Diaper Changing

• Change your baby’s diaper regularly to keep their skin healthy and prevent diaper rash.
• Always check diapers for wetness or soiling and replace them as soon as possible.
• Use a clean surface, wipes, and gentle products to keep your baby comfortable.
• A diaper pail can help contain smells and make frequent changes easier to manage.

Babies need frequent diaper changes - sometimes as often as 12 times a day (or more). It’s one of the most frequent tasks for new parents, and changing diapers correctly makes a big difference in your baby’s comfort and skin health.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or brushing up on skills, knowing how often to change a diaper, recognizing when to size up, and keeping the process hygienic is key.

When to change a baby's diaper

A wet or dirty diaper is the best time to change. You'll also notice your baby might pee or poop after feeding, so you can get into a routine around your feeding times.

How often to change a newborn diaper

Newborns should be checked every two to three hours on average, but change immediately if wet or soiled to prevent discomfort and rash. Leaving a wet or dirty diaper on for too long can cause diaper rash and other conditions.

The number of changes needed will gradually reduce from around 12 a day to about six to eight as your baby gets older.

You'll either be able to see or smell when your baby's diaper needs to be changed. But in addition to seeing or smelling pee or poop, keep an eye out for other tell-tale signs like sagging, dampness inside the diaper, the diaper feeling heavier than usual, or leaking. It's also useful to know that leakage from the diaper may be a sign that it's time to move up to the next diaper size.

What you need to change a diaper

You're going to be changing diapers at home and whilst you're out and about. Whether you're at the changing station at home or reaching into your changing bag, you need the essentials, so you've got everything you need to hand to make the operation fast and effective.

These diaper-changing essentials include...

• A good supply of clean diapers: Diapers come in different sizes, so don't buy too many in small sizes as your baby will grow fast.
• A changing pad or towel: It's handy to have a portable one for your diaper bag and something more comfortable at home.
• Baby wipes, reusable wipes, or cotton wool and warm water: You might want to start with warm water for your newborn and move to wipes at about two weeks old.
• Diaper cream: This isn't essential, but you may choose to use a barrier cream for your baby's delicate skin to help prevent diaper rash.
• A spare set of clothes: Don't get caught out with a messy accident and no clean clothes.

How to change a diaper during the night

Midnight diaper changing is one of the less glamorous sides of parenting, but alas, it must be done. You may be wondering if it's okay to leave the changing until morning.

Generally, if it's just a number one and hasn't soaked through the diaper, you should be fine to not change them straight away. This depends on the baby, however. If your baby has particularly sensitive skin, it can become sore and red if left in a wet diaper for too long. Remember—parents know best, so trust your gut instinct.

Number twos, though? They've got to go. The longer baby poop stays in there, the higher the chances of your baby getting a rash.

Here are some of our top tips for successful nighttime diaper changes:

Set up ahead of time

Scrambling around searching for wipes or clean pajamas can cause your baby to stir and get upset. Set everything out for yourself in an easy-to-reach spot each night to avoid a tired-fueled tantrum. You'll both be back on your way to dreamland in no time.

Use dedicated nighttime diapers

Typically designed to be worn for up to 12 hours at a time, nighttime diapers are extra-large, extra absorbent, and extra friendly to exhausted parents. These diapers are normally made of blanket-like material and promote airflow, making them super comfortable for extended wear. Their high absorbency not only reduces the urgency to change your baby but also helps keep diaper rash at bay.

Keep the lights low

Your baby's little eyes are super sensitive to light, especially when they've been sleeping in the dark for hours. Try to keep the room as dark as possible while you're changing them so you can both get back to sleep quickly. If you really need to, you can use a soft nightlight to help you see what you're doing. Our nightlights are the perfect (and super handy) addition to your baby’s room.

What to do with a dirty diaper after changing

Nappy disposal depends on what kind of nappies you use and your set-up. You can read our guide to disposable vs reusable nappies here.

Disposable diapers

When they're all changed and it's time to dispose of your baby’s dirty diaper, a diaper pail with liners can help to trap in any odors and keep mess to a minimum. Remember that babies can suffocate or choke on plastic diaper bags, so store them in a safe place that's well out of reach.

If you don't have a dedicated diaper pail, you can roll and bag the soiled diaper, tie the handles of the bag firmly, and put it in your outdoor trash bin as soon as possible.

Reusable diapers

If you're using reusable cloth diapers, you'll need a liner, cover, and somewhere to store them - like a wet bag - before they're cleaned in the washing machine.

When using reusable diapers, follow these steps:

• Once you've changed your baby, dispose of solids from the diaper down the toilet.
• Dispose of the used disposable liner in the trash - don’t flush it. If you're using washable liners, add these to your wet bag to be washed with the diapers.
• When it's time to wash them, used diapers should first go on a cold rinse cycle without detergent.
• After the cold rinse, the diapers should be washed again on a non-eco cotton wash. A 140°F wash is recommended for babies aged between three and six months. Once they're over six months, you can wash lightly soiled diapers at 104°F, and heavily soiled ones at 140°F. Don't use fabric softener, bleach, or harsh stain removers as these products can affect absorbency and damage your reusable diapers.
• Once they're clean, you should air-dry your reusable diapers if possible, and keep them away from direct heat.

If you're unsure of how to clean them, it's best to follow the care label on your chosen brand of reusable diaper.