For new parents who are still not comfortable with changing diapers, we have a guide for you, which you can adapt to your own circumstances at home.
1. Prepare the changing station area
A specific space should be allocated as a place to change diapers. The area should be separated from where the baby sleeps as to not contaminate the area (because the sleeping area should be kept the cleanest). The area should have a cushion and waterproof plastic liner covered with dry cloth diapers. The cloth diaper should be switched out every time the baby gets changed and wiped.
Nowadays, there are tables designed specifically for changing diapers. These tables are very comfortable for parents since it is the right height and can help reduce neck and back pain, or any pain caused from crouching over when changing the baby. This is especially useful to parents of newborns who often need to be changed every hour. When using the changing table, be careful to prevent the baby from rolling off the table. The baby should always be in the parent’s line of sight.
2. Equipment Preparation
Prepare the cleaning equipment for the changing area in a large basket so that when the need arises, they can be easy to access.
- Cotton (moistened with clean water, such as boiled water). Wet tissues for wiping the baby’s bottom
- Disposable trash can or bin for dirty items
- Petroleum Gels or cream in case the baby has rash or irritation
- A divider for cotton pads meant to clean the face and wipe the bottom
3. Diaper preparation
Different diapers are suitable for each age range, such as newborns who have not lost their umbilical cord should use diapers with curved waistbands at the navel to facilitate cleanliness. Tape diapers are suitable for newborns to 3 month-olds, which is the period when the baby defecates very often. After that, when the baby starts to crawl or move, parents can make the switch to pants diaper, which facilitates mobility.
4. Basic way to change diapers
Parents should wash their hands before changing the baby every time. Take the baby to the designated changing station. Remove the dirty diaper. Wipe the baby's bottom with the equipment prepared. (Cotton wool, clean water. Or wet tissues) and wait for the baby’s skin to dry or wipe dry with a dry cloth diaper.
- For tape diapers: To remove the diaper, remove the tape on both sides and remove the diaper from the baby’s bottom. Replace the diaper by placing the baby onto the midsection of the diaper. Pull up the front portion of the diaper. Tape the two bands together and tighten the tape.
- For pants diaper: These are very easy to put on, just like putting on pants. Note the word “BACK” that is located on the backside of the diaper. The diaper can be put on the baby in any posture, be it lying down or standing up. To remove the diaper, just tear the side seams. Then, replace it with a new diaper immediately.
TIPS:
- Always change diapers to prevent dampness. Do not let the baby’s bottom touch urine or stool for a prolonged period of time since it can cause irritation and rash. Do not wait for the diaper to become wet in order to change the diaper each time. Some diapers have good absorption to the point that they may seem dry to the touch. However, diapers should be changed at least every 2-3 hours regardless.
- In addition to preparing the cleaning equipment, parents should prepare toys to distract the baby, so that they are less fussy and less likely to refuse to cooperate during the changing process, for example, colorful hanging mobiles.
- The time spent changing the baby should be a happy time. You can use this time to bond with your baby. Make eye contact, smile, talk to, and sing to your baby. These activities create an impressive bonding experience for both the baby and the parents and aids in the baby’s development as well.
- Make sure you have enough diapers prepared for the day. The advantage of buying diapers in bulk is that it saves money, compared to buying smaller packs every day. However, you do not need to hoard too may diapers because you might not get through them all since as the baby grows, the size of the diaper needs to change as well.
- If there is considerable leakage from the disposable diaper, then it is a sign that it is time to move up a size.
- Prepare enough diapers and cleaning supplies, as well as large trash bags every time you have to leave the house.
Source : www.babycenter.com, www.babycentre.co.uk
Crated At 30/11/2016
