Research-backed
The life of a new parent revolves around their babies. So much so that getting a good night’s sleep looks like an unattainable goal. We get it! Your sleep cycle is in sync with that of your child’s and is as unpredictable as one can imagine.
One of the main concerns that are always running on your mind is, “Does my baby need a change of diaper?”
It is a legit concern that is running on your mind throughout the day. But during the night time, it feels like a task at hand. The odds of your baby needing a diaper change is inversely proportional to your will to wake them without reason and change their nappies. More so, following the drill of putting them back to sleep after.
Now you can move past the dilemma that’s been troubling you for days together!
Here’s a cue to put your constant worries to the bay and help you get some solid rest.
Infant’s Diaper Change at Night — The How And When Of It All
Image: Shutterstock
Whenever you interact with your little one, it’s natural that you’d wish to maximize your connection and bonding time. And that includes the time you spend changing diapers.
Even if the process of cleaning up is a tad bit annoying, you’d still want to get in there to give them belly rubs and get some good giggles out of it. All in all, make it a comfortable and happy experience for both you and your baby.
But that’s not what we were talking about when we spoke of changing a diaper late at night. Check out a few things you can do:
1. Create A New Nighttime Routine And How
Image: Shutterstock
Baby’s, much like adults, can adapt to a routine. And that makes it easier for parents to follow it through. And while the routine for diaper change during the day includes having a heart-to-heart conversation with your baby and additional playtime, you don’t have to follow a similar schedule at night.
Once you set up a new routine, you’ll start recognizing when your baby is all tuckered out and track their everyday pattern accordingly.
2. Change The Nappy/ Diaper Right Before Bedtime
Image: Shutterstock
Changing your baby’s diaper before bedtime will provide both you and your baby with some extra sleep time, so you can consider adding it to your nightly routine. But if you’re worried that your baby will develop a diaper rash due to keeping the same (wet) diaper on for long hours, you can apply pediatric-approved diaper cream to prevent any rashes. It may help your baby sleep comfortably through the night and keep you from waking up in between for a diaper change (1).
3. Keep Dedicated Diapers For Nighttime
Image: Shutterstock
Use super-absorbent diapers during the night! During the daytime, you can make do with regular diapers that are not too expensive, as you can change them at regular intervals. But see to it that nighttime diapers are extremely absorbent ones to help them get sound asleep for longer hours.
4. Get A Fitting Diaper For The Baby
Image: Shutterstock
It is a given that your baby’s diaper has to be of the right fit. And this ought to be kept in mind primarily for the night routine. Finding the right fit in diapers will push you to try multiple brands until you get your hands on the ones that suit your baby’s body.
5. Move Around Quietly
Image: Shutterstock
Whenever your infant wakes up in the middle of the night, your goal is to put them to bed at the earliest. Much like more light and stimulation makes it difficult for adults to go back to sleep, the same goes for babies. Walk in and out of the room as quickly and quietly as possible, like you have footpads covering your tracks.
6. Use Dimmers
Image: Shutterstock
It’s obvious that you’re going to change your kid’s diaper if you sense something fishy. But while you’re at it, use a dim light. Dimmers work best for changing diapers at night as your baby will not get excited or be wide awake. It lets your baby know that it’s not playtime, and once you change them, you can get your child back to sleep quickly.
Pro tip: Use warm wet wipes at night to avoid cold sensations waking up your baby.
7. Don’t Worry About The Wet Diapers
Image: Shutterstock
Leave the wet diapers on at night unless they’re full. Use the diaper rash cream or an ointment best-suited to your baby’s body if you’re worried they’ll develop rashes. And there’s definitely no reason to worry about the wet diapers once you switch to high-quality diapers for overnight. It’s going to help your baby stay irritation-free and dry throughout the night.
While it’s natural to feel some guilt of leaving the baby alone, keeping close tabs on them or having them by your side in the bassinet will help avoid that. So don’t get all worked up about when and how to change your baby’s diaper. Make this 7-step process a part of your nighttime routine and enjoy parenthood to the fullest.
