HEDI - Swaddling and Diapers

Among the new basic skills that parents and those around them need to learn is how to properly change a baby's diaper. Your baby needs a fresh diaper several times a day. Babies only feels really comfortable when they are dry. You will be shown how to swaddle your baby properly in a childbirth preparation course. They will also help you in the clinic right after giving birth. And of course you can practice swaddling with your midwife. Don't worry - swaddling is easily learned. It is important to take your time, then mother and child can enjoy these intimate moments. When you're out and about with your baby, you should always have a freshly packed diaper bag with you.

A fixed spot is good

Babies need routine. Therefore, it is helpful if diaper changing takes place in a fixed spot. It doesn't matter whether the changing table is in the nursery, the bathroom or your bedroom. But it is important that the baby isn’t cold. Your baby will feel comfortable at 22-24°C. If you want to place a heat lamp above the changing table, it must remain out of the baby’s reach. Everything you need to care for the baby should be ready near the changing table. This includes a wet cloth or wet wipes, small garbage bags, fresh diapers and diaper cream. You should never take your eyes off your baby while they are on the changing table. A fall from the changing table can happen in an instant and have serious consequences.

How to change a baby

Your baby has alerted you to a wet or full diaper and is now lying on their back in front of you. With your left hand, hold your baby’s right thigh and let their left leg rest upon your forearm. You can also do it the other way round, grabbing your baby’s left leg with your right hand. You gently lift the baby's legs towards their head so that the baby's bottom is no longer resting on the pad. You open the velcro fasteners of the diaper and fold the front part over the back part of the diaper. Now roll up the diaper into a package and close it again. It's best to put the little package aside for now so you can take your time cleaning the baby's bum. Make sure that you also clean any skin folds with the washcloth. You should always wipe from front to back to prevent germs and bacteria from getting into the baby's genital area. You can then let your child kick for a while until their bottom is dry. Or you can dab the damp spots dry with a rag. If your child's bottom is red, you should apply some rash cream. A thin layer is enough, otherwise the cream could clog the pores of the skin. Now you push the fresh diaper under the baby's bottom, fold up the front part and close the diaper at the sides. Put the used diaper in a small garbage bag before disposing of it in the bin.

Side diapering

You can also gently hold your baby by the waist, turn them on their side, and then loosen the full or wet diaper. This method is particularly recommended if your baby's tummy is sensitive and is more comfortable not being bent. This may be the case, for example, if the baby suffers from colic.

Baby's sensitive skin

Many babies are sensitive to certain wet wipes. That's why you should only use neutral, unscented products that are specifically for babies. You can also just clean the baby with lukewarm water and a simple washcloth. Add a few drops of olive oil to the water for extra care for the baby's bottom. If your baby has a sore bottom, clean it directly under the tap with running water. This way you don't have to rub it with a cloth. It can also help to leave the diaper off for a while so that air can get to the bottom again. But then you have to make sure that your baby doesn't get cold.

Diapering time is relationship time

Babies enjoy looking at you, hearing you, and being in contact with you. Keep looking at your baby's face while changing the diaper, talk to your baby or sing to them. This way, your child will come to have fun in your diapering ritual.