The Best Way to Change Your Baby's Diaper

Ah, diaper time — one of the less glamorous duties of taking care of a baby. But someone’s got to do it! And when you’re dealing with one of the most sensitive areas of a baby’s skin, it’s important to know the right steps and products to use. Whether you are completely new to diaper changes or seeking a few pointers to up your game, we hope you find these diaper changing tips helpful when caring for your little one.

Start with a clean space and hands

Sometimes it’s easy to forget to give your hands a thorough wash before changing a diaper. After all, you’re about to handle a task that’s not exactly sanitary. However, clean hands should be the first step in a safe diaper change. Likewise, ensure that your changing area is clean and protected with an unsoiled towel or pad. This keeps your little one comfortable while they lay on their back and prevents bacteria from wandering in places it shouldn’t. Plus, it protects surfaces that can’t be cleaned as easily from getting dirty.

Have your supplies nearby

During a diaper change, you want to have at least one hand on your baby at all times — even newborns can get a little wiggly. Accidents happen fast, and turning away for a couple seconds to grab supplies could end very badly. With that being said, keep everything you need beside your changing station. It will make the whole process go much faster as well. No need to have an arsenal of supplies, either. Instead of using baby wipes, lotion, and diaper rash cream, opt for a 3-in-1 product like the NOLEO system. A pump of NOLEO 3-in-1 and organic cotton pads does the work of wipes, lotions, and creams with just 5 simple, nontoxic ingredients. A 3-in-1 diaper care product also speeds up changing time, so you can take care of dirty diapers quickly and efficiently.

Hold their ankles with one hand

Gently holding your baby’s ankle in one hand is the best way to lift their legs and seamlessly remove their diaper. This technique also allows you to wipe underneath their bum while keeping them on their back. Use a light yet firm grasp so that your little one won’t wiggle away while you clean up their diaper area.

Wipe from front to back

Using a wipe or a pump of NOLEO 3-in-1 on a soft cotton pad, wipe your baby’s diaper area from front to back. This prevents bacteria from stool getting into their genital region and causing infection or irritation. For bigger blowouts, you may need to use multiple cotton pads or wipes. Use as many as you need to ensure the area is completely clean. With the NOLEO system, a typical diaper change should only take one pump, so the product will go a long way. When you are done, either dispose of the dirty cotton pads in a trashcan next to you or place them in the dirty diaper to dispose of later.

Apply a clean diaper

After cleaning the diaper area with the NOLEO system, there’s no need to rinse. Your baby’s diaper area will be clean, moisturized, treated for diaper rash, and ready for a fresh diaper! Use the ankle hold technique to slide a clean diaper underneath their bottom. Fasten it up, but not too tightly. You want to keep the area breathable to reduce irritation and help prevent diaper rash. On the flip side, make sure it’s not too loose. You want to be able to fit a couple of fingers underneath the waistband of the diaper. That’s the sweet spot for a perfectly fastened diaper!

Dispose of the dirty stuff

Your baby is nice and changed, so now it’s time to clean up the mess! Fold the dirty diaper up and keep the cotton pads inside. Secure it shut and then toss it in the garbage or a diaper genie. If you don’t have a diaper genie and need to keep the smell at bay, you could place your diaper in a plastic bag before putting it in the bin. For dirty cloth diapers, simply remove any excess waste from the diaper and throw it in the wash.

You’re done!

Now that you’ve got the techniques down, we recommend simplifying your diaper changing routine with the NOLEO diaper care system. The 3-in-1 formula makes diaper changes a breeze and prevents and treats diaper rash. Plus, it contains just 5 organic ingredients and none of the harmful chemicals found in other diaper care products. It’s the best way to make life easier for you and keep your baby’s skin healthy.