How To Change a Cloth Diaper

Make sure you have all your supplies within easy reach. Once you start changing your baby, you won’t be able to go off in search of wipes.

With your baby in a safe place like her crib, for example, prepare the diaper. First, lay it out with the short ends at the top and bottom. Fold the bottom of the diaper up to make it roughly as long as the diaper cover.

Fold the right third of the diaper over the middle third, then fold the left third of the diaper over that. Put it aside, but within reach, and get your baby.

Lay your baby on the changing table or a safe surface and unfasten the diaper cover she’s already wearing. Open it out, and bring the front part down, but don’t remove it.

Leaving the cover in place, fold the soiled diaper in half, clean side up. You’ll have to lift up your baby’s bottom a bit to do this.

Using as many wipes as necessary, gently clean your baby’s bottom, being sure to wipe from front to back. Be thorough, so there’s no mess left hidden.

Slide the dirty diaper out from under your baby. If the diaper cover is clean, leave it in place and slip the fresh, folded one inside. If the cover is soiled, use a new one.

If your baby’s bottom is red or rash-prone, spread a generous amount of diaper cream on the area.

Fold the front of the cover, with the clean diaper inside, up and over your baby’s belly and fasten it.

Put your baby’s clothes back on, or dress her in a fresh outfit if needed.

Flush away whatever you can, put the dirty diaper into the diaper pail or hamper, and thoroughly wash your hands or wipe them clean with a fresh wipe before giving your baby a post-diaper-change cuddle.