1. Get everything ready. Get your clean diaper ready – put it in its wrap, assemble the pocket diaper, or get the pins or Snappi ready. Lay out the changing pad, if you use one. If it smells like it’s gonna be a messy one, get your washies out and ready. You’ll also want to have a safe “drop zone” to put the used diaper while you’re putting on the new one. By “safe” I mean out of baby’s reach, and not directly on top of any furniture or carpet – wetness or messes from a diaper can leave unwanted smells and sometimes water damage on wood. I like to use a changing pad or perhaps a cloth diaper (a good use for those cheap grocery store ones, or for a size you’re not currently using). If it’s just a wet diaper you’re changing, you can put the clean diaper directly under the baby, in lieu of a pad, and then it will be ready once you’ve removed the wet one. This is a handy way of doing things, but it’s not recommended for a poopy diaper change, since your clean one may get soiled in the process.
2. Now you’re ready for Baby. Gently set her down on the changing pad – whether this is on the floor or on a changing table.
3. Changing a baby is a wonderful time for sharing coos, smiles, baby jabber with your little one. Talk to her about what you’re doing. Tell her about her body – count her toes, tickle her belly, etc. Let her know this is a safe and even enjoyable event for you and her. Praise her for the “surprises” she’s left for you, and see this time with your baby as sweet and tender – even if the smells may be less so *smile*.
4. Remove pants and diaper cover. Set clean clothing aside, and put diaper cover on the prepared “drop zone.” If diaper is only a wet one, gently remove it and set it on top of the cover.
5. If it’s a messy diaper, use the top, unsoiled portion of the diaper to do a preliminary wipe down, wiping from front to back on both boys and girls. Gently remove dirty diaper and set it on top of the used diaper cover. Now, take a cloth washie and gently clean your baby’s bottom. For boys, be sure to wipe around and under the tip of the penis, and on the folds of the scrotum. For girls, be sure to remove all stool from the labia – residual bacteria from stool can giver her an infection. Depending on the amount of poop, you may need several wipes to do the job! With each dirty wipe, just pile them on the poopy diaper and cover.
6. It’s a good idea to let a baby’s bottom air out for a minute or two before putting a clean diaper on. This helps prevent a rash, and babies love having a little air time! If you like, once Baby’s bottom is dry, you can apply your favorite diaper cream.

Now, take your prepared clean diaper and place it under baby’s bum. Fasten the wrap, pins, or Snappi. With pins or Snappis, finish with putting on a clean cover. Put baby’s clean pants back on, and set her in a safe spot. Now to the diaper pail!