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Changing a diaper (or nappy) looks intimidating before you have done it, and completely ordinary about ten changes in. A newborn needs eight to twelve changes a day, so you will get plenty of practice fast. The goal here is simple: keep your baby clean, dry, and comfortable, and protect that delicate skin. Here is exactly how, step by step, with the small details nobody tells you.
- Get everything within reach before you start, and never step away from a baby on a raised surface.
- Wipe front to back, fasten so one finger fits at the waist, and point a boy down before closing.
- Change promptly when wet or dirty to prevent diaper rash, and let skin air-dry when you can.
- Newborns average 8 to 12 changes a day. It gets quick once you have done it a few times.
What to have ready
In plain English: set up before you start, because a half-changed baby is not the moment to go hunting for wipes. Keep a stocked station wherever you change, and a small kit in the diaper bag for outings.
- Clean diapers in the current size (newborn or size 1 to start).
- Unscented wipes, or cotton wool and warm water for very new skin.
- A barrier cream for any redness.
- A changing mat you can wipe down, plus a spare cloth or muslin.
- A diaper sack or lidded bin within arm’s reach.
If you are still building your kit, our newborn essentials checklist covers what is genuinely worth buying and what you can skip.
How to change a diaper, step by step
- Lay baby down on a safe, flat surface. A changing mat on the floor is the safest option, because nobody can roll off the floor.
- Open the dirty diaper but do not whisk it away. Undo the tabs, then use the front half to wipe the bulk of the mess downward and away.
- Lift the bottom gently. Hold both ankles in one hand and lift just enough to slide the dirty diaper out. Fold it closed and set it aside.
- Clean thoroughly, front to back. Always wipe away from the genitals toward the bottom, especially for girls, to keep bacteria away from the urethra. Get into the creases.
- Let it air-dry for a few seconds. A dry bottom is a happy bottom. Add a thin layer of barrier cream if the skin looks red.
- Slide the clean diaper under. The back with the tabs goes under the bottom, level with the waist.
- Fasten snugly. Bring the front up and fasten the tabs so you can fit one finger at the waistband: snug, not tight. Turn any leg cuffs outward so they seal.
Two small tricks that prevent leaks
- For baby boys: point the penis downward before you close the diaper, or the next wee travels straight up the front and out the waistband.
- For everyone: make sure the leg ruffles are pulled out, not tucked in. Tucked cuffs are the number one cause of blowouts up the back.
How often, and the umbilical cord
Change whenever the diaper is dirty, and after most feeds when it is wet. Newborns go through a lot of diapers, which is normal and a useful sign they are feeding well. While the umbilical cord stump is still attached (usually one to three weeks), fold the front of the diaper down below it so the stump stays dry and exposed to air until it falls off on its own.
Preventing and spotting diaper rash
Diaper rash is red, sore-looking skin in the diaper area, usually caused by too long in a wet or dirty diaper. Prevent it by changing promptly, patting (not rubbing) the skin dry, using a barrier cream, and giving some daily diaper-free time on a towel. Most mild rashes clear in a few days with this routine.
When to call your doctor
Check in with your pediatrician if a rash does not improve in about three days, looks raw or blistered, has bright red patches with small spots at the edges (a possible yeast infection), or if your baby has very few wet diapers, which can be a sign of dehydration. When something looks off, it is always reasonable to ask.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace care from your pediatrician, midwife, or another qualified health professional. Always seek their guidance about your baby’s skin, hydration, or any health concern. If you think your baby may be having a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services right away.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. “Diapering Your Baby” and “Diaper Rash.” 2024.
- National Health Service (NHS). “Nappies and nappy changing.” 2023.
- Mayo Clinic. “Diaper rash: Symptoms and causes.” 2024.
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