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How to Change a Baby’s Diaper

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How to Change a Baby’s Diaper

Written by Katy Arnold on March 25, 2025.

Diaper changes—an inevitable part of parenthood that rarely makes the highlight reel, but definitely comes with the job. Whether you’re a first-time parent or already deep in diaper duty, knowing how frequently to change a diaper (hint: more than you think) and how to make each diaper change smooth will keep your baby fresh and your sanity intact. So, roll up your sleeves, grab the wipes, and let’s dive into the world of diapers.

How to Change a Diaper: Step-by-Step Guide

Changing a diaper isn’t exactly a bucket list experience, but if you’ve got a baby, it’s part of the deal. The good news is that it’s not as complicated as it seems—and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to do it half-asleep (which, TBH, you probably will be). In this guide, we’ll walk you through the diaper change step by step, so you can get in, get out, and get back to the fun stuff.

Step 1: Preparing Your Diaper Changing Station

Step one: set the stage for success—scrambling for wipes mid-change is a rookie mistake. Gather everything you need—a diaper, wipes, changing pad, diaper cream, and a fresh outfit just in case—and set up shop in a safe, comfy spot.

If you’re looking for a diaper changing pad that’s slim, folds up small, and wipes clean in seconds, the Tushbaby Changing Pad checks all the boxes. Made with sleek vegan leather, it’s as stylish as it is functional—because baby gear shouldn’t cramp your style.

Step 2: Change Dirty Diaper

Alright, deep breath. It’s go time. Undo the diaper tabs, but don’t go flinging it open just yet. If there’s a surprise waiting inside, use the front of the diaper to wipe down before folding it away—trust us, containment is key.

When you change a dirty diaper, strategy is everything: slide it out from under your baby while keeping those little legs up—because one rogue kick and things will get messy. Roll it up, secure it shut, and boom—dirty diaper, handled.

Step 3: Cleaning and Wiping Your Baby

Now for the main event—cleaning up without wearing the evidence. Grab your wipes and go front to back (especially for baby girls) to keep things fresh and infection-free. If it’s a major situation, take your time—no one wins when you rush through a messy job.

Step 4: Care Before Putting on a New Diaper

Before sealing the deal with a fresh diaper change, take a sec for some TLC. A little diaper cream can go a long way in keeping rashes at bay—just smooth on a thin layer like you’re icing a very tiny, very important cake. If your baby’s skin is looking extra irritated, give it a moment to breathe before strapping them back in. A happy bum = a happy baby. If you want more tips on how to prevent diaper rash, check out our guide here.

Step 5: Putting on a Clean Diaper

Time to wrap things up—literally. Slide the fresh diaper under your baby, and ensure the back is high enough to prevent any leaks. Fold the front up, secure the tabs snug (but not too snug), and do a quick leg check to make sure everything’s in place. If your little one is already plotting their escape, move fast—nothing invites chaos like an uncovered baby on the loose.

Diapering Essentials

A solid diaper change setup isn’t just about convenience—it saves time and spares frustration. Here’s what you’ll want within arm’s reach to make the whole diapering process as smooth (and mess-free) as possible:

Diapers: Obvious, but worth mentioning. Stock up, because running out mid-blowout is a nightmare.
Wipes: For, well... everything. Your baby, your hands, the mystery stain that somehow ended up on your shirt.
Diaper Cream: A little barrier between baby’s skin and irritation can go a long way.
Baby Powder: Optional, but some parents swear by it to keep things dry and fresh.
Baby Changing Pad: A portable, easy-to-clean pad makes changing on the go less of a hassle.
Extra Outfit: For when things go sideways (or all over).
Diaper Bag: Meet The Pack by Tushbaby—a sleek, hands-free way to stash all of your diapering essentials. With spacious pockets, a hideable bottle holder, and an adjustable strap, it’s the perfect grab-and-go bag for quick diaper changes. Wear it as a crossbody, belt bag, or sling—whatever works best when you're balancing a baby, wipes, and everything else parenthood throws your way.

With these essentials locked and loaded, you’ll be ready for whatever diaper duty throws your way.

How Often to Change a Newborn’s Diaper

Newborns go through a lot of diapers—like, 8 to 12 changes a day a lot. If you’re wondering how often to change a newborn’s diaper, the general rule is after every feeding, nap, or… well, whenever things feel suspiciously quiet. Keeping up with frequent changes helps prevent diaper rash and keeps your baby fresh and comfortable.

How Often to Check a Newborn’s Diaper

If you’re wondering how often to check a newborn’s diaper, the answer is constantly. Newborns are sneaky—one second they’re dry, the next they’ve had a full-blown situation. A good rule of thumb is to check every couple of hours, before and after feedings, and anytime you catch that something’s up face. Staying on top of it helps prevent leaks, rashes, and outfit changes when you least expect them.

