How to Change a Diaper

Learning how to change a diaper is the same, whether you use cloth or disposable diapers. There are a few small exceptions, such as using pins and cleaning washable diapers, but the basic process is identical.

Cloth diapers require the use of rubber pants. If you use cloth diapers, you should have a separate diaper pail or sealed container available to hold the dirty diapers. The pail should have a 10% bleach and 90% water mixture in it. This helps soak any stains out of the diapers, and keeps the smell minimal until you have enough for a load of laundry.

Steps for Learning How to Change a Diaper

1. Lay the baby on its back on a padded diaper changing table. If no padded changing table is available, put a soft towel or blanket under the baby.
2. If you are using disposable diapers, pull the tape tabs around the waist open. If you are using cloth diapers, remove the rubber pants and then carefully remove the pins and set them aside. Make sure they are out of the baby's reach. Throw the rubber pants in the diaper pail. 
3. Clean the baby thoroughly with baby wipes. Remove the soiled diaper and the soiled wipes and set them aside. Slide a clean diaper underneath the baby.
4. Sprinkle baby powder on the baby. The powder helps to keep wet material from chafing the baby's skin. Bring the diaper up between the baby's legs. Fit the top of the diaper around the baby's waist. Bring each bottom corner up, one at a time. Secure with tape tabs if you are using a disposable diaper, or pins if you are using a cloth diaper.
5. Put a new pair of rubber pants on the baby.
6. If you are using disposables, wrap the disposable diaper around itself and stick the tape tabs on the diaper so it stays closed. Discard in the trash. If you are using cloth diapers, dump anything solid into the toilet, rinse the diaper out, then put it in the diaper pail.