Nowadays, Nigerian parents have it easy. Back then changing diapers was the most dreaded baby care activity of all. But now that diapering has become so much easier with disposable diapers. 

Most Nigerian parents use disposable diapers. Gone are the days of soaking soiled cloth nappies in buckets of soapy water, washing and hanging them out in the sun to dry. Also gone are the days of pricking ones fingers with safety pins when trying to secure cloth nappies firmly on a wiggly baby. Most disposable diapers are also able to hold of more fluid, with fewer incidents of leakage.

Disposable diapers are available everywhere. If you take a trip to the market, you will notice that there are a lot of brands from which you can choose, with a wide variety of features and prices.

No matter what type of diaper you choose (cloth or disposable) the basics of changing diapers is pretty much the same. Changing diapers should be an easy process for new parents. To help you out, we have outlined 5 simple steps on how to change your first baby diaper.

1) Assemble your supplies

Gather up all the necessary articles before positioning your baby on the table e.g. changing mat, diaper, wipes, nappy cream or ointment. This way, you can avoid the safety hazards that usually result from the need to leave the baby unattended to get the items you have forgotten to prepare.

Open the diaper pack ahead of time and lay down everything on the table. This will ensure that the things you need are ready to use and just within your reach.

2) Safely position the baby

Most parents designate a specific area meant only for changing diapers. This can be as simple as a changing pad placed on top of a table, the floor or a bed. Using a changing pad will help prevent the surface you use from getting soiled. Most changing pads are easy to clean with baby wipes.

If you are placing your child on a table or high surface, see to it that you hold your baby down to avoid the risks of rolling off and falling. By no means should you leave your little one unattended on the table or high surface.

After securing the baby on the changing pad, unfasten the old diaper. However, don’t remove it from underneath the baby yet. This provides some leeway of safety, as cold air can motivate your baby to release more urine or poop.

3) Clean the baby’s skin

Hold the baby’s ankles and slowly lift his or her bottom up. Start cleaning the bottom part using the wet wipes you have prepared in advance. In case the area is very soiled, you may use the front section of the old diaper to wipe the mess away.

After cleaning the baby’s skin, pull out the dirty diaper and wipes from under him or her and set them aside.

4) Change the diaper

You can apply a barrier cream or ointment to your baby’s bottom if you want. Position the clean diaper under the baby and fasten the straps. For newborns, folding down the top part of the diaper is recommended. This way, you can make room for the umbilical cord. Don’t be scared to make the diaper fairly fitted. Just imagine the mess it would make if it were too loose.

5) Clean up

After changing the baby’s diaper and putting some fresh clothes on, take the soiled diaper and criss-cross the straps to turn it into a little ball. Throw the diaper into the dustbin immediately.

Don’t forget to wash your hands after each diaper change.

Good job! These five simple steps should guide you when changing your first baby diaper.