A Beginners Guide: How to Change a Baby's Diaper?

Quick answer

Changing a diaper feels daunting at first, but it quickly becomes second nature (babies go through 6 to 10 a day, more than 3,000 in the first year, so you get plenty of practice). Gather your supplies first: a safe clean surface, a fresh diaper in the right size, something to clean with (warm water and cotton for newborns, or fragrance-free wipes), a barrier cream if needed, and a spare outfit. Lay your baby down, clean front to back, slide the fresh diaper under, apply cream if needed, fasten it snug but not tight, and wash your hands. Never leave your baby unattended, and change every 2 to 3 hours to keep skin healthy.

Author: Mylo Editorial Team, Mylo Parenting Desk

Medically reviewed by: Mylo Editorial Board, aligned with AAP, NHS and IAP guidance

Last updated: 17 July 2026

Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Follow your doctor's guidance for a healing circumcision or umbilical stump, and see your paediatrician if a rash is severe, raw, or does not clear in a few days.

What supplies do you need?

Have everything within arm's reach before you start:

• A safe, clean surface: a changing table (use the safety strap) or a pad on the floor, bed or couch. Newborns barely move, but by about 4 months your baby can roll, so build safe habits from day one

• A fresh diaper in the correct size, cloth or disposable

• Something to clean with: for the first few weeks, paediatricians recommend warm water with a cloth or cotton, or water-only wipes, since a newborn's skin is sensitive and alcohol wipes can irritate skin until about 2 months. After that, gentle fragrance-free wipes are fine

• A zinc oxide barrier cream if needed

• Emergency supplies: a spare outfit and a bag for blowouts

How do you change a disposable diaper?

1. Wash your hands and gather your supplies within reach

2. Lay your baby on their back on the changing surface

3. Unfasten the tabs. Gently hold the ankles and lift the bottom. If there is a lot of poop, use the front half of the diaper to sweep it toward the back

4. Slide the diaper away and place it out of your baby's reach

5. Wipe clean, front to back (especially for girls, to prevent infection), and clean thoroughly to avoid rash

6. Put used wipes on top of the soiled diaper

7. Slide a clean diaper under, tabs at the back, the coloured markings or characters go at the front

8. Apply any cream your doctor recommended now, after the clean diaper is under your baby, so it does not smear the changing surface

9. Fasten it, pulling the front up and the tabs around, snug but not tight. For a newborn, fold the front below the umbilical cord stump until it heals (AAP)

10. Roll up the used diaper, wrap the tabs around it, and bin it

11. Wash your hands and your baby's, and wipe the changing surface, especially important if your baby is unwell

Read more: How often should you change your baby's diaper?

How do you change a cloth diaper?

The steps are the same, with one key difference: a free-size reusable cloth diaper (with an absorbent insert or soaker) usually holds only one wetting, so change it after every pee to keep skin dry and prevent rash or infection. Newborns need changing about every 2 hours; toddlers wet less often, so every 2 to 4 hours, roughly 7 to 10 changes a day. Mylo Essentials Free Size Reusable Cloth Diapers, for example, are super-absorbent, adjustable, skin-friendly and easy to wash, and come in printed and solid options, a comfortable choice for home use.

Read more: Do you need to change your baby's reusable cloth diaper after every episode of pee?

How do you know when a cloth diaper is wet?

Unlike disposables, cloth diapers have no wetness-indicator line, so check by feel:

• The insert or soaker usually lasts 2 to 3 hours, but change sooner if it is sagging or hanging low

• Touch the outer surface (if you are not using a waterproof cover); if it is wet, change it

• Cotton, hemp or bamboo inserts feel stiff or bunched when wet, give them a gentle squeeze

• Cloth diapers fit snugly at the legs, so take a peek from behind rather than poking a finger in

Why is frequent diaper changing important?

Frequent changes are the single best way to prevent rash and skin irritation, because rash comes from skin sitting in wetness and stool for too long (Mayo Clinic). Also give your baby a little diaper-free time between changes so the skin can breathe. If your baby is prone to redness, a zinc oxide barrier cream at the first sign helps.

Read more: Types of diaper rash: causes, treatment and remedies

What are some tips for easier diaper changes?

• Follow your doctor's instructions for a healing circumcision or umbilical stump

• Do not fasten the diaper too tight, snug is enough. A too-tight diaper presses on the tummy and can make your baby spit up, especially after feeds

• Keep one hand on your baby whenever you look away or reach for a fresh diaper

• Never change or leave a dirty diaper where food is prepared or eaten

• Contact your paediatrician if a rash does not clear in a few days, or the skin looks red and raw

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change a diaper?

Every 2 to 3 hours and immediately after a poop. Newborns may need it every 2 hours; a cloth diaper needs changing after every pee.

Can I use baby wipes on a newborn?

For the first few weeks, warm water with cotton or a cloth, or water-only wipes, is gentlest. Alcohol-based wipes can irritate skin until about 2 months. After that, fragrance-free wipes are fine.

How tight should a diaper be?

Snug but not tight, you should be able to slip a finger under the waistband. Too tight presses the tummy and can cause spit-up; too loose leaks. Turn the leg cuffs out.

When should I see a doctor about a rash?

If a rash does not clear in a few days, looks red and raw, blisters, has pus, spreads, or comes with fever, see your paediatrