Changing a Cloth Diaper
- Gather Supplies: clean diaper, wipes, ointment, pins or fasteners, cover.
- Proper Process: Slide clean diaper under baby. Remove dirty diaper. Wipe baby’s bottom. Apply ointment. Insert absorbent cloth if needed. Fasten diaper with snaps, Velcro, or pins. Use cover if needed. Rinse soiled diaper and wash with gentle detergent. Avoid fabric softeners or bleach. Place in diaper pail until laundry day. Having supplies handy makes changing easier.
Keeping Baby Dry and Understanding Changing Frequency
- Preventing Rash: Keep baby dry to prevent rash or discomfort. Disposables are more absorbent, so you may not need to change after every pee. However, cloth diapers are less absorbent, so changing after each pee is necessary. For less wetness and longer wear, try extra absorbent hybrid cloth diapers or add inserts to pocket diapers. Using diaper covers is also recommended.
- Changing Frequency: For newborns, change cloth diapers every 2 hours. Toddlers can go 2-4 hours between changes as they wet less often. On average, change the baby 7-10 times daily. Unlike disposables, cloth diapers don’t indicate when wet, but certain signs help determine when to change, such as the diaper hanging low when inserts are saturated, leaks around leg holes, and a strong odor.
Preventing UTI and Ensuring Hygiene
- Preventing UTI: Maintain hygiene by gathering supplies, removing dirty diaper, wiping baby’s bottom, applying ointment if needed, fastening diaper, and using cover if needed. Rinse the soiled diaper, wash with gentle detergent, and avoid fabric softeners or bleach. Having supplies readily available makes changing easier.
- Hygiene Practices: Keep the baby dry to prevent rash or discomfort. Disposables are more absorbent, so you may not need to change after every pee. However, cloth diapers are less absorbent, so changing after each pee is necessary. Trying extra absorbent hybrid cloth diapers or adding inserts to pocket diapers can reduce wetness and prolong wear. Using diaper covers is also recommended.
Consult a pediatrician if concerned about the baby’s diapering. Decide what works best for the baby’s needs, watch for signs like leaks or odor that indicate changing is necessary, always wash hands before and after changing, and keep the changing area clean.