One of the first things any new parent will learn is that changing a baby can get a bit messy. Every time you change a baby, you have no idea what exactly you're walking into. One squirming movement from the baby or change in consistency of the waste, and there could be a big problem. Over time, parents do acquire the knowledge and experience to avoid any major disasters, but the risk is always there. If you're a brand new parent or have been changing diapers for a little while now, here are a few things to keep in mind for the first time or as a refresher:
Start Prepared: If you have to leave the room for a moment or need to take a second to open a cabinet, you're taking a major risk. Before you get started, make sure you have everything on hand so you can concentrate on changing the diaper.
Choose the Same Spot in the Home: Whether you change on the floor or on a changing table, be sure to change at the same spot every time to reduce the spread of germs.
Wipe Very Carefully: With girls, it's important that you wipe from front to back, so you don't run the risk of infection. With boys, it doesn't matter as much but you'll still want to make sure the baby is completely clean afterward to prevent the development of a rash or infection.
Get a Good Distraction: A squirming baby is not an easy baby to change. In order to reduce the squirm, keep a couple of toys nearby or have a favorite song playing to keep the baby distracted.
Purchase Quality Baby Diapers: The last thing you would want is to have a poorly designed diaper that breaks or is uncomfortable. Diapers are expensive. However, you shouldn't sacrifice quality for affordability. Luckily, you can usually find baby diapers online that are much less expensive. Take a look around to see if you find a brand or style that meets your baby's needs.
