The Ultimate Guide to Changing a Newborn's Diaper: Step-by-Step Tips for New Parents

Welcoming a newborn into your life brings many joyful moments—and a few challenges. One of the first skills new parents learn is how to change a diaper properly. It might seem simple, but doing it right keeps your baby comfortable, healthy, and happy. This guide walks you through every step, highlights important safety tips, and shares advice on supplies and comfort to make diaper changes easier for you and your little one.

A well-organized diaper changing station with essential supplies

Essential Supplies You Need Before You Start

Before you begin changing your newborn’s diaper, gather everything you need. Having supplies within reach helps you stay focused on your baby and avoid leaving them unattended.

• Clean diapers: Choose newborn-sized diapers that fit snugly but comfortably.

• Baby wipes: Use gentle, fragrance-free wipes designed for sensitive skin.

• Diaper cream or ointment: Protects against diaper rash and soothes irritated skin.

• Changing pad or mat: Provides a clean, soft surface for diaper changes.

• Plastic bag or diaper pail: For disposing of used diapers and wipes.

• Hand sanitizer or soap and water: To clean your hands before and after changing.

  
  

Having these ready makes the process smoother and safer for your baby.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Changing a Newborn’s Diaper

Changing a diaper can feel overwhelming at first, but following these clear steps will build your confidence quickly.

1. Prepare the Changing Area

Lay your baby on a flat, safe surface like a changing table or a clean floor mat. Make sure all supplies are within arm’s reach. Never leave your baby unattended, even for a moment.

2. Remove the Dirty Diaper

Unfasten the diaper tabs carefully. If your baby is a boy, place a cloth over his lower body to prevent accidental spraying. Gently lift your baby’s legs by holding the ankles close to the body—never lift by the legs alone as this can strain their hips and joints.

3. Clean Your Baby’s Bottom

Use baby wipes to clean from front to back, especially for girls, to prevent infections. Be gentle and thorough, making sure to clean all the folds of skin. If the diaper area is very dirty, use multiple wipes.

4. Apply Diaper Cream

If your baby’s skin looks red or irritated, apply a thin layer of diaper cream or ointment. This helps protect the skin and prevent rashes.

5. Put on a Clean Diaper

To change a newborn's diaper safely for their hips and thighs, avoid lifting both legs straight up by the ankles, as it strains developing joints; instead, gently roll them onto their side, use a "frog-leg" position by bringing knees toward the face, or support their hips/buttocks with one hand while tilting them, keeping movements gentle and low to the surface. The back part of the diaper with the tabs should be under the baby’s bottom. Bring the front part up between the legs and fasten the tabs snugly but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the diaper and your baby’s tummy.

6. Dispose of the Dirty Diaper

Roll up the dirty diaper tightly and secure it with the tabs. Place it in a diaper pail or sealed plastic bag to contain odors.

7. Wash Your Hands

Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water or hand sanitizer after finishing the diaper change.

Why You Should Never Lift Your Baby by the Legs Alone

Many parents instinctively lift their baby by the ankles during diaper changes. While it might seem easier, this can put unnecessary pressure on your newborn’s delicate hip joints and muscles.

Tips for Keeping Your Baby Comfortable During Diaper Changes

Diaper changes can be uncomfortable or startling for newborns. Here are some ways to keep your baby calm and comfortable:

• Warm the wipes: Cold wipes can be a shock. Use a wipe warmer or warm them in your hands before cleaning.

• Talk or sing softly: Your voice can soothe your baby and make the experience less stressful.

• Use a soft changing surface: A cushioned changing pad helps your baby feel secure.

• Keep a cozy room temperature: Babies can get cold quickly when undressed.

• Move quickly but gently: Efficient diaper changes reduce fussiness but avoid rushing.

• Offer a pacifier or gentle touch: This can help distract and comfort your baby.

  
  

Common Challenges and How to Handle Them

To diaper a newborn with an umbilical cord, fold the front of the diaper down below the stump or use a diaper with a cut-out, ensuring the cord is exposed to air and kept clean and dry from urine/stool, often by rolling the top down or cutting a notch to allow healing and prevent irritation.

Key goals

• Air exposure: Allow the stump to dry out and fall off naturally.

• Dryness: Prevent urine and feces from touching the stump.

• No friction: Avoid rubbing from the diaper edge.

Diaper Rash

If your baby develops redness or irritation, change diapers more frequently and apply diaper cream regularly. Avoid wipes with alcohol or fragrance, which can worsen rash.

Blowouts

Sometimes diapers leak or blow out. Use diapers with good absorbency and check the fit. Consider diaper covers or onesies that snap at the bottom for extra protection.

Squirmy Babies

If your baby wiggles a lot, try swaddling their arms gently or distracting them with a toy. Keeping one hand on your baby at all times prevents falls.

Changing a newborn’s diaper is a skill that improves with practice. By preparing your supplies, following safe lifting techniques, and keeping your baby comfortable, you create a positive experience for both of you. Remember, every parent starts as a beginner, and soon diaper changes will become second nature.