The 10 Most Incredible Diaper Changing Hacks

Are you a new mama struggling with this everyday task that seems to get more challenging by the day? Then, you’ve come to the right place! Check out our roundup of the 10 most incredible diaper changing hacks!

Changing diapers is a huge part of newborn care. How huge, you ask? Well, let’s just say you’re probably going to need as much as 12 diapers per day during the first few weeks. And that’s only the beginning.

But besides the sheer volume of diapers, there is also so much more about changing diapers that you’ll need to tackle and overcome. From smelly poop and getting peed on to wrestling with a squirming baby and handling all the mess, diaper changing can be a challenge to any new parent.

That’s why we’re easing your worries as an expectant mama (or perhaps a new mama) with some of the best diaper changing hacks to get you through this necessary parenting task that intimidates anyone who’s never done it before.

10 Best Diaper Changing Hacks

1. Choose a practical onesie

As new mamas, we find joy in dressing our babies in all sorts of cute and adorable clothes. But when it comes time to change diapers, all those extra buttons and ribbons will soon get on your nerve as you change your little one’s diaper for the fifth time in a day.

As such, it’s always best to go for onesies that come with snap closures on the bottom or crotch part, so it’s effortless to access during diaper changing time. This kind of onesie also makes it a breeze to change diapers in the middle of the night since you’re less likely to jostle and wake up your baby.

2. Have a portable diaper changing basket

If you have a nursery, you’ll most likely have your baby’s diaper changing station there. However, it’s also a great idea to have a diaper changing basket ready in another area of your home–like your living room, for instance.

You’ll never know when diaper duty will call, so having a basket ready with essentials can save you from the hassle of going to the diaper changing station. Just make sure your diaper changing basket is filled with basics like diapers, a portable changing pad, diaper rash cream, wipes, and a onesie.

3. Go for waterproof changing pads

On a related note, stay practical with your diaper-changing essentials. For example, a waterproof changing pad will save you from the headache of cleaning poop stains. But, of course, it would be even better if it’s handy, so you can quickly stash it in your bag when heading out with your little one.

One such product is Mama’s Choice Portable Changing Pad, which features a trifold design so you can neatly slip it into your diaper bag. It’s waterproof, too, so it’s easy to clean and maintain. Even better, it has several pockets that let you store changing must-haves like wipes, rash cream, diaper trash bag, and more.

4. Put a clean diaper under the dirty one

Since you’ll be changing diapers a LOT during the first weeks, here’s a neat trick that can help you change diapers faster. Simply open a clean diaper and place it under your baby’s bottom. Then, open the soiled diaper, clean your baby, and lay them on the clean diaper.

5. Distract them with toys

When changing diapers, a calm and distracted baby is what you need, so they don’t get in the way of your task. To do this, have designated toys for diaper changes.

6. …or contain their arms

Did you know that if you’re using a onesie with snaps, you can also use it to hold your baby’s arms? Here’s work it works: undo the snap, roll it up until their shoulders, and then snap them back together. The end result should have your baby’s arm cozily tucked inside the onesie! Sounds confusing? Check out the video for a complete demo here.

7. Apply a diaper cream regularly, especially at night

Changing diapers often means your baby’s skin will be subject to a lot of pulling and tugging, primarily when you use a disposable wipe. This may lead to irritation, so best to protect them every time by applying a generous amount of diaper cream to keep their bums smooth and rash-free.

Also read: How To Prevent Diaper Rash in Babies

8. Put on the diaper properly

Sometimes we forget that a diaper can only function well when it’s put on correctly. Avoid leaks, stains, and messy diaper changes by ensuring the ruffles or leg guards on the sides are pulled out and securing the tapes well.

9. Have an emergency diaper stash

You’ll be surprised how fast you can go through your diaper stock, mama. So spare yourself from the hassle of an empty supply and keep an emergency diaper stash. Place it in your bedroom, in the car, or even in a cabinet.

10. Use the diaper as the first wipe

Diapers don’t come cheap. While your instinct is to use a new wipe to clean away poop, consider using the unsoiled side of the diaper first. Usually, it’s the front part of the diaper. That way, you’ll save a little bit on wipes and maximize your diaper, too.

—

How did you find these diaper-changing hacks, mama? Being a parent is not something you learn overnight, and so is the art of diaper changing. With these diaper changing hacks, we hope you feel more confident as a new mama and more at ease with every diaper change you need to do.