Congratulations on your baby girl! Having a newborn baby is exciting but it can be a bit scary. Changing diapers is one of the most nerve wracking things to do when it comes to newborns. Baby girls are said to be easier to change than a baby boy. Whether you have chosen to use disposable diapers or cloth diapers, the process of changing you baby girl is the same. By using a cloth diapers you may need extra time.
We offer this step by step guide on how to change your baby girls’ diaper. In time you will develop your own method of changing diapers but with newborns you have very little time as it is. So for now the best way is the most effective way. Most new moms already have an idea where they think it is going to be easier to change their baby, either on the floor or on a changing table.
If you choose a changing table, make sure that it has the safety strap to help hold the baby in place while you change her. Safety is the most important thing when it comes to changing your daughter’s diaper.
Step One
The first thing you will want to do is have all of the necessary items within arms reach. The basics of changing your baby girl will include a new dry diaper, baby wipes, baby powder, diaper rash cream if necessary and cloth diaper pins. You will find it easy to have these items handy while changing the baby. You should always have one hand on the baby and unless you have things handy you will have a hard time changing the baby.
Step Two
The easiest way to change a baby girl is to place the clean diaper open the changing surface and then place the baby on top of the diaper. Then undo the diaper fasteners or the diaper pins. Don’t remove the diaper until you make sure that the baby is not urinating. Sometimes accidents happen so the best way to make sure they don’t is to check before removing the diaper. Slowly peel back the diaper and take a peek. If it is all clear then remove the diaper.
Step Three
Next you will want to use the baby wipes to clean the baby even if she just urinates. With baby girls you have to wipe from the front to the back. This is the best way to clean a baby girl and prevent infections is to wipe from front to back. Before you leave the hospital with your baby the nurses offer to show you how it’s done. You may develop your own way but the front to back method is the most hygienic way to protect your baby girl from infection. Use the soft cloth wipes, the thicker they are the harder they are. Wipes such as Huggies or Pampers are good.
Step Four
Some moms are taught to pat dry the genital area after using the wipes but the wipes today don’t give off too much moisture. So you can now sprinkle some powder on the genital area. Don’t use too much just a soft sprinkle. This will help absorb any moisture in the diaper. If the baby has developed some diaper rash, the cream should be applied at this stage.
Don’t use too much just enough to cover the diaper rash. If you think the baby is getting a diaper rash, you can add some cream to the area needed. This will prevent further diaper rash from spreading.
Step Five
Close up the diaper, if you are using disposable diapers then make sure that you fasten the tables securely. This will prevent leaks. If you are using cloth diapers then fasten the diaper with diaper pins. Be sure to make this secure as well to prevent leaks. Also, make sure the baby doesn’t move too much so you won’t accidentally stick her with a pin.
Changing your baby is a process and in the beginning it will take some time but over time you will find a method that will work for you. The important thing when changing your baby girl is not to see how fast you can do it but to keep her safe and to keep her dry and clean. Don’t be afraid to use some elbow grease, the baby will not break. If you have seen the way the nurses change the babies in the hospital you wouldn’t think you would have to be so gentle.
Everything about becoming a mom for the first time or having a baby girl for the first time can be intimidating. But remember there are no surefire ways to do things. You can follow these steps and make your own modifications as you go along. No one knows your baby better than you and you will soon figure out a way to change your baby girl in seconds with the love and care they deserve.
