As you prepare to receive your baby, you and your partner have to make critical decisions concerning the baby. For instance, you need to know whether you’ll use nappies, washable diapers or disposable diapers.
Whichever type of diaper you use, the baby will need a change 10-12 times a day; hence you need to know some diapering essentials.
Diaper changing station
You need the following items at the diaper changing station:
- Diapers or nappies. Stack clean diapers in one corner of the station so that you don’t leave the little naked and unattended on the changing table.
- Safety pins if you’re using nappies. These pins fasten nappies and if you tie the nappy badly, it’s easy to soil other clothes. However, be careful when using the pins or fasteners so that you don’t injure your child.
- Wipes, washcloth, or cotton balls to clean the baby.
- Ointment. Invest in an excellent diaper ointment to use in case the little one has a rash. Kindly consult an expert during your prenatal clinics to know which one is best for your child’s skin.
- A container of warm water. Sometimes, the baby will soil himself so much that you need to clean him a little.
- Diaper bin to throw the dirty ones. If you’re using nappies, you need a bucket with a lid instead of a bin.
- Hand sanitizer. You’re supposed to clean your hands before and after changing diapers.
- A small toy to soothe him/her because sometimes the child will throw a tantrum
- A few clean outfits in case your baby dirties the ones he’s wearing.
How to change a diaper
Changing diapers will be part of your routine until the baby knows how to use the toilet. So, here’s a simple process:
- Ensure that the changing area is dry, then lay your baby on his/her back on a Baby Banda Changing Mat. A Baby Banda Mackinstosh Mat can also be used.
- Open the dirty nappy or diaper and lift the tiny legs. If the little one has pooped, wipe as much as you can with the diaper. Then fold the dirty one neatly and throw it in the bin.
- Using warm water or wipes, gently wipe your baby’s genitals from the front thoroughly. However, if the child has only peed, you don’t need to use the water. Pat the private parts dry, then slip on a clean diaper.
- When wiping a girl, move from the front to the back, and ensure you get into all the creases to avoid urinary tract infections. During the first month after birth, it’s normal for a girl to have a white discharge, which may have some blood traces.
- When changing a boy, know that exposure may make him urinate. Hence, it would help if you were fast.
- Apply ointment then put on a clean nappy.
Conclusion
Now you know the requirements of a diaper changing station and how to change diapers! Remember to train your house help, and your partner as well.
