How to Identify and Change a Soiled Diaper

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For the first time parent(s), for the little sisters and brothers, for the unexpected babysitter(s), for the high school students taking on the extra-curricular (or mandatory) job of taking care of a robotic baby for a week, and many more- this article will help you in going what is considered one of the most disgusting obligations associated with parenting an infant and toddler: Identifying and Changing a Soiled Diaper.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Identify the soiled diaper

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    • You could feel the diaper for fullness or "being squishy" though sometimes the diaper brand may be so absorbent that you wouldn't be able to feel for the fullness and sometimes you could accidentally squeeze out the very thing you didn't want to come out in the first place (e.g. feces, poop).
    • You could look at the diaper or pants the child is wearing for signs of leakage or stains but by then it would probably be too late and diaper rash would have set in and you would have to rummage through all your baby first aid things only to find the empty tube of diaper rash cream.
    • Look down the diaper. This is easier if you have a mobile child.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Remove the diaper

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  1. Put the child on the floor, with something underneath the child that is meant for soaking up urine and feces, and is easy to clean (E.G. A cloth-lined, plastic changing pad, bought at any baby and children store or superstore). If you do not have a changing pad, then a regular towel will do, but make sure it is clean and that afterwards, if there are any stains, that you wash the towel clean immediately in cold water and laundry detergent, and hang to dry.
  2. Now that the baby is on the floor, gather the supplies needed. These include but are not limited to: A clean diaper of your choice, baby wipes of your choice, diaper rash cream, baby powder, a clean change of clothes, a blanket to wrap a tiny baby in when cold, and a toy or book or pacifier to entertain the child with. It is a good idea not to give the child a bottle at this time as the child may associate diaper changes with feeding and that may not work out so well with some parents.
    • Start removing the diaper. Now that the baby is entertained, proceed in peeling back the flaps of the old diaper, lifting the child’s rear end up a few inches into the air and removing the diaper. Keeping the child’s rear in the air, reach for a baby wipe and wipe the child downward from genitalia to anus.
    • It is absolutely important that when dealing with females, that you always wipe from vulva to anus. NEVER from the anus to the vulva as this can cause a serious vaginal infection if bacteria enter the vagina.
  5. Now that the child is clean and fresh, apply the diaper rash cream and/or baby powder to the child’s bottom, if you want, and let air dry. Take this time to unfold the fresh diaper, pulling out the two flaps located at the back and stretching them a bit so they will be more comfortable to the child. If your child is a newborn, now would be a good time to wrap the infant in a blanket to keep him/her warm until their bottom is dry.
  6. Once the child’s bottom is dry, lift up their rear into the air again a few inches and slip the fresh diaper up underneath the child’s bottom, with the flaps in the back and stopping at the small of the back thus providing a comfortable fit for the child. Now take the front of the diaper and fold it loosely over the child’s genitalia, letting it rest just below the belly button (don’t forget to blow a few raspberries for the older children in diapers to make them laugh).
  7. If the child is still very young and still has his/her umbilical cord attached, keeping the diaper off the umbilical cord is very important for hygienic reason. Folding over the protruding end of the diaper, or cutting out a hole beforehand can help evade infection.
  8. Congratulate yourself for you have learned now to recognize and change a soiled diaper!
  9. Take this time to replace the child’s soiled clothing the fresh clothing you have pulled out for him/her.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What's the best way to change diapers faster?
    Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA)
    Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth, & Lactation Educator
    Deanna Dawson-Jesus is a Birth Doula, Childbirth, and Lactation Educator based in Danville, California. As the owner of Birthing Babies - A Celebration of Life, Deanna has 19 years of birth doula experience and has assisted with over 250 births. She also has over five years of postpartum doula experience and assists more than ten families. Deanna has additional extensive training in Assisted Reproductive Technologies, VBAC support, and Perinatal Loss Support. She is a Certified Birth Doula by DONA International and teaches at Blossom Birth and Family.
    Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA)
    Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth, & Lactation Educator
    Expert Answer
    Have everything prepared before you start. Have a warm, damp rag or wipe, a diaper, and a washcloth within reach so you don't have to leave the baby to get anything. If you have a baby boy, definitely have a washcloth ready since they'll likely pee again when you take their diaper off.
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  • Question
    How can I calm down an older baby when I'm changing their diaper?
    Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA)
    Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth, & Lactation Educator
    Deanna Dawson-Jesus is a Birth Doula, Childbirth, and Lactation Educator based in Danville, California. As the owner of Birthing Babies - A Celebration of Life, Deanna has 19 years of birth doula experience and has assisted with over 250 births. She also has over five years of postpartum doula experience and assists more than ten families. Deanna has additional extensive training in Assisted Reproductive Technologies, VBAC support, and Perinatal Loss Support. She is a Certified Birth Doula by DONA International and teaches at Blossom Birth and Family.
    Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA)
    Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth, & Lactation Educator
    Expert Answer
    As babies get older, they get squirmier, which makes it more difficult to change them. Unfortunately, you can't teach a three-month-old to be calm when you're changing them. All you can do is try to be more patient with them.
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      Tips

      • Keep wipes on hand always. Not only do keeping wipes on hand prevent you from having to look for them in an emergency soiled diaper situation, they also make cleaning up household messes much easier than getting out the cleaning supplies and rags. Just wipe down the mess and spray with disinfectant.
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      • Keep the child on the floor. This way if the child wants to roll or squirm, the child will not have suffered from a long fall, and you can turn your back for a moment with ease, providing there is nothing too small on the floor that they can get into their mouths.
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      • Trust your instincts. If your instincts tell you shouldn't buy this kind of diaper or wipe, then listen to yourself. It's not worth going to hospital because your child is having an allergic reaction to the material of the diaper and/or wipe, just because you want to save a few dollars.
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      Warnings

      • If the child is still very young and still has his/her umbilical cord attached, keeping the diaper off the umbilical cord is very important for hygienic reason. Folding over the protruding end of the diaper, or cutting out a hole beforehand can help evade infection.
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
      • Never leave the child alone
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
      • It is absolutely important that when dealing with females, that you always wipe from vulva to anus. NEVER from the anus to the vulva as this can cause a serious vaginal infection if bacteria enters the vagina as well as cause the female great pain, or in worst case scenario, death.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
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      Things You'll Need

      • 1 or 2 clean fresh diapers
      • Baby wipes
      • A changing pad or towel (optional with older children)
      • A blanket (optional with older children)
      • Diaper rash cream (optional)
      • Baby Powder (optional)
      • Clean change of clothes (optional)
      • A toy (optional)
      • Cold Water (optional)
      • Laundry Detergent (optional)

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      References

      1. ↑ Deanna Dawson-Jesus, CD (DONA). Birth & Postpartum Doula, Childbirth, & Lactation Educator. Expert Interview. 31 July 2020.

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