Changing a Diaper and Diaper Rashes - All You Need to Know

Your newborn will need about 10 diaper changes a day, so it’s essential to know how to manage diapering effectively and handle any diaper rashes that may occur. Diaper rashes are caused by moisture from wet or soiled diapers, along with the irritating components in urine and poop. Here's a guide to help you with diaper changes and preventing diaper rash.

Tips for Changing Your Baby’s Diaper

• Hold Baby’s Feet: Use one hand to hold your baby’s feet to prevent them from kicking around during the change.

• Keep Diapers Out of Reach: Place the dirty diaper away from your baby to avoid them touching it.

• Use Cold Wipes: Apply a cold wipe to your baby’s belly to encourage urination, reducing the chance of them peeing on you. For baby boys, point the penis down to avoid leaks.

• Wipe Properly: Always wipe from front to back, especially for baby girls, to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Gently spread the labia and clean away any poop or urine.

• Check Diaper Size: If you notice frequent leaks, it may be time to move up to a larger diaper size.

• Change Before Feeding: Ensure you change your baby’s diaper before each feeding.

• Be Generous with Ointment: Apply a good amount of diaper ointment to protect your baby’s skin.

• Let Baby Sleep: If your baby is asleep, you don’t need to wake them up for a diaper change. Just apply diaper cream to protect their skin while they sleep.

Signs of Diaper Rash

• Mild Contact Rash: Red or pink spots indicate a mild rash. Use zinc oxide ointment and change diapers frequently.

• Yeast Infection: Raised, inflamed skin with red spots that may peel indicates a yeast infection. Use antifungal creams like clotrimazole (OTC) or nystatin, prescribed by a clinician.

• Bacterial Rash: Open sores suggest a bacterial rash. Consult a healthcare provider for treatment, which may include antibiotic ointments.

Additional Tips for Managing Diaper Rash

• Cool Air: Use a blow dryer on a cool setting to help dry the area.

• Diaper-Free Time: Allow your baby some time without a diaper to get fresh air.

• Try Different Products: Experiment with different diaper brands and ointments to find what works best for your baby.

• Frequent Changes: Change your baby’s diaper regularly, even during sleep.

By following these tips and monitoring for signs of rash, you can ensure your baby stays comfortable and their skin remains healthy.