Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
- With 10 to 15 diaper changes a day, it won’t take long for you to figure out when to change your baby’s diaper.
- The diaper should be checked before and after each feeding, after each nap and whenever you feel your infant is unusually fussy.
- The longer that urine and stool are in contact with the skin, the more likely a diaper rash will develop.
- Before you change your baby’s diaper, be sure you have everything you need within easy reach to get started.
- You can change your baby on the floor or on a waist-high stable and padded surface.
- Even if there are elevated edges to the changing pad and a restraining belt, never leave your baby alone no matter what.
Cleaning the genitals
After the diaper area is thoroughly cleansed and dried, it is not necessary to routinely apply ointments, lotions, or powders. However, in the early days when the infant is producing the dark, tarry meconium, applying petroleum jelly to the buttocks will make later removal of the meconium easier.
Boys and girls may have special needs during diaper changes.
For boys
- Be sure to clean under the scrotum and in the crevices.
- Do not attempt to retract the foreskin of uncircumcised boys. Separation of the foreskin is a natural process which will occur automatically with time.
For girls
- Be sure to clean any stool from the labial and vaginal area.
- Always wipe from front to back.
- If present, do not attempt to remove the whitish residue, known as vernix, found between the labial folds in girls. It is protective and will gradually disappear with baths.