Diapering: The Basics

For the first few months, you will find yourself spending most of the time changing your baby’s diapers (apart from feeding), as newborns tend to urinate an umpteenth number of times during the day. So, whenever you have to change, make sure to have everything that you need arranged by your side. These will include fresh diaper, baby wipes, and a disposable bag to put the soiled diapers. Never leave your baby alone, wet and exposed. Never leave him unattended, especially on a raised surface as he could easily roll off. Always clean your baby thoroughly at each changing and ensure to wash your hands afterwards.

You have a choice of diapers available, like the disposable or the fabric ones, though the disposable diapers are preferred especially when going out, as they are convenient, easy to use and save time. They come in a range of sizes but you have to ensure that they fit snugly around your baby’s thighs. You can also keep an extra diaper handy if you have a boy, as he may urinate again by the feel of air on his skin. The waist should be properly adjusted so that you can fit a finger between the tummy and the diaper.

Steps to change the diaper

• First, lay your baby on a dry, warm, and flat surface. If using a fabric diaper with pins, remove the pins carefully with one hand while putting the other between the fabric and the skin. In case of self-stick diapers, pull back the fabric on each side.
• Lower the diaper to check the mess and while holding the baby’s ankles, lift the bottom and clean up the genital area with a corner of the diaper.
• With your baby’s bottom still raised, fold the dirty diaper into half and slide it from underneath his bottom, rolling it up as you remove it. Trash it in the disposable bag.
• With a baby wipe or a wet cloth, clean the genital area thoroughly, then raise both his legs and clean the bottom. If using wipes, avoid those that may have a rough texture or a strong deodorant. Himalaya baby wipes, having herbal antimicrobial properties and enriched with the goodness of Himalaya baby lotion is a safe choice. Besides, it is pleasantly scented.
• Take a clean diaper, place the top half under the baby’s bottom with the other half coming in between his legs.
• Avoid bunching the diaper between your baby’s legs so that it doesn’t cause discomfort.
• Properly fasten the kind of diaper you’re using, so that it fits snugly around the baby’s thighs. Be careful not to make it too tight that it pinches his skin.
• Dress up your baby and wash your hands properly.
  

Treating Diaper Rash

The most common cause of diaper rash is because of leaving the baby in a wet and soiled nappy or diaper for a long time. It could also happen due to the chemical reaction of the deodorant in the diaper or the lotion or powder that may not be suiting your baby’s skin. In fact, most babies are prone to developing a rash at some point during their first year of life. Diaper rash is normally very mild, with a few prickly red spots, but if it’s a little severe it could develop as tender bumps that could spread to the baby’s thighs or a little towards the tummy. Anyways, there’s no need to panic as this can be treated by taking certain precautions.

Some steps towards this are:

• Keep the baby clean and dry by changing his nappy frequently, even if you need to get up in the middle of the night to do so.
• Clean the genital area well with every diaper change. You can keep cotton balls and use some warm water to clean up the area. Pat the skin dry before putting on a fresh diaper. Clean it gently but do not rub.
• Use a good diaper rash ointment after every nappy change. This helps form a protective layer on the skin and prevents skin irritation from stool and urine. Himalaya diaper rash cream, formulated with natural ingredients like zinc calx, almond oil and aloe vera provides a safe and effective treatment in such cases.
• You can put on a slightly bigger diaper or keep the diaper a little loose for better air circulation.
• You can also let your baby stay without a diaper when he’s indoors or when he’s sleeping, as exposure to air will help heal up the rash faster.