How to change a diaper
To change a diaper, set out a clean diaper, wipes and cream before you start, keep one hand on the baby at all times on a changing surface, and slide the clean diaper under the baby before removing the dirty one. Wipe front to back, let the skin dry, fasten the new diaper snug with room for two fingers at the waist, and wash your hands.
About 10 minutes to learnEveryday skill
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How to do it
- Gather a clean diaper, wipes, diaper cream and a change of clothes within reach before you lay the baby down.
- Lay the baby on a changing pad or the floor, and keep one hand on them the whole time.
- Open the clean diaper and slide its back half under the baby's bottom, under the dirty one.
- Unfasten the dirty diaper, use its front to wipe off most of the mess, and fold it under the baby.
- Wipe front to back with fresh wipes, getting into the skin folds.
- Pull out the dirty diaper, let the skin air dry for a moment, and apply cream to any redness.
- Fasten the clean diaper so two fingers fit at the waist, fold it below a newborn's umbilical stump, and pull the leg ruffles out.
- Put the baby somewhere safe, bag the dirty diaper, and wash your hands.
Common mistakes
- Turning away from the changing table for a second, which is when babies roll off.
- Wiping back to front, which spreads germs.
- Fastening the diaper so tight it leaves red marks, or so loose it leaks.
- Leaving the ruffles tucked in, which causes leaks at the legs.
Quick self-check
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Teach this to someone
A one-page sheet for showing a friend, a roommate or a kid: what to say, what to show, and one question to check it landed.
Teach: How to change a diaper
What to say
To change a diaper, set out a clean diaper, wipes and cream before you start, keep one hand on the baby at all times on a changing surface, and slide the clean diaper under the baby before removing the dirty one. Wipe front to back, let the skin dry, fasten the new diaper snug with room for two fingers at the waist, and wash your hands.
What to show, in order
- Gather a clean diaper, wipes, diaper cream and a change of clothes within reach before you lay the baby down.
- Lay the baby on a changing pad or the floor, and keep one hand on them the whole time.
- Open the clean diaper and slide its back half under the baby's bottom, under the dirty one.
- Unfasten the dirty diaper, use its front to wipe off most of the mess, and fold it under the baby.
- Wipe front to back with fresh wipes, getting into the skin folds.
- Pull out the dirty diaper, let the skin air dry for a moment, and apply cream to any redness.
- Fasten the clean diaper so two fingers fit at the waist, fold it below a newborn's umbilical stump, and pull the leg ruffles out.
- Put the baby somewhere safe, bag the dirty diaper, and wash your hands.
The check question
Ask: Where should one of your hands be during a change?
Related skills
- How to settle a crying baby
- Safe sleep for babies
- How to childproof your home
- Every skill in Dad and Family
Sources
- National pediatric guidance for parents, current edition. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .