Written by Kathy Sinclair, CLE, CPD

Place your baby on the changing table, making sure never to leave your baby unattended.

Place a fresh diaper under your baby before you unfasten the old one, after unfastening the diaper use it to wipe away most of a bowel movement, from front to back. Then clean away any remaining urine or feces with a wet soft bottom wipe. Pat your baby’s bottom dry with a dry soft bottom wipe. If your changing a boy remember to put a couple of soft bottom wipes over his penis to avoid being drenched with urine. Also see (circumcision care) if your baby is a boy. OK now you’re ready to start with the new diaper, put some desitin on your baby’s bottom, then bring the flap up through your baby’s legs and tuck it around his stomach. Unpeel the tabs, pull them firmly over the front flap and fasten the diaper. The diaper should fit snugly, but it shouldn’t be too tight. If your baby’s cord is still on fold the top of the diaper down so as to keep it from rubbing the cord.

This information has not been prepared by a physician, is not intended as medical advice, and is not a substitute for regular medical care. Consult with a physician if medical symptoms or problems occur.