How to Change a Diaper

In my English class, we had to write an "explaining essay" that described the steps taken in order to get a task done.  Seeing as my life revolves around my children and that I seem to lack experience in any other field as of late, I chose changing a diaper as my topic:

            Keeping a baby clean and dry is an important part of keeping them healthy.  Changing a diaper is not something that comes naturally, but after reading this you should be able to change a baby’s diaper quickly and effortlessly.

            First, you will need to decide where to change the baby.  A flat surface is recommended, whether it is a changing table, bed, counter-top, or the floor.  Place a towel or blanket on the surface where the baby will be, to protect the baby from germs and the surface from any accidents that may occur (and believe me, they will happen!)  

Before beginning the actual diaper changing process, it is very helpful to gather all of the necessary items you will need.  This saves time, and makes the diaper change safer for the baby as you do not want to step away from the changing area once you get started.  You will need a clean diaper, baby wipes, and diaper ointment (if needed).  Set all of this within arm’s reach of the changing area. 

Place the baby on your changing surface and remove the clothing covering the diaper.  If the baby is wearing a gown, all you have to do is push it up around her waist.  The goal here is to get clothing out of the way of the diaper, and have them far up enough to be protected if an accident happens.

Grabbing the little one’s feet, gently lift their legs and place a clean, opened diaper beneath the soiled one.  This makes the diaper change go faster, and also helps if the baby decides to “go” in the middle of the change.

Now it is time to open the soiled diaper.  Lift the tabs and slowly open the diaper by lowering the front toward you and check to see what kind of mess you will be dealing with.  If the diaper is simply wet, you should only need one wipe.  However, you may need more if the baby has had a bowel movement.  After deciding what is inside the diaper, lay the front back down on the baby and grab the necessary amount of wipes.  Many babies will urinate when cold air hits their diaper area, so this will ensure that it stays contained inside the diaper. 

Again, grab the baby’s feet and lift their bottom into the air with one hand, and use the other hand to pull the soiled diaper out from under the baby.  Set the soiled diaper off to the side and use the baby wipes to gently clean the diaper area, wiping from front to back.  This is important as it helps to keep bacteria from entering the urethra and from causing a urinary tract infection.  Place the used wipes in the soiled diaper.  If diaper cream is needed, this is when you would apply it, following the directions on the tube. 

Now you are almost finished, the only thing left to do is close the new diaper and put the baby’s clothes back on.  Holding the front of the diaper, pull it upwards toward the baby then hold flat against their belly with your hand.  Undo the tape tabs and wrap them snugly around the front of the diaper.  Making sure the diaper is snug prevents leaking later on.  Pull the baby’s pants back on (or the gown back down) and you have successfully changed a diaper.  Be sure to dispose of the soiled diaper and you are all finished.