Clean diapers (disposable or cloth)

For babies under one month or with diaper rash, you'll need cotton balls and warm water along with a dry wash cloth. For other babies, diaper wipes are fine.

Optional:

Ointment to help get rid of diaper rash

Cornstarch to absorb wetness, which can lead to diaper rash

Five to ten minutes

Change the baby often to prevent diaper rash.

Lotions and powders are not essential to the changing process. Powder can actually cause problems (talc can be irritating) and prevent the diaper tape from sticking properly.

2torial #0588: Learn2 Change a Diaper Not Again!!! During the early months of infancy, diaper changing can take place as often as hourly during a baby's waking hours. Frequent changing and care will help prevent diaper rash. Make sure you have everything you need accessible on the changing table or in the diaper bag. Wash your hands   Wash and dry your hands thoroughly   Remove jewelry that can scratch delicate baby skin Entertain! (optional)   Your job can be made much easier if you can keep the baby entertained long enough to keep still while you do the changing. Think of it as a mini show. Either you or someone else can create the diversion, or a mobile above might also do the trick. A stuffed toy within sight can help, or perhaps a toy when the baby gets bigger. But keep the changing accessories out of baby's reach - and thus out of his or her mouth. Cover the changing surface Place a towel, protective cloth diaper, or changing cloth over the table. If the baby is on table from which he or she could fall, don't leave or take your attention from the baby, even for a second. Always keep one hand on the baby. Remove the soiled diaper   As you remove the dirty diaper, pay attention to how it was secured. This will help you with putting on the new diaper. Hold the baby by the ankles and carefully lift the hips. Remove the diaper with the soiled part folded in. Wipe the baby in the right direction With a warm washcloth or diaper wipe, wipe girls from front to back, and boys from back to front. A good idea here is to keep a fresh diaper draped over a baby boy's penis (as a defensive measure!) while changing him. Dry the baby   If you used water or pre-moistened wipes, you'll want to pat the baby dry. Then use diaper ointment, if indicated, or dust the diaper with cornstarch.to an equal height, usually from one to two inches up. Apply the fresh diaper   Place the clean diaper underneath the baby. With disposable diapers, make sure that the diaper is going the right direction. Bring the bottom half of the diaper up through the baby's legs. Aim a boy's penis downward into the diaper to prevent wetting his shirt. Tape it up Secure the back corner over the front with the attached tape or adhesive tabs. Take care not to stick the tape to the baby's body. If you are using cloth diapers, pin the diaper, always keeping your hand between the skin and the diaper to avoid sticking the baby. The diaper should be tight enough to protect leaks but not so much that it irritates the baby's skin. Get rid of the...   Put any formed stool into the toilet. Fold over paper diapers and retape them before throwing in the trash can. Cloth diapers should be rinsed and tossed in a tightly covered diaper pail until wash day. If not at home, place in a plastic bag until you get home. Change wet or dirty baby clothes Change any clothes or linens that require it. Wash Hands   Wash your hands one last time. -end- Learn More!