How Do You Know It’s Time for a New Diaper?

Not sure if it’s time for a diaper change? Trust us—you’ll know. If there’s a distinct aroma in the air, it’s already past time. But beyond the obvious, check for sagging, dampness, or that telltale diaper line turning blue (a real MVP feature). And if your baby suddenly looks very pleased with themselves for no reason…you’re probably due for a change.

Diaper Changing at Night

Nighttime diaper changes are all about strategy—the goal is to get in, get out, and get everyone back to sleep ASAP. Use dim lighting, keep the wipes warm (cold wipes = instant wake-up call), and skip unnecessary outfit changes unless things have really gone sideways. If your baby’s diaper is built for overnight use and they’re sleeping comfortably, sometimes it’s best to let them snooze and tackle it in the morning.

Wondering when to stop changing diapers at night? Once your baby starts sleeping for longer stretches and their diaper can handle the night without leaks or discomfort, you can finally retire the midnight changes (and reclaim a little sleep for yourself).

Tips for Changing Baby’s Diaper

Diaper duty gets easier with a few pro tips. Here’s how to make every diaper change quicker, cleaner, and way less chaotic:

Changing a Newborn Boy’s Diaper: Be on high alert—cold air has a way of triggering an unexpected fountain situation. Keep a wipe or fresh diaper ready to cover things up while you work. And always point things down before securing the new diaper to avoid any upward leaks.
Changing a Girl’s Diaper: Always wipe front to back to prevent infections, and don’t panic if you notice a little discharge early on—it’s totally normal. Be sure to clean between every fold and crease before putting on a fresh diaper.
Have Everything Ready: A mid-change scramble for wipes or a clean diaper? Rookie move. Set up your station before you start to avoid unnecessary chaos.
Distraction is Key: A wiggly baby is a challenge, so keep a toy, a song, or a funny face in your back pocket to keep them entertained while you work.
Check the Fit: Too loose = leaks. Too tight = discomfort. A properly fitted diaper should be snug, but allow two fingers to slide under the waistband.
Use a Good Changing Pad: A compact, easy-to-clean diaper changing pad like the Tushbaby Changing Pad makes on-the-go changes way less stressful.

What To Do When a Diaper Is Leaking

A leaking diaper isn’t just a mess—it’s an outfit change, a laundry load, and an unplanned cleanup mission. If leaks are happening too often, here’s how to get things under control:

Check the fit: Too loose? Expect leaks. Too tight? The diaper might not sit properly, leading to gaps or compression leaks. Aim for a snug but comfortable fit.
Fix the leg cuffs: Make sure they’re pulled out, not tucked in. Those little ruffles actually help prevent leaks.
Point things down: If you’ve got a boy, make sure everything is positioned downward before securing the diaper. Trust us on this one.
Size up if needed: If leaks are happening more often, especially overnight, your baby might be ready for the next diaper size.
Try overnight diapers: These are built for extra absorption and help keep things dry until morning.
Always be prepared: Keep a backup outfit and a fresh diaper change within reach—because leaks never happen when it’s convenient.

FAQs

Do You Use Baby Powder Every Time You Change a Diaper?

Short answer: Nope, not every time. While baby powder can help keep things dry and reduce friction, it’s not a must for every diaper change. If your baby’s skin is looking a little irritated or extra sweaty, a light dusting can help—but skip it if their skin is already dry. And always go for a talc-free option to keep things as safe as they are fresh.

Do I Need to Wipe My Baby After Pee?

For baby boys, a quick wipe after peeing isn’t always necessary—diapers are pretty absorbent, and a little urine won’t hurt their skin. But for baby girls, it’s a good idea to wipe front to back to keep things clean and irritation-free. Either way, if there’s any dampness, giving a quick pat dry before changing diapers can help prevent rashes and keep your baby feeling fresh.

How Long Can a Baby Stay In a Poopy Diaper?

Not long—at all. A wet diaper can wait a bit, but a poopy one is an ASAP situation. Leaving it too long can lead to irritation, rashes, and one very unhappy baby. So if you catch that uh-oh face or get a whiff of something suspicious, don’t wait—grab the wipes and handle business before things get messier than they need to be.

Should You Feed or Change Diapers First?

Wondering if you should do a diaper change before or after feeding? It depends on your baby’s vibe. If they wake up hangry, feed first. Wrestling a screaming, starving baby through a diaper change is no one's idea of fun. But if they’re more of a mid-meal pooper (it happens), you might want to wait and change them after. Either way, always do a quick check before feeding—a full diaper plus a full belly is a recipe for a blowout.

Changing a diaper might not be glamorous, but with the right tricks (and gear), it doesn’t have to be a total disaster. Stock up on essentials like the Tushbaby Changing Pad and The Pack to make diaper changes quicker, cleaner, and way less chaotic.