Changing a baby's diaper is a gesture that you will repeat thousands of times during the first years of his life... That's why it's useful to know how to do it right! How to put on a diaper? What are the signs that a baby needs to be changed? And above all, when to change it? All our answers.In the first months, you will have to change your baby no less than 6 to 8 times a day. Some practical advice is essential to start well. And this is also the first question you ask yourself: when should you change your baby? There are several schools on this subject.

When to change your baby's diaper?

It should be known that the ideal moment of the change does not exist. You may be the one who will try several techniques before finding the right one and adapting to your child's rhythm.

Don't worry, your baby doesn't like the unpleasant feeling of being soiled, he will let you know when you need to do something, often by crying! It is important that his buttocks do not remain too long in humidity or in contact with stool in order to prevent problems of skin irritation.

Can we wake baby at night when he sleeps to change his diaper?

Finally, some probiotics would also have a preventive effect in children at risk of allergy, particularly in the case of atopic dermatitis (eczema). "In a context of proven family allergy, we can indeed give certain strains, but without guaranteed results", concludes Dr. Plumey.

Changing baby before or after his bottle?

You never know when you'll have to change your baby's diaper! You have to be prepared all the time, between bathing, sleeping and meals... Several cases arise.

First, if you change it before the meal (whether bottle or small pots) you risk having to repeat the same ritual after the meal since there will surely be a bowel movement at that time.

Second, it is possible to put a clean diaper on him during the meal. This forces him to take a break before suckling again and stimulates him. But here too there are risks of defilement.

Third, the change takes place after the meal, when we are sure that he has made his bowel movements, just after his burp. However, it is taking the risk of disturbing him when he is just beginning to fall asleep.

Baby diaper change: what materials and products to use?

As for the bath, for the change, you must have all the material available to change your child's diaper. There is no question of leaving your baby alone for a second on the changing table. So think in advance about the accessories you will need:

a clean, dry towel to put on the changing mat (it is more practical to wash a towel regularly than a mattress cover;

a clean diaper;

change of clothes if necessary;

a cleansing milk (possibly);

cotton wool or Marseille soap with a fine, soft sponge glove soaked in lukewarm water;

wipes if you are not at home.

Also provide a specific cream against diaper rash (paste with water) if you see redness appear.

Also bring a plastic bag in which you can lock the dirty diaper.

Good to know: more and more parents are using washable diapers, not only because they represent a lower cost, but also because they help protect the environment.

Changing a newborn's diaper: what's the difference?

There is no difference between the change of a newborn and that of an infant. A newborn may require more dexterity to get him out of the crib and onto the changing table. Roll him on his side and slide your hand under him, then bring him into a ball against you, and put him on the changing mat.

How to clean your baby during the change?

First take off your baby's clothes. You can just take off the bottom of his pajamas or his onesie for example and raise his clothes a little above the navel to prevent the risk of overflowing.

Time to open baby's dirty diaper. First lift her buttocks, unhook the scratches from the diaper and fold them down so that they don't stick to her skin. Bring the front part towards you and lift your baby's bottom slightly, holding him by his feet. You can remove the diaper while wiping away the rest of the stool with a clean patch.

Whether you take a glove, a wipe or a cotton square, clean the pubis first, then the buttocks. We always go from the cleanest to the dirtiest. To dry the different parts, do not wipe too hard, but dab, so that your baby is completely dry.

Finally, apply a thick layer, if necessary, of a care cream against diaper rash.

Changing a baby boy's diaper: what's the difference?

There isn't...except you're not immune to an accident when you're changing a baby boy! We all know this apparently funny scene, where the baby boy cheerfully sprinkles the adult who is changing him. To avoid this situation in real life, put a diaper or a bib on his penis during the change, or otherwise his penis down before closing the diaper.

After getting rid of the dirty diaper, how to put on a clean diaper?

Take and unfold the clean diaper. Place and center the part with the adhesives under your baby's bottom. The front and back parts must meet perfectly at the waist. Attach the adhesive strips. Be careful not to overtighten the diaper. You should be able to easily pass a finger between the diaper and the belly.

To prevent leakage or overflow, check that you can see the small bellows protruding between the thighs. If they are inside, you risk small leaks.

Number of diapers per day: how often should baby be changed?

The rule: change baby as soon as his diaper is dirty, those and urine combined. If you changed it a quarter of an hour ago, it does not matter, we do not leave baby with a soiled diaper... Otherwise, it is advisable to check on average every two or three hours if the baby's diaper is not full.

Taking care of a baby also means being organized. The first days, it's better not to be alone to perform all these steps. Daddy has to change diapers as much as you do, don't forget that! Otherwise, one of the grandparents can easily come to your aid. Safety is the priority. But don't worry, you'll quickly get used to it.