Baby-care Basics: Diapering Do's and Don'ts

You'll need:

• a clean diaper
• a fastener (if cloth is used)
• diaper ointment if the baby has a rash
• a container of warm water
• cotton balls
• clean washcloth or diaper wipes

After each bowel movement or if the diaper is wet:

• Lay your baby on his or her back and remove the dirty diaper
• Use the water, cotton balls, and washcloth or the wipes to gently wipe your baby's genital area clean
• When removing a boy's diaper, do so carefully because exposure to the air may make him urinate
• When wiping a girl, wipe her bottom from front to back to avoid a urinary tract infection
• If your baby has a rash, apply ointment
• Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly after changing a diaper
• You will need about 10 diapers a day, or about 70 a week for newborn baby
  

Diaper rash

• Is a common concern
• Typically the rash is red and bumpy
• It will go away with a warm bath, some diaper cream, and a little time out of the diaper
• Most rashes occur because the baby's skin is sensitive and becomes irritated by the wet diaper
• If your baby has had juice, the poop can become acidic and cause a rash
  

Tips to prevent or heal diaper rash:

• Change your baby's diaper frequently, and as soon as possible after bowel movements
• After cleaning the area with mild soap and water or a wipe, apply a diaper rash or "barrier" cream
• Creams with zinc oxide are preferable because they form a barrier against moisture
• If you use cloth diapers, wash them in dye- and fragrance-free detergents
• Let the baby go undiapered for part of the day. This gives the skin a chance to air out
• If the diaper rash continues for more than 3 days, call your doctor, it may be caused by a fungal infection that requires a prescription