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Diaper duty can be nightmarish for many parents. It’s messy, chaotic, and time-consuming, especially if your baby is fussy and always breaks into a cry. Now whether you are a new parent or a parent-to-be, it can feel like a dramatic task to change your babies into a fresh set of diapers every time they spoil it.
Your baby’s bowel movements will vary. It could range from just a few times in the day to a dozen. But don’t worry if your baby doesn’t strictly follow the peeing or pooping rules. Plus, there is a lot to consider while changing your baby’s diapers since it contains fluids — ensuring that there is no chance of developing a painful rash and exercising great care while zipping. Most importantly, learning the right ways to calm your baby down as you navigate them through this cumbersome process.
If you want to master the art of diaper changing, here are a few hacks that you should make a note of:
1. Familiarize Yourself With The Process
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Before your baby arrives, it’s important to know what the task looks like. You might be busy during the last few months before the baby is due, but expect your job to multiply tenfold once they are here. It would help if you practiced diaper change to learn what needs to be done. You can do a few tries with stuffed toys if your baby is still on the way, and remember to get your partner involved with you. Before you change your baby’s diapers, always wash your hands. Use a washcloth to clean your baby’s genitals and wipe from front to back.
2. Select Leak-Contoured Diapers
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If your diaper change process needs to be easy or mess-free, you’ll need to stock up on the perfect diaper for your little one. Since babies are active, you might want to choose a contoured diaper that gives a close fit. Also, be mindful that your baby will need to change their diaper size as their body size will change every few months.
3. Ensure Your Diaper Bag Is Stocked
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If you are on the move, your diaper bag needs to be stocked with clothes, wipes, diapers, and baby powder. Before they are emptied, refill them, considering their body growth. Babies grow pretty quickly in the initial weeks and months. Keep the stress away by stocking your bag with extras so you can save yourself from the unwanted panic later.
4. Prepare For Multiple Changing Stations
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You need to remember that a solo changing table may not be of much help. Your baby may need a diaper change outside the nursery. So, keep a few decorative boxes in different locations. This should contain an ointment, toys, a changing pad, and of course, diapers. This will not only be convenient for you but also for the baby. Your baby can then be changed anywhere without the hassle of rushing to the solo station set up at the nursery.
5. Take All Precautions At The Changing Station
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No amount of safety measures is enough when you have a baby. Even the changing station needs extra care. Your diaper change area needs to be safe, comfortable, and preferably, a flat surface. Always accompany your baby and keep things within your reach. Avoid keeping powders lying around the changing station since they can be dangerous if inhaled.
6. Learn To Distract Your Baby
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You need to master the skill of distracting your baby. This is a useful tactic, especially when changing your baby’s diapers. You need to keep a physical distraction like a toy ready for your baby when you change them. This will help them hold on to it and play with it. Also, sing songs to them, especially if they love to listen to you sing. This way, you can keep them calm for a longer duration.
7. Keep Yourself Calm
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If you are calm, you can handle your baby’s screams or kicks. Whatever be the situation, you need to figure out ways to handle yourself. If you are patient, your baby is likely to be calm. Make the moment light by talking to your baby, giggling, or laughing with them. Keep on changing them as you distract them. It will only take longer to get the change done if you get frustrated.
Diapering duty can be a little hard if you aren’t quite used to it. But like everything else, practice makes perfect. Keep track of any rash or discomfort due to the wrong size of the baby’s diaper. Also, make sure waistbands are tucked neatly, so any string or elastic doesn’t discomfort your baby. Change them as often so the chances of itch or rash can be averted. What other diaper duty hacks can you think of for new parents? Do share your tips with us in the comments section below.
