Whether you are a nervous first-time parent, a new uncle, or just babysitting for the evening, the prospect of changing an infant’s messy diaper can be intimidating for the novice caregiver. The good news is that diaper-changing has advanced a great deal since grandma’s day of plastic pants and ducky pins!
If you are a caregiver and not a parent, changing is at once easier and harder. This is so because you don’t get to pick what kind of diaper products you will use, but you can usually get a demonstration or basic run-through from the baby’s mom or dad. Make sure you do this, because each parent has his/her own routine, and the baby is accustomed to this. Variations of the routine can mean wailing and gnashing of teeth. I’m not talking about the baby!
Caveats aside, there is a basic list of things that every shepherd of diapered tots will need:
1) A Clean, Dry, Safe Surface.
Options for changing surfaces range from changing tables that are actual furniture to a
pad or blanket. Stores that sell cribs also sell coordinating changing tables. These are
nice to have in the baby’s room, because they are the perfect height for changing, have
padded surfaces that are often roll-proof (with a concave surface to keep small people
from rolling off the table), and also have many convenient storage compartments for
all the other supplies you’ll need for changing. Changing tables can range from $20.00
to many hundreds for high-end furniture.
If you are on a budget, simply opt for a used table at a garage sale, or do what I
did when my daughter was an infant and money was tight. Place a blanket,
folded enough times to be soft, on the floor or couch for a changing surface.
2) Diapers!
Gone are the days when all that parents had to choose from were the old, cotton
rectangles and leaky plastic pants. There are literally hundreds of options now!
Truth be told, the choices can be a little mind-boggling. Even though there are
many different products, the basic decision is still whether to choose disposable or re-
useable diapers. Some parents swear by a combination of both.
Environmentally conscious parents often prefer reusable diapers. It can be argued
that reusable diapers are more cost-effective in the long run, because after the initial
investment, the only expense is laundering them and replacing the external coverings
as the baby grows. For parents who stay home with their baby or who have a nanny,
reusable diapers can be a good choice. There are many cute, durable, water-proof
covers for reusable diapers sold in stores and baby supply catalogs. Some
of these even have Velcro or button anchors to hold the diaper without dangerous, old-
fashioned pins. New parents should be aware, however, that most daycare providers
insist on using disposable diapers.
One thing to consider with reusable diapers is that travel with your baby will require a
little forethought. Remember to bring a plastic bag or other moisture-proof container
for soiled reusable diapers!
If you choose disposable diapers, you will find that there are many brands and styles
available. Remember, a higher price doesn’t necessarily mean higher quality!
Different people swear by different brands and styles, and you will find that different
diapers work for different babies. Try several kinds and compare. You will find the
one you like best relatively quickly.
3) Wipes.
All that is really needed to clean up your little one is a clean, warm, wet washcloth.
That’s been the tool of choice for mothers and other caregivers for thousands of years.
Recently, though, there has been a new option available, and it’s arguably very
convenient and sanitary. It’s the modern baby wipe. Sold in various containers such
as pop-ups and refillable tubs, and in different formulae from scented to hypo-
allergenic, these disposable paper washcloths are so popular that we’ve all but
forgotten the days before their invention. Find a brand you like and buy stock in the
company. You’ll be using a lot of them.
A humanitarian note on behalf of the babies, who cannot speak for themselves: Please
warm the wipe in your hands before applying it to a baby’s bottom, or better yet, buy
a baby wipe warmer if you can afford one. Your children will thank you.
4) Diaper Rash Ointment.
In a perfect world, no child would ever get diaper rash. Even if you are a very
conscientious parent who strives to change your baby as soon as he/she wets, your
little one will almost certainly experience diaper rash sooner or later. Using a
preventative unguent is recommended, as getting rid of this tormentor of tots is far
more difficult than heading it off. Once your baby has contracted a good case of this
creeping crud, you will find that nothing short of a costly visit to the doctor’s office
and several days of “airing the skin” (a genteel expression for allowing your baby to
go sans pants and whiz all over everything—and I mean everything) will clear it up.
Many different preparations are available for the prevention of diaper rash, and they
are sold everywhere. You can find them in groceries, pharmacies, and convenience
stores. I have a friend who makes her own salve by melting bees wax and castor oil
and infusing it with calendula, white willow, and comfrey. Again, try different things
and pick your favorite.
5) Powder.
Powder helps keep the diaper rash ointment from rubbing off of the skin, and it also
prevents chapping. Many parents swear that corn starch works best for this purpose. I
agree with this sentiment, but also find that regular baby powder is good, too. Re-
member, ointment first, then powder—not the other way around. Fail to heed this
advice and you’ll find out why!
6) A Change of Clothes—For Both of You.
Even the most skilled diaper-changer knows that doo-doo happens. There will be
times when you wonder, as parents have from time immemorial, how the baby’s back
can be covered with you-know-what, while the diaper is virtually clean. We simply
do not know, and we never will.
For those of you who are new parents, congratulations. Changing a couple hundred diapers is more than worth the joys your new baby will bring to you. For those of you who are new baby sitters, bring your sense of humor and your oldest clothes!
