Diaper Changing for Newborns & Toddler Age

Diaper changing can be daunting from day 1 after your little one is home from the hospital. There are a few things to consider; like how to care for the umbilical cord stump, and the circumcision area if your newborn boy had this procedure done. In addition, you will need to choose as to whether you want to start with cloth diapers or disposable diapers. And of course deciding on what added supplies you will need that come with diaper changing.

Newborns

A newborn baby is tiny with tiny bum and legs. Your little one will have some sensitive issues like
an umbilical cord stump and possibly a circumcised penis area. He or she will need a diaper change every hour or two after a feeding or nap.

Basic supplies needed:

A changing table ~ 

I recommend one that will last for two years and consider that your little one will grow in length and in weight. Purchase a changing table that is stable enough to handle the growth. It’s nice to find one with drawers to store diapers and supplies.

Changing mattress pad ~ 

I recommend a changing mattress pad and one with an easy to wipe clean surface for after use. Consider one that is long enough for when your little one grows in length.

Diapers (cloth or disposable)~ For cloth diapers, here is a list of some links I found being that there are a variety of choices. You can order them online:

Lagoon Baby 

Nicki’s Diapers 

KaWaii Baby 

AliExpress 

For disposable diapers, there are a variety of brands that sell diapers specifically for newborns. Some even have a cutout for the umbilical cord stump area.

Baby wipes ~ there is a variety of brands. Some babies are allergic to the preservatives added to most wipes. It’s recommended to look for wipes that say MI-free.

Diaper rash creams or ointment ~ every baby has different needs and skin issues. I would consult with your Pediatrician on what type of creams and ointments that are best for your baby’s needs.

Plastic disposable gloves ~these are handy for those messy diapers and easy to slip off and dispose.

Diaper pail for cloth or disposable diapers ~ the more order control type the better. Here is a great article on how to wash cloth diapers by BabyCenter https://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-wash-cloth-diapers_10363797.bc

Trash bags ~ for diaper pail

Air freshener ~ to keep the smell down

Bleach wipes or sanitized bleach spray solution ~ this is recommended for those messy changes to keep the changing mattress pad surface clean. I find it handy to have a soap solution of a little bit of liquid dish soap to 1 cup of tap water kept in a small spray bottle. After I spray, I dry off with a paper towel. And for sanitizing purposes, I keep a sanitized bleach spray bottle handy as well, mixed with ¼ tablespoon (3/4 teaspoons) of bleach to 1 cup of water and let air dry.

How to care for umbilical cord stump?

Quoted by article listed below . . .

“Until your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off:

·         Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry. Fold your baby's diaper away from the stump (or buy newborn diapers with a cut-out space for the stump). This exposes the stump to the air and prevents contact with urine.

·         Give your baby sponge baths instead of tub baths.

·         If the weather is warm, have your baby wear just a diaper and loose T-shirt to let air circulate and speed the drying process.

·         Avoid dressing your baby in bodysuit-style undershirts.

·         Never attempt to pull off the stump, even if it seems to be hanging by a thread.

Don't use alcohol to clean the stump. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) used to recommend cleaning the base of the stump daily with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. But researchers have found that untreated cords heal faster than alcohol-swabbed cords and carry no more risk of infection, so the AAP changed its recommendation.”

Read full article by BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board https://www.babycenter.com/0_caring-for-your-newborns-umbilical-cord-stump_127.bc

How to care for a circumcised area?

Quoted by article listed below . . .

“TIPS FOR CIRCUMCISION CARE AFTER SURGERY

Circumcision care is fairly simple. Until your baby’s circumcised penis heals — it’ll take about seven to 10 days — you need to:

·         Keep it clean. This is the most important rule of newborn circumcision care: At every diaper change, gently wipe away any bits of poop that you may see on the area. Use a gentle, unscented soap and warm water — not a baby wipe. Allow the area to dry on its own to prevent irritation. And stick with sponge baths until your baby’s penis is healed and his umbilical cord drops off. You’ll want to avoid getting it wet in a bath before then (though clearly it will get when he pees, and that’s not a problem as long as you change diapers as needed).

·         Keep it protected, but necessarily covered. After surgery, a bandage with petroleum jelly may be placed on your baby’s penis that usually falls off the next time your baby pees. Pediatricians have mixed feelings about whether or not you need to continue putting some sort of dressing over a healing penis, so ask what your doctor’s preference is. If you’ve been advised to, then most likely you’ll be told to smear a little petroleum jelly on the tip of your baby’s penis before wrapping a little gauze around it or putting a bandage on it (so the dressing doesn’t stick to the skin). And if your doctor’s inclination is not to use a dressing, then you’ll be told to dab on a bit of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment after every diaper change for the first day or so, just to keep your baby’s diaper from rubbing against his circumcised penis.”

Read full article by Heidi Murkoff’s blog “What to Expect” http://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/circumcision-care

I am sure that you already know the importance of not only wiping your little ones hands after diaper changing, but washing your own hands as well. This is the best way to keep infections and germs at bay.

Toddlers

As your little one grows, the diaper changing won’t be as often as a newborn and infant. Diapers all come in different sizes depending on your little ones needs. Basically, your toddler will need to be checked every couple of hours or sometime after a meal or naptime.

When you are away from home, it’s a good idea to purchase a diaper bag with a nice changing pad. You can purchase diaper changing pads individually online through any baby supplies stores.

What to keep in a diaper bag? Whether you are traveling locally or going on a day trip or dropping off your little one to grandma’s house, it’s nice to have your diaper/travel bag stocked with supplies needed for the day. Here is a suggested list of basic things to store in your bag:

•   Changing pad

•   Wipes

•   Diapers for the day

•   Diaper rash cream

•   Spare clothes

•   Bottles or sippy cup

•   Formula or( breast milk stored in a thermal bag)

•   Baby food and cereal

•   Burp clothes or bibs for the day

•   A zip lock bag for soiled clothes

•   Plastic gloves for messy diapers

•   Hand sanitizer if no access to soap and water

It is my hope that you found this helpful,

*Iva

 Other related articles: 
Bedtime Routine Struggles for Your Infant and/or Toddler
Infant and Toddler Developmental Milestones
Reading to Infants One-On-One
Separate Play Space or Playroom Setup for Little Ones
What Does an Infant Area Look Like?