How to Use a Diaper Changing
Station
Most public restrooms are now equipped
with a
changing station. Using a
diaper changing station is easy and convenient, in fact, business
owners install
changing stations for your convenience. Business owners know
you will stay in their business longer if they provide a safe and
convenient way of changing your baby's diaper.
Steps:
- Open the changing station.
- Lay a fresh diaper on a
changing table. if a
sanitary liner is available you can protect you baby by laying
the liner down before you lay the diaper down or you may also want
to use a wipe to clean changing station.
- Place your baby, tummy side up, on
top of the clean diaper.
- Unfasten the diaper tabs on the
soiled diaper.
- Hold your baby's feet together and
very gently lift them up, raising the baby's bottom. Use the clean
part of the diaper to wipe away any excess stools, then fold over
the soiled section of the diaper and set the old diaper aside.
- Wipe your baby's buttocks and
genitals gently from front to back with baby wipes. Don't forget the
lower back and the skin folds of the thighs.
- Lower your baby's bottom onto the
clean diaper.
- Pat the area dry with a towel or
tissue; cornstarch powder is optional.
- Apply diaper-rash cream to the
area if necessary.
- Make sure to pull up the back of
the clean diaper high enough to prevent leaks. Position the front of
the diaper just under the baby's abdomen.
- Bring the tabs around from the
back of the diaper and fasten them to the front.
- Turn diapering into a game of
peek-a-boo to distract your baby.
- Close the
changing station and discard use materials into
waste receptacles.
Tips:
Wash your hands before and after all diaper changes, and remember that
frequent changes help prevent diaper rash.
Warnings:
Never leave your baby unattended on a
changing table or on a
changing station.
Talcum powder or baby powder that
contains talc can cause upper respiratory problems in babies. Instead,
use cornstarch powder, and apply it carefully to prevent inhalation.
Tips from other Moms and Dads:
If your child gets to a stage were he figures how to take the diaper
off, but your not quite ready for this, I found the best way to prevent
him from doing that is to put the diapers on backward for at least a
week.
Put a dress or a skirt on the baby
until their potty-trained, so that you can put your hands up the dress,
take off the diaper, and put it back on with out pulling down the baby's
pant.
When changing a baby that just won't
stay still, place one of his or hers favorite toys on their tummy. This
will distract them from other things going on and prevent nasty mishaps
from all their rolling around.
When your baby is starting to pull up
and you have to take the mobile out of the crib, you can take the mobile
and attach it to the wall so that it hangs over the changing area.
If the child is at the age that they
can understand when you are asking to change a diaper, they will often
answer no, if you are a baby sitter. It is then up to you to call the
shots if you think they need changing. Stand your ground and do not be
fooled. |