It’s a moment every parent dreads – having to change their baby’s diaper. But don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it seems. In this post, we will walk you through the process of changing a baby girl’s diaper. We’ll give you some tips and tricks that will make the process easier for both you and your child. So read on and learn how to change a baby girl’s diaper like a pro!
What Is the Difference Between Changing a Baby Girl’s Diaper and a Baby Boy’s Diaper?
The main difference is that you have to be careful not to get pee on yourself when changing a newborn baby boy’s diaper.
With a girl, you don’t have to worry about that as much.
Also, boys tend to have more poopy diapers than girls.
We’ve done a guide to the difference between boy and girl diapers here.
So, if you’re changing a boy’s diaper, be prepared for a little bit more of a mess. Lastly, boys have a tendency to pee when they’re trying to change their diapers. So, be quick and have a towel handy!
All in all, changing a newborn baby girl’s diaper is pretty similar to changing a newborn baby boy’s diaper.
Gather Your Diapering Essentials For Changing Diapers
Before you start changing your baby girl’s diapers, make sure that all your diaper essentials are near and handy:
Clean Diaper
You never know when your spares will come in handy. Staying prepared is key to making sure that you have enough diapers on hand for any occasion!
Baby Wipes
Many parents clean the diaper region with wipes. However, a newborn’s skin is extremely sensitive. Warm water and a cloth or cotton balls can help prevent infection and irritation in the first few weeks of life. If you are planning on using reusable baby wipes, read our full guide.
Some parents prefer wipes because they’re more convenient and easier to use than traditional cotton balls or gauze pads. We’ve pulled together a handy guide to how many wipes you might need.
If you do decide to use wipes, be sure to choose a brand that’s hypoallergenic and alcohol-free. You might be surprised of the ingredients included in baby wipes. Also, remember, disposable baby wipes are not flushable.
And, of course, always test the wipes on a small area of the sensitive skin of your baby girl before using them all over their diaper area and genital area after removing the poopy diaper.
Diaper Rash Cream
To prevent diaper rashes, you need to change your baby’s diapers often and apply a diaper rash cream at every diaper change. Diaper rash creams create a barrier between your baby’s skin and wet diapers. This barrier helps to protect your newborn baby’s skin from the irritants in urine and poop, which can cause diaper rashes. We’ve done a detailed guide to diaper cream and newborns.
Most diaper rash creams contain petroleum jelly or zinc oxide. Petroleum jelly forms a waterproof barrier on the skin that protects against wetness and diaper irritants. Zinc oxide works by absorbing excess moisture and creating a barrier on the skin of a newborn.
If your baby has a diaper rash, you should clean the area with mild soap and water. Then, apply a thin layer of diaper rash cream to the area. Be sure to put the diaper rash cream on all areas that are red or irritated. If you want to use natural homemade diaper rash remedies, read all about them here.
Changing Pad or a Clean, Flat Surface
There are a few factors to consider when deciding on the ideal changing pad or bed for changing a used diaper and putting on a clean diaper. The first is the size of the changing table. You’ll want to make sure you have enough space to comfortably change your newborn baby’s diaper without things getting too cramped.
Another important factor is the material of the changing surface or bed. You’ll want to make sure it’s smooth and easy to clean, in case of any accidents. You can place a towel on the surface especially if you plan to change diapers on the bed.
And finally, you’ll want to consider the height of the changing table or flat surface on the bed. You’ll want to be able to reach your baby comfortably without having to stoop over too much.
A Change of Baby’s Clothes
You may need a change of newborn baby’s clothes during the diaper change.
There are a few reasons for this. First, when you change a dirty diaper, there is always the possibility of leaks. Even if you’re careful, accidents can happen.
If the clothing of your baby girl gets wet or soiled, it will be much more comfortable for your baby girl if she’s wearing clean clothing.
Second, changing a dirty diaper can be a messy process. If you don’t want your baby’s clothing to get dirty, it’s best to put them in something clean before you start.
Finally, it’s always nice for your baby to have a fresh set of clothing after a diaper change. They’ll feel more comfortable and look cute in clean clothing!
So even if you don’t think you need to, it’s always a good idea to have a change of clothing handy when you’re changing a diaper. Better safe than sorry!
Trash Can or Wet Bag
If you’re using disposable diapers, you need a plastic bag, trash or a diaper pail to throw them into. But if you’re using reusable diapers on your baby girl, you need a wet bag to store them until wash day and to contain the smell.
How to Change Your Baby Girl’s Diaper
There’s no one right way to change a baby’s diaper, but there are some basic steps you can follow. So, here’s how to change a baby girl’s diaper:
- First, make sure you have everything you need within reach – a clean diaper, wipes, and a clean changing table or surface. Also, wash your hands to make sure they’re clean.
- Lay your baby down gently on their back and open up your baby’s diaper on each side. Then, carefully take your child’s bottom out of the poopy diaper by grabbing your baby’s legs with one hand and lifting. You can either use baby wipes, a damp cloth or the upper half of the wet diaper to quickly wipe down the area of your little one with a lot of poop or mess. Put the dirty diaper within your arm’s reach but out of your baby’s reach.
- Gently clean the genital area of your little one, do it front to back. Doing it like this helps keep germs and bacteria out of your baby girl’s vaginal area, where they could cause an infection. Don’t apply too much pressure. Simply wipe away any visible poop or pee from your little one. Thoroughly wipe the area clean including the folds between the thighs of your baby.
- Once your baby girl is all cleaned up from all to the poop and pee, apply diaper cream. You can do this if you want to prevent or treat diaper rashes. If you decide to do this, do so after you have put your baby’s diaper under her to save you the trouble of wiping the cream off if it gets to the changing table or towel. If the rashes of your baby don’t go away after a few days, talk to your baby’s pediatrician for professional medical advice and expert advice.
- Make sure the newborn’s diaper is snug but not too tight, and that the diaper tabs and safety straps are securely fastened to avoid leaks. A new diaper that is too loose or too tight can cause a lot of problems for you and your baby. It is one of the main reasons for diaper blowouts. One good tip is to make sure that the colorful markings of the diaper should be on the front.
- Once you’re done, put clean baby clothes on. Change the clothes of your baby if it is soiled or wet.
- Clean your changing table and put the soiled diaper in the wet bag or garbage bin. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward, and you’re all done!
FAQ
Should I Apply Baby Powder at Every Diaper Change?
Applying the baby powder to your baby’s bottom during diaper changes might seem like a good idea. After all, it can help keep your baby’s skin dry and comfortable. However, there are some serious dangers associated with using baby talc or powder on your baby during diaper changes.
We’ve taken a detailed look at is baby powder is safe for diaper rash. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that inhaling baby talc powder can lead to serious respiratory problems in babies.
Inhaling the baby talc powder can also cause lung inflammation and irritation. Additionally, the powder can increase the risk of developing ovarian cancer in women according to various peer-reviewed studies.
I Noticed a White Discharge, Should I Wipe It Down?
If you notice a white discharge, try to wipe it down gently. This is normal so leave it alone if it isn’t easily removed. Never apply too much pressure when wiping your baby girl’s genital area.
Do I Need to Wipe My Baby Girl Every Time She Pees?
It is not necessary to do so. Change her diapers solely when she poops, which is normal after each feeding. Pee does not generally irritate the skin of most babies as poop does, and most modern diapers absorb it and keep the baby’s diaper area dry. If she has a bad diaper rash then yes, change her as soon as you can.
How Often Should I Change My Baby Girl’s Diapers?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including your baby’s age, what type of diapers you’re using, and whether or not she has any medical conditions.
If you’re using disposable diapers, you’ll need to change them more frequently than if you’re using cloth diapers.
And, of course, as your baby gets older, she’ll be able to hold her bladder for longer periods of time, so you won’t need to change her diapers as often.
Generally speaking, you should plan on changing your baby’s diaper every two to three hours during the day. Of course, there will be times when you need to change it more frequently, such as after she eats or has a bowel movement.
And, there will be times when you can go a little longer between changes, such as when your babies are sleeping.
Conclusion
Changing diapers may not be the most glamorous task, but it’s a necessary one. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro and it’ll become second nature in no time. Just remember to wipe your hands thoroughly, wipe your babies gently, and change the diaper frequently.
This article was written by: Gian MIller – Full-Time Writer, Baby Whisperer & Dad of 3.
Gian spends a lot of his time writing. A self-proclaimed baby whisperer, Gian has been through it all with his own children and is passionate about sharing his hard-won wisdom with other parents. When he’s not writing or changing diapers, you can find him playing the guitar or watching baseball (or preferably both at the same time).
