Of course, babies need diapers and most parents know how to change a diaper fairly easily. But did you know that there is a preferred method when it comes to changing diapers?

To protect your baby’s safety and comfort, you might want to take a moment to think about the methods, supplies and diapers that you use when changing your baby. Whether you cloth diaper or use disposable diapers, you can make the job infinitely easier on yourself by putting a little preparation into the job beforehand.

Choose a strong, sturdy surface on which you can change diapers. It might be a changing table, or a low dresser with a changing pad on it. You can even choose to change your baby’s diaper on the floor with the use of a changing pad.

Wherever you decide to change your baby’s diaper, do so safely, by never leaving your baby unattended. This means that you should have all of your supplies; diapers, wipes and anything else you may need close at hand. Keep one hand on your baby at all times, and never turn your back to him or her.

Remove the enclosures on the diaper, and check to see if it is soiled. If it is only urine, you don’t need to use baby wipes, as urine is sterile and too much wiping can irritate your baby’s skin. However, if she or has had a bowel movement, you’ll need to use baby wipes; either store bought, or made at home with a little warm water, to cleanse the area.

Roll the diaper up and discard or put in the laundry if using cloth diapers. Immediately place the new diaper under the baby’s bottom and secure. Don’t secure too tightly; if the diaper is leaving red impressions in the baby’s skin you probably need to loosen it up.

Note that both cloth and disposable diapers have pros and cons. Cloth diapers are less expensive because you don’t need to continually buy them. They are also better for the environment. However, they have to be cleaned and laundered, which might not be for everyone. Disposable diapers are more convenient, but some baby’s might be sensitive to them, and they create quite a bit of trash.

Choose based on your family’s lifestyle and what you can handle, and you’ll be a diapering pro in no time. Doing the diapering deed doesn’t have to be painful!

Kat Hafen writes and contributes for many baby and parent online publications including HugaMonkey. Always on a quest for the best baby diaper gear, Kat can point out a great changing pad cover. For more information regarding changing pad covers, visit HugaMonkey.

[tags]changing pad, changing pads[/tags]