Diapering & Grooming
Diapering & Grooming Your Baby

Bathing a tiny, squirming newborn baby for the first time may seem a little scary at first. Before your baby's bath, see our tips on choosing a bathtub. Diaper changes can be an ugly business. Even when your baby or toddler is at her most cooperative, it can be gross. And when she’s squirming, arching her back, screaming and flailing her limbs, a diaper change can get awfully messy very fast.

Tips for Healthy Diaper Changes at Home
Choose a good location

You always want to have a well-designated spot for diaper changes. If you can confine changes to a changing table, that’s great. If you do them on the floor, try to do them in the same spot each time.

Be prepared

To prevent a spray of pee from hitting the wall (or you!), cover your baby’s penis with a clean diaper, wipe, or washcloth before you change him. This will help block any unintentional streams..

Check the Label

Before you stock up on ointments and creams, read the label and make sure it’s free of any substances that could irritate your baby. Some ingredients to look out for are camphor, boric acid, methyl salicylate, and phenol. When using powders, make sure the product is free of talcum and cornstarch.

Roll up the diaper carefully

Yes, it’s not always easy especially if your child is shrieking and kicking you in the chin. But if you can roll up the diaper and reseal the adhesive tabs, you’ll have a ball that’s more or less germ-free on the outside.

Use distractions

Changing a squirming baby can be a real struggle. It’s also less likely to be sanitary, if you’re wrestling with your toddler and rushing to pull off the dirty diaper, you’re more likely to be spreading germs. So if your baby is a changing table squirmier, have distractions ready.

Wash off your and baby’s hands

Whether or not you’re actually seen your baby touches anything nasty during the diaper change, it’s still a good idea to wash her hands once you’re done. And you should even wash your hands quickly after changing diapers.