Tips and info: Here’s how to be perfectly prepared for diaper changes!

How do you change a baby properly?

Scientists, educators, and child psychologists see diaper changing as much more than just learning perfect techniques and applying them without issue. A positive diaper-changing experience contributes to the healthy development of the mother-child relationship and basic trust, as explained, for example, by child psychologist Erik H. Erikson in “Childhood and Society” (1950) and sociologist Dieter Claessens in “Familie und Wertsystem” (1962). According to this, parents can begin to positively encourage their child and capture their attention from an early age. In doing so, the baby learns to listen, increasingly understand what is being said, and actively implement it themselves. Thus, besides being an everyday necessity, changing a diaper represents an opportunity for a positive learning experience for both parent and child. But let's start at the very beginning.

Changing table checklist:

Photo © Paul & Lori: Changing table checklist

The graphic shows you a checklist of things that you can make good use of at your changing table. In general, it is a good idea to have a dedicated changing area at home where all materials are available and you both know what is what. The basic equipment for a changing table naturally starts with a soft changing mat with a comfortable, easy-to-clean cover as well as a diaper pail if you are using disposable diapers. If you prefer using cloth diapers, you should have a separate laundry basket for the used muslin diapers. Furthermore, wet wipes or washcloths belong on the changing table, depending on what you prefer to use. Diaper rash cream for sensitive baby skin should also be available, as well as baby oil or a lotion for skin care. Additionally, the baby first aid kit and nail scissors can be useful at the changing table, as can fresh clothing in the right size for changing.

Instructions: How to change a baby properly

Actually, changing a diaper is much easier than many parents initially think, because a lot comes down to intuition and contact with the child. Here is how it works: With the right changing area, equipped with everything necessary, you are already off to a great start! The best diapering technique is the one that works most practically and simply for you and your child. It is important, however, to be careful not to diaper your baby too tightly, as this can lead to pressure marks. In general, you should still be able to comfortably fit two fingers under the waistband of the diaper. What you should also definitely pay attention to is always cleaning and drying your baby thoroughly. Gently and lovingly pat your baby dry with a towel instead of rubbing them dry, and ensure that your baby is truly completely dry. Over time, moisture can cause your baby to get sore, which is excruciatingly painful. Also, keep checking for any rashes so that you can counteract them early with baby care. Babies like it nice and warm! A heat lamp can help with your child’s sense of well-being while changing—especially for newborns born in the cold winter months, as cold air can quickly make them fussy.

Educators emphasize that you should definitely involve your child in the process of diaper changing rather than distracting them. Distraction via toys or a mobile prevents the positive learning experience during the change and the development of your baby’s own character regarding intimacy. The physical experience that accompanies this intimate moment is important for the child’s sense of self, and the relationship with the parents is strengthened when your baby feels included and spoken to. To this end, you should repeatedly make eye contact and name what you are doing, rather than leaving your baby out of the process.

Announce before you do something and describe while you are doing it; this way, your baby will quickly learn the educational principle of cause and effect. Do not be ashamed to use baby talk, either. That is completely natural and helps your baby with language development. Example:

• “Watch out, here comes the warm washcloth… ahh look, that feels nice” (cause-and-effect principle)
• “Now comes the cream and some powder… ooh, that tickles” (baby is prepared for unpleasant situations -> cause-and-effect principle)
• “So, now we’re going to put your foot through here” (baby begins to get to know their body parts and cause-and-effect principle)

Even though babies naturally do not understand most of this in their first few months, it is good to get them used to it from the start. Make sure that you share the moment, use loving language, and maintain eye contact. Stroke your baby gently and perhaps finish off every now and then with a little baby massage on their hands and the soles of their feet.

How do you change a diaper without wet wipes?

Many parents now like to avoid not only disposable diapers but are also critical of disposable wet wipes due to their environmental impact. Wet wipes can be very easily replaced by a simple washcloth and some warm water, so you don’t have to worry about the questionable ingredients in wet wipes anymore. For this, when your baby has done a "small" one, you can simply clean them with a damp washcloth and then carefully pat them dry with a towel. If they have done a "big" one, we recommend washing their bottom gently in a washbasin with warm water. For this, you can keep a thermos of warm water at the changing table to always have it ready. For some parents, it is simpler—especially with a newborn—to rinse their baby off in the sink with warm water. Then you just need to dry them off well and you can finish changing your baby! To ensure your baby is properly dry before diapering, you can use a powder. Especially for babies prone to sore spots, these are super helpful.

We offer you tips and answers to all questions about diapering

Where do you learn to change a baby?

Diapering and hygiene techniques are discussed at birth. In Germany, every woman giving birth is prepared for diapering and breastfeeding in the hospital or by a midwife. In a diapering course, parents receive valuable tips and tricks before the birth, and all questions about diapering are answered. This allows you to start diapering full of anticipation and enjoy your time together in a relaxed manner.

When do you have to change a newborn?

That depends primarily on the diaper. With conventional diapers made of synthetic materials (like Pampers, etc.), you can often wait longer before changing them because they soak up the moisture, whereas your baby will quickly get nervous with full cotton diapers. In any case, it is important to regularly check the diaper, especially at the beginning; you will soon develop a sixth sense for when a full diaper needs to be changed. You should definitely change the diaper directly after every bowel movement, but also after eating. So, should you change first or feed first? That depends a bit on your daily routine. In general, we recommend you change your baby after feeding because they often urinate while doing so, although especially if you wake your child up for feeding, it may be good to change your baby first so they are already wide awake for feeding. And what about breastfeeding? Here, too, it is situation-dependent: In general, we recommend you change diapers after breastfeeding because the fluid intake stimulates the child’s urge to urinate. However, it may be that your baby falls asleep while breastfeeding and you would like to let them sleep. Then you will likely wake them up during the subsequent change and should perhaps have them "in dry diapers" beforehand.

How and where should you change your baby at night?

Many new parents ask themselves: Do you have to change babies at night? At night, you actually only need to change your baby if they wake up, because as long as they are sleeping peacefully, you can assume they are fine, since a full diaper would wake them. To avoid such nightly diapering episodes, we recommend you generally change your baby before and after sleep phases and naps so they can rest comfortably dry for as long as possible. While newborns naturally have to be changed more often at night, your baby will surely soon start sleeping through the night for longer periods. In contrast to changing during the day, which is a social activity, nighttime changing is more task-oriented. Without getting stressed about it, you should try not to stimulate and wake your child with bright light or lots of talking. It is best if you can change them in their half-sleep so they can go right back to sleeping peacefully afterward.

What to do if your baby doesn't want to change diapers?

Your baby doesn't want to let you change their diaper and you are wondering what you can do? There can be many reasons why your baby doesn't like diaper changes. They might start kicking as soon as you carry them toward the changing table, making every change a real challenge. Probably your baby feels that you are stressed while changing and reacts to this with negative feelings. Try to embrace difficulties positively and enjoy the changing time. This works especially well if you make it pleasant and turn the whole thing into a game. After all, changing a diaper is an intimate moment that brings you very close to your baby. At the same time, try to take your baby’s negative emotions seriously and investigate whether there might be an underlying issue like a room that is too cold, an uncomfortable surface, a sore spot, inappropriate diet (even for the breastfeeding mother), or a stressful situation. A midwife or pediatrician are good points of contact here who can help you make changing more pleasant for your child.

Possible reasons why your baby doesn't want to be changed:

• Stressful situation: The baby was handled too roughly or was not involved in the changing process
• Sore: Skin irritations cause your baby excruciating pain during cleaning
• Diet: Even before your baby eats themselves, irritations can occur via breast milk; e.g., onion, garlic, or coffee can cause flatulence or sore spots
• Discomfort: External factors like temperature or a changing mat that is too hard make your baby feel uncomfortable

Where do you change a baby when on the go?

Where to change your baby when on the go can be a difficult topic. Where you change your newborn depends not least on where you yourself feel comfortable doing it. Often, there are changing tables in cafés and restaurants that can offer a good solution. With the right changing blanket, you can also easily change your baby in the park in summer, for example. However, quiet, protected spaces are best, where your child might be able to be without a diaper for a moment. Especially when outdoors, you should, of course, pay attention to good sun protection!

Sources:

“Childhood and Society” - Child psychologist Erik H. Erikson (1950)

“Familie und Wertsystem” - Sociologist Dieter Claessens (1962)

 

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