diaper materials, or even yeast infections. Understanding the causes can help you keep your baby comfy and rash-free!²

Preventing Diaper Rash

• Change wet and dirty diapers immediately.
• Clean gently, using water and a soft washcloth or alcohol and fragrance-free wipes. 
• Allow your baby’s skin to air dry; let them go diaper-free when possible.
• Use a barrier cream (like zinc oxide) to protect the skin.

Treatment Options

• Mild Rash: Use a gentle diaper cream containing zinc oxide. Layer it on like you are frosting a cake. Keep the area clean and dry.
• Moderate to Severe Rash: If the rash worsens or doesn’t improve within a few days, consult your pediatrician. They may recommend antifungal or prescription creams.

Nighttime Diapering

For a peaceful night’s sleep, consider using overnight diapers, choosing a larger size, or doubling up with cloth diapers to minimize leaks during those longer sleep periods. It’s also a good habit to change diapers right before bedtime and as needed during the night, ensuring your little one stays comfortable and dry.

Travel and Outings

When heading out, be sure to pack extra diapers, wipes, and a changing pad in your diaper bag—after all, it’s always better to be prepared! Don’t forget to include an extra set of clothes, as they can be a lifesaver in case of a diaper “blowout.” Being ready for anything helps ensure more fun and less stress during your outings.

The Cloth vs. Disposable Debate

Many parents are understandably concerned about the environmental impact of diapers, but the comparison between disposable and cloth options isn’t as clear-cut as it might seem. Both types affect the environment based on their entire life cycles, which includes the energy, water, and raw materials used, as well as the emissions and waste produced. While studies suggest that disposable diapers require more raw materials and create more solid waste, cloth diapers require significantly more water and contribute to additional waterborne waste. In the end, it seems there isn’t a definitive answer on which option is more eco-friendly, leaving parents with a tough choice. Here is more detailed information to help you decide.³

Cloth Diaper Pros and Cons:

• Eco-Friendly: Reusable, helping to reduce waste.
• Gentle on Skin: Often made from natural materials, which can be gentler on your baby’s skin.
• Cost-Effective: Can save money in the long run.
• Potty Training: May ease the transition to potty training.
• Higher Initial Cost: The upfront investment can be more significant.
• Frequent Changes: Your baby may need to be changed more often.
• Laundry Commitment: Requires more washing and water use.
• Less Convenient for Travel: Can be less practical on-the-go.

Disposable Diapers Pros and Cons

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Babycare for the Breastfed Baby
• It Takes a Village 
• Moms Circle

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References