Clean and Dry: The Do’s and Don’ts of Diapering for Dads

Tips and tricks for avoiding unexpected issues during diaper changes

Having a baby is a magical experience filled with awe, wonder, excitement, hope, and complete and utter confusion. Being a first-time father can be an exhausting time as you learn the ins and outs of caring for a newborn. There are a lot of rules to follow about car seats, feeding, sleep positioning, and what gear to use when.

And then you find yourself alone with a baby and some diapers for the first time. This should be easy, right? People have been doing it for a long time, and there’s no training or formal education involved, so how hard could it be?

Well, it’s not hard, but there may be some surprises that could be avoided with a little upfront learning – and those surprises can be stressful and messy. Figure out the do’s and don’ts of diapering before you need to change that diaper.

Be prepared

While the Boy Scouts may not have been talking about diaper changing specifically, always being prepared is good advice for life in general as well as for baby-raising.

Don’t attempt a diaper change before making sure you have, at a minimum:

• A clean, clear surface
• Baby wipes
• A fresh diaper
• Ointment or diaper rash cream, if needed (it acts as to prevent moisture from irritating the baby’s skin, so it never hurts to apply a thin layer if you’re unsure)

Never take both hands off your baby while changing their diaper. The very first time you assume that you can turn away to grab something, your infant will find a way to roll off whatever surface they are on, causing immeasurable guilt, at best. Gather your supplies before starting.

You may also need a change of clothes for baby, particularly if you’re out in public. Simply changing the diaper isn’t always enough in a true diapering emergency, unfortunately.

Also, don’t get overconfident and assume that you can take the baby out and about for even a short time without a fully stocked diaper bag, doing so is issuing a challenge to the universe, and you will learn diapering lessons the hard way if you decide to undertake such a risk. You might not like carrying a bag, but you’re really not going to like carrying a soiled baby. Come to a Rookie Dads workshop and get a free Dads Diaper Bag with all the essentials!

Be proactive and thorough

Diapers are super absorbent these days. This leads to two issues: it can be difficult to tell when they need to be changed, and it’s easy to think there’s no rush if you suspect that they’re wet. Don’t just assume you’ll know when your baby has soiled themselves – sometimes you will know, but other occasions will call for a quick check.

The acidity of urine and fecal matter can lead to diaper rash, which can be hard to combat and lead to a miserable baby. You think you’re tired now from the regular lack of sleep that comes with a baby? Just wait until you pair that with the screaming of an infant who’s in pain.

You also have to do a thorough job of wiping for the same reason. With baby girls, it’s particularly important to remember to always wipe from front to back – doing it in reverse order could cause infections.

If your baby is squirmy or active on the changing table, install a mobile over it or keep a rattle or toy they can easily grasp nearby; whatever it takes to buy enough time to get the job done correctly.

The right fit

Once you use a diaper a few times, it’s a fairly intuitive process (but it can seem oddly baffling that very first time – mostly that you’re actually in charge of this tiny person and its care). However, as your baby grows, the fit of their diaper will vary.

Always make sure that it’s securely fastened without being too tight or too loose, but also make sure that the elastic around the legs isn’t folded in or that part of the baby’s bottom isn’t hanging out; that’s a sure-fire recipe for a blow-out disaster. Keep diapers the next size up in your home before you think you’ll need them. Babies grow quickly!

If you routinely have leaks, experiment with different brands. Every baby is shaped a little differently, and the slight difference between fits may solve any problems you may be having.

When it’s all said and done, no matter how well-read you are, you’re going to find yourself in some slightly horrifying diaper-related situation eventually. Relax. It’s part of the hazing process of parenthood.

As long as you are prepared, proactive, and diligent about checking for both proper fit and accidents, you and your baby should have a happy, dry, and mostly mess-free (relatively speaking) future ahead.

The mission of CDR’s Fatherhood program is to empower dads to reach their goals and to be the best parents they can be. Check out our Rookie Dads program for new and expectant fathers. In this program, dads to be will receive hands-on experience with diapering, swaddling, and feeding a baby. Visit our website to view upcoming classes.