New paratens spend a lot of time changing their baby. Indeed, babies may use 10 diapers a day or more.

Diaper changing might seem complicated at first. But with a little practice, you'll find that keeping your baby high and dry is easy.

From start to finish:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Prepare your station. You'll need:
   • Clean diapers. It's always good to have a spare (or two or three) handy when you’re changing diapers.
   • Wipes or washcloths. Some practitioners recommend using warm water and a clean washcloth for the first few days you change diapers, or you can try premoistened wipes that are made specifically to cleanse newborn bottoms. Look for hypoallergenic ones that are free of fragrance and alcohol.
   • A change of clothes for baby. You might not need one, but it's better to be prepared than to have to dash to the onesie drawer holding a half-naked (possibly poop-covered) squirmier.
   • Ointment to prevent and/or soothe diaper rash. It’s essential in preventing diaper rash as it’s a barrier between that tender tush and rash-promoting poop and pee.
   • A loving touch. Your gentle voice (talk or better yet, sing!) can make diaper changes easier on your baby (and therefore easier on you).
3. Place your baby on a clean, soft, safe surface. A changing table, a dresser equipped with a changing pad, a crib or bed (preferably protected with a towel or waterproof pad) all work — but no matter where you’re changing diapers, make sure to keep one hand on the baby at all times.
4. Open the diaper, and see what awaits you. If you have a boy, beware! That little penis is a loaded weapon, and he's not afraid to use it. Keep it covered with a clean diaper or cloth whenever he's undressed, or you may get an unwanted surprise in the form of a fountain of pee. And when you do put his new diaper on, point his penis down to minimize leaks (and soaked shirts).
   
   For boys and girls, if the diaper is just wet, fold it underneath the baby (so the clean, outer side is now under his or her bottom), wipe the area, then slip the new diaper underneath and remove the old one. For a poopy diaper, wipe as much as possible with the diaper itself, then fold it underneath, as above. Lift the legs and clean that bottom (for really big messes, try rolling your baby gently onto his or her side). Little ladies need to be wiped from front to back, to avoid getting poop in the vaginal area. There is no need to open the labia and clean inside (even if you see a white discharge).
   
   When you're done, change diapers and fasten the tabs (for disposables, the tabs go in the back, underneath baby, and then wrap around to front) — snug but not tight.
5. Get rid of the evidence. For disposables, wrap the diaper into a ball, using the tab fasteners to secure, then discard (never flush). Away from home, carry a stash of plastic bags; place the dirty diaper inside and tie the bag before tossing into the trash. Put cloth diapers into a bucket with a (very) tight-fitting lid (or a vinyl bag if you're out) until laundry day. Change baby's clothes as needed (and it will be needed, quite often!) or re-dress him, wash your hands again, and baby diapering is done.

Which Size Diapers Should You Use?

Causes of Diaper Rash

• Leaving a wet or dirty diaper on too long
• Rubbing or chafing against the diaper itself
• Yeast infection
• Bacterial infection
• Allergic reaction to diaper

A harmless rash that's often seen on a baby's scalp, called cradle cap, can also show up on his bottom. Doctors call it seborrheic dermatitis.

It causes red, scaly, waxy patches that eventually go away without treatment. You might notice it on other parts of your baby's body, too.

Babies get a diaper rash more often when they:

• Get older -- especially between 9 and 12 months old
• Sleep in poopy diapers
• Have diarrhea
• Start eating solid foods
• Are taking antibiotics, or if you take antibiotics and are nursing

DIAPER RASH TREATMENT TIPS

The best treatment for a diaper rash is to keep the diaper area clean and dry. This also helps prevent new diaper rashes. Lay your baby on a towel without a diaper whenever possible. The more time the baby can be kept out of a diaper, the better.

Other tips include:

• Change your baby's diaper often and as soon as possible after the baby urinates or passes stool
• Use water and a soft cloth or cotton ball to gently clean the diaper area with every diaper change. Do not rub or scrub the area. A squirt bottle of water may be used for sensitive areas.
• Pat the area dry or allow to air-dry.
• Put diapers on loosely. Diapers that are too tight do not allow enough air flow and may rub and irritate the baby's waist or thighs.
• Using absorbent diapers helps keep the skin dry and reduces the chance of getting an infection.
• Always wash your hands before and after changing a diaper.
• Ask your doctor or nurse which creams, ointments, or powders are best to use in the diaper area.
• Ask if a diaper rash cream would be helpful. Zinc oxide or petroleum jelly-based products help keep moisture away from baby's skin when applied to completely clean, dry skin.
• Do not use wipes that have alcohol or perfume. They may dry out or irritate the skin more.
• Do not use corn starch on your baby's bottom. It can make a candida diaper rash worse.
• Do not use talc (talcum powder). It can get into your baby's lungs.