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Every parent is well aware that the first few months after bringing a baby home can be a whirlwind of activity. Whether it’s nursing at odd hours during the night, attempting to soothe them to sleep every two hours, or changing diapers just as frequently, nothing is as straightforward as it appears. Even the seemingly simple task of laying your baby down to sleep and gently prying them from your arms can feel like a Herculean effort. But is it necessary to go through all of that trouble just to wake them in the middle of the night for a diaper change? Newborns often urinate during the night, which might either cause them to wake naturally or result in diaper rash if left unattended until morning. Consequently, it’s crucial to change their diaper, even if they’re sound asleep. However, if you’re uncertain about whether to rouse your baby for a diaper change, here are a few questions to consider.
Is It Number One Or Number Two?
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Normally, newborns may wet their diapers approximately 6-10 times per day, often within an hour or two after being fed. It’s crucial to change their diapers frequently because prolonged contact with urine can alter your baby’s skin pH, creating a more alkaline environment that some bacteria and fungi thrive in. Additionally, urine can contribute to chafing and diaper rash. Nevertheless, if you are following a feeding schedule with your baby every two to three hours, you can change your baby’s diaper right after a feed without waking them, which can help reduce the risk of diaper rash.
The only case in which this wouldn’t apply is if your little one has a blow out, where you will have to change the diaper immediately, even if it’s 2:15 am. This is mainly because feces contain a high level of bacteria that can cause rashes and infections. Not to mention that your baby will be extremely uncomfortable sleeping in a full diaper. But how do you accomplish a diaper change without waking the baby up? Let’s take a look:
How To Change A Diaper At Night Without Waking Your Baby
1. Check The Monitor
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If you are going to invest in any baby friendly gadget, this should be on top of your list and we’ll tell you why. The baby nursery monitor is probably the most useful piece of equipment you can buy to keep an eye on your little one at all times. A smart nursery monitor will let you check your baby from your bed to see if they need to be changed, so you can go back to sleep if they don’t. This is a great hack for parents who don’t want to co-sleep but want to keep a close watch on their baby during the tense first few months.
2. Change During A Feed
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Though it might initially seem challenging, it’s a real game-changer once you get the hang of it. If your newborn is still in the stage of waking up every two or three hours for feedings, consider changing their diaper during these nighttime feeds. This way, you won’t have to disturb their slumber for an unnecessary diaper change later. They can return to bed fresh and dry, allowing you to do the same without constantly checking the nursery monitor. It’s a win-win scenario! Furthermore, babies are typically only semi-conscious during nighttime feedings, so if you’re extra gentle while changing them, they may not fully awaken and can go back to sleep more easily.
3. Choose The Right Diaper
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Did you know, there are diapers specially designed specially for nighttime use? These nighttime diapers are typically more absorbent than their daytime counterparts. While they might be slightly pricier, they are less prone to leaks, which reduces the need for diaper changes.
4. Don’t Provide Stimulation
If your baby does wake up during the process of you changing their diaper, it is essential that you are as quiet as you can possibly be. This is not the time to play or chat with your baby or move them around animatedly as this will only make it harder for them to go back to sleep. Instead, keep the lights as dim as possible, don’t make eye contact and try to be quick and efficient. This way your baby will drift off to sleep as soon as you put them down again.
Diaper changes don’t have to be complicated and they don’t have to result in a cracky crying baby either. With a few tips and tricks your baby will sleep through the whole process and leave you undisturbed for the reminder of the night. Happy parenting!
