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Infant Diapering

Ever Wondered How...?

Congratulations! As a new mom or dad diapering will be one of your new hobbies for the next two or three years..! Or more, if you get more children...

Great, huh?

Since this new hobby definately will take some of your time, it is nice to carry it out as easily as possible.

infant diapering
Well, changing nappies will soon become a routine thing that you won't even think about doing.

To get a good start, check out our tips! Some things are important to know, such as how to clean a baby girl or boy for example.

Want to read a few true diapering stories from other parents? You'll find couple of fun anecdotes here. (As well as many other baby stories.)

The changing place

When our first child was born, our bath room was so small that I decided to just take care of the diapering on the floor.

Not a good idea!

All the bending over the baby and lifting him up is really bad for your back.

If at all possible, make room for a changing table somewhere in the house. It doesn't have to be in the bath room, but it is very convenient if it is close to the bath room if you want to wash your baby.

If you have no room for a changing table, at least pick a bed instead of the floor.

You do need to be close to some humid water. You also need to be able to reach some baby wipes or cotton balls, towels, ointment, new nappies and clothes (for "bigger accidents"...) without leaving your baby.

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Never leave your baby alone

Until a certain age babies don't know how to roll over. But don't rely on this! Even newborn babies may wave their limbs enough to fall off a changing table.

Always keep one hand on your baby and make sure you can reach all the stuff you need with your other hand.

If you need to get something that is too far away, pick your baby up.

Always!

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Pee or poop?

If your baby has only peed, baby wipes are usually enough to clean the infant. If the baby's skin is dry and the nappy is not too heavy, you can even skip the baby wipes. Just change to a new one.

For poop, water is needed. Either you wash your baby with a wet cloth or you wash him off under the tap. Make sure the water has the right temperature and that you hold your baby so that there is no risk that you drop him.

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Boy or girl?

For a boy, make sure to clean him under his penis. And cover his penis with a piece of cloth while tending to him to avoid a shower...

For a girl make sure to wipe her front to back to avoid bacteria in her vagina.

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Diaper rash

If your baby shows a tendency to diaper rash (red skin), put on some appropriate ointment, for example white zinc oxide.

Make sure the baby's skin is completely dry before putting ointment and the nappy on.

Other things to do to prevent and heal the rash is to let the baby be undiapered for at least one hour a day. This is not so easy once your baby has started to move around. Maybe you can put him in the bath tub (without water) and play with him for a while.

Before the baby can move around, put him on a blanket and put some towels on it. If you have a boy, it might be a good idea to put a piece of dry cloth on top of his penis.

You can also try another brand or type of diaper if you think your baby easily gets a rash.

If nothing helps within a few days, call a doctor.

You'll find more information about nappy rash treatment here.

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How to put the nappy on

First make sure you know what is the front and the back of the nappy.

Slide the back of the nappy under your baby by lifting his legs up. Grabbing him or her by the ankles with one hand is an easy way to do this.

Bring the nappy up between your baby's legs and secure it on his belly, but not too tight. You should be able to put a finger or two between the diaper and the baby's stomach.

If a boy, make sure his penis points downwards.

For some brands, you are supposed to slide a finger around each of the baby's legs to make sure that the elastic is where it should be. Check the instructions for your specific choice of brand.

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How to choose nappy

Well, just try different brands and see which you like.

Some will fit your baby, some won't. You can also choose between cloth diapers and disposables. Cloth diapers tend to be much more economical, and sometimes work better for babies with severe diaper rash. These days cloth nappies are much more similar to disposables, since they have small "panties" you use to keep the cloth in place. No more complicated wrapping and folding of the cloth nappy. You can also find organic cloth diapers that are certain to be free from hazardous substances.

All that said, disposables are convenient! Hard to argue with that.

A great place to buy nappies is actually here. Good prices. Not what you would have thought, right?!

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When to start with a new size

If you want, you can just follow the weight instructions on package.

However, I've noticed that many babies start wetting their pants more easily when they are getting close to the stated upper weight limit. Try a bigger nappy earlier if you notice this problem.

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How often to change nappy at daytime

Well, 5 minutes or so after any bowel movements.

Why not earlier?

Because your baby might not be ready yet!

If no poop, squeeze the nappy lightly, to judge if it seems full. If so change it.

In any case, try to change the nappy every three hours or so to reduce the risk of diaper rash.

Babies may very well use 10 nappies a day!

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And at night

Don't!

I know that's a simplification, but it is your goal!

Newborn babies often have bowel movements also at night, and then you'll have to change the diaper.

Most diapers, however, can keep the baby dry for up to 12 hours, so unless your baby has a bad diaper rash or seems to be very uncomfortable, avoid changing at night. He'll just become wide awake and you'll get less sleep.

If you have to change the nappy at night, try to do it in dim light, quickly and without talking. Everything to keep your baby from thinking that is play time!

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