So, you think you don't need to learn how to change your baby's diaper? You think it's very easy and you are born to know how to do this job? Well, the diaper duty is certainly an important one and just imagine if your baby need to change at least three time a day and before he or she is toilet trained, how many diaper changing that require? The fact is a newborn urinates as many as 20 times a day and it's important to change your newborn's diaper every few hours to keep her dry and clean for the first few months.

I still remember when my Baby Moon was a newborn, we have discussed which diapers to use. Is cloth diapers or disposable diapers to choose? We have tried both the cloth diapers and disposable diapers and find that each has their advantages and disadvantages. Cloth diapers are more environmental friendly and less expensive. It is softer and washable. Since cloth diapers can be reused, we can save some money. However, if you have no time to wash the cloth diapers or feel that you would like to have a convenient choice, disposables are good for you. Nowadays many moms are using disposables because it is more convenient especially when traveling. The disposables also come with built-in plastic liners that can protect your bedding and clothing. Choosing which one to use is all depends on what's most comfortable for you.

Before changing diapers

Some parents have a special designed changing table and there have a storage for diapers and other accessories. It is good in the sense that all the things you need is within your reach. I don't have a special designed changing table for Baby Moon, and I prefer to change her on the floor with a comfortable padding. This is to reduce the risk of a fall of Baby Moon. No matter where is the place you change your baby's diaper, please make sure you have everything you need within your reach. Please don't think that you just leave your baby alone for a second on a changing table and he is safe with the protective edges. Your baby is in dangerous! Your baby can turn over and fall from the table!

Three things you need for diaper changing

a clean diaper (cloth or disposable)

diaper rash cream to use as necessary

a small basin with lukewarm water and a washcloth

Steps of diaper changing

Remove your baby's dirty diaper

Use a washcloth and lukewarm water to gently clean the diaper area

If discover your baby has diaper rash, apply the diaper rash cream

Lift your baby's lower body by the ankles and slide the new diaper underneath (newborn is fragile, be gently)

Pull the remainder of the diaper up over baby's tummy

Attach the diaper at the sides

While changing your baby's diaper, you should also pay attention to your baby's diaper rash, urine and bowel movements.

Diaper rash - Diaper rash is a rash or irritation on the skin that touches the wet area of the diaper and almost every baby gets diaper rash. The causes might be the baby has sensitive skin, an allergy to a baby product or contact with urine. You can prevent diaper rash by changing your baby's diaper as frequently as possible. Always make sure air can circulate inside the diaper and consult your doctor if the diaper rash is very serious and make your baby very uncomfortable.

Urine - For your baby's health, always check his urine when diaper changing. Normally urine is light to dark yellow in colour. If you baby is drinking more liquid, the colour might be lighter. It is abnormal if you see blood in your baby's urine and you should bring your toddler to the doctor and check whether there is any problem with baby's health.

Bowel Movements - Your newborn's first bowel movement was think dark green or black substance which was passed during the first two days of life. Normally, your baby's stools are determined by whether your baby is breastfed or formula fed. If your baby is formula fed, his stools will be more tan or yellow in colour. It is more depending on what is your baby's diet and his stools change from day to day.

If you still have problem with your toddler's diaper change, I suggest you to practice more. Practice makes perfect! Be sure you enjoy your diaper changing because this is a good chance for your bonding too. The basic fundamentals of baby care like diaper changing is a must know information especially for first-time mothers.