Changing a diaper
Girls vs. boys, and preventing diaper rash
About 5 min
Why it matters
A newborn may need 10-12 changes a day. Changing quickly prevents rash, and counting wet diapers is one way to tell your baby is feeding well.
What you need
- A clean diaper
- Warm water and cotton wool, or alcohol-free, fragrance-free wipes
- Barrier cream (zinc oxide or petroleum jelly)
- A changing mat and spare clothes
Step by step
- 1 Have everything within reach. Never leave your baby alone on a raised surface, not even for a second; keep one hand on them.
- 2 Open the diaper, wipe most of the poo downward with the clean front part, and fold the diaper under them.
- 3 Girls: always wipe front to back. A white discharge or a few drops of blood in the first days comes from mom's hormones and is normal.
- 4 Boys: lay a cloth or wipe over the penis to avoid a spray; clean around it and under the testicles, and don't pull back the foreskin.
- 5 Pat dry, skin folds included; if you can, let them go diaper-free for a few minutes.
- 6 Apply a thin layer of barrier cream to prevent rash.
- 7 Put on the new diaper: for boys, point the penis down; if the cord stump hasn't fallen off, fold the front below it. Leave two fingers of room at the waist.
- 8 Once your baby is somewhere safe, wash your hands.
Common mistakes
- Wiping a girl back to front.
- Fastening the diaper too tight.
- Using wipes with alcohol or perfume.
- Leaving skin folds damp.
When to see a doctor
- The rash hasn't improved in 2-3 days, or there are blisters, pus or crusty sores.
- Rash together with a fever.
- After day 5, fewer than 6 wet diapers a day, or no wet diaper for more than 8 hours.
- Blood in the poo, very watery poo, or white/pale poo.
This guide gives general information and doesn't replace a medical exam. If you're worried about your baby, talk to your doctor.