How to Choose a Diaper for Your Baby and the Main Steps of Changing It

Choose a diaper that’s appropriate for your baby’s age and weight—one that’s gentle on your baby’s delicate skin, highly absorbent and dermatologically tested. Ideally, it should be made from certified, proven-safe materials that won’t harm your baby’s skin.

Changing a diaper may seem quite challenging at first, especially for a new parent. However, parents soon discover that it’s a simple process that will be repeated many times throughout the day.

What is the Proper Procedure for Changing a Diaper?

1. First, remove the soiled diaper.
2. If it’s only wet, you can gently wipe your baby with a baby wipe or a soft cloth dampened with warm water. You can also rinse the baby under running water at a suitable temperature, which is especially recommended after a bowel movement.
3. It’s not necessary to use body wash for every diaper change.
4. Care for the umbilical cord (until it falls off) by using a gauze soaked in rubbing alcohol. Gently pat your baby dry, particularly in the skin folds, between his/hera legs, to ensure no moisture remains in the area.
5. If needed, apply a small amount of diaper cream (following your paediatrician’s instructions).
6. Place the dry diaper and fasten it securely from both sides to prevent leaks.

Tips:
It’s important to change the diaper frequently—about every 3–4 hours during the day and night and especially after a bowel movement—to keep your baby’s skin clean and dry and to reduce the risk of irritation.

Katerina Katsibardi, MD, PhD
Paediatrician
Doctor of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
www.katsibardi.gr

Note: Regular paediatric check-ups are recommended. The article includes general information and, in any case, you should always consult your paediatrician.