Changing a girl diaper might seem daunting, but it’s simple once you know how! Whether you’re changing your first baby diaper ever, are used to changing baby boy diapers, or just want to brush up on the skills, today we’re going over the basics of how to change a baby girl’s diaper.
Before my daughter was born, I’d only ever changed boy diapers. (In fact, before my first son was born, I’d never changed a diaper, period.) When we found out we were finally getting our girl, I was both excited and nervous! I’d only known boys, so changing a girl diaper seemed scary.
How to change a baby girl’s diaper
But no worries, changing a girl diaper is pretty easy! With a few tips and tricks, you’ll be a pro!
Get everything ready before you start!
Even if your baby is crying or you’re facing down a blowout, take the time to get your changing area ready. Grab a diaper and open it up, remove some wipes, get the clothes out. Not only does this make your diaper changing more efficient, but it means you won’t have to leave the baby unattended at any time.
Remove your baby girl’s clothes.
If your baby had a blowout, you’ll want to remove their top layer (onsie, etc) from the bottom, meaning pulling it down towards her feet. This helps to ensure you don’t get poop on her head or face. If the baby is in a onesie and didn’t ruin their clothes, simply unsnap the onesie and pull the tabs back, leaving the entire diaper area free of clothing. Same applies for sleepers.
Place a towel under.
This is my favorite key to a clean diaper change for a baby girl. Grab a cloth diaper insert and place it under the baby’s booty. Some people use a new diaper in the same way, but I feel that’s a waste of a diaper. Instead, place something absorbent under your baby just in case she pees or poops before the new diaper is put on.
Wipe down baby girl.
This is where the biggest boy/girl diaper change difference comes in. With a girl, you need to make sure you wipe well to avoid infection. ALWAYS wipe top to bottom to avoid fecal matter getting into the urinary tract the best you can. Wipe between the labia with a clean wipe gently as well.
If your baby is a newborn, some find normal wipes too harsh and can cause irritation or a rash. If this is the case, try using a damp cloth instead. My kids have very sensitive skin and we found WaterWipes to be the only wipe not to cause a rash.
Apply any creams and allow air time if possible.
If your baby has a diaper rash, you’ll want to apply diaper rash cream and, if possible, allow a bit of time to air dry. This dry time will also help with any potential rashes,
Close up the diaper and dress.
Place your opened diaper underneath the baby, getting the back of the diaper usually about ¼ up his back. This helps to catch blow out.
Close the tabs, attaching them about 1-2 inches from one another, depending on the baby’s size. Finally, run a finger down the edge of the leg holes to make sure the ruffled edge is out. This helps catch and avoid leaks. Continue dressing your baby.
Fold up diaper and clean up.
Once your baby is in a safe place, fold up and throw away the diaper, then clean up the area.
You did it! You changed a baby girl diaper! Read more baby posts here:
Everything You Need To Know About Baby Led Weaning
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