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Expert Q&A

	By iParenting Staff iParenting Staff Experts

Can you please provide easy directions for changing a diaper?

The most important rule for a new parent is: have your supplies ready before you get your child. Have the diapers out of the bag, ready and unfolded. Have your wipes and diaper cream handy.

The next part is easy. Find a comfortable spot for you and the child. It doesn't have to be a changing table. The floor or couch will work fine. Just put a towel down under wherever you change to prevent accidents.

Undress or undo the bottom half of your child's clothing and remove the current diaper. You can use it almost like toilet paper with the first swipe down front to back, cleaning any mess.

Next use your baby wipes to clean up any mess and your ready for re-diapering.

Flip the new diaper underneath your child's bottom, making sure to fold it over the front if you are reaching for the diaper cream (this will prevent any surprises flying your way). Also, adhesive tape or Velcro should be under the bottom in back, not in front.

Once applied, just latch up the diaper and you are ready to go for another couple hours.

Hint: many diapers today have Velcro adhesives, which makes it easy to re-do the diaper if you don't get it perfect the first time.

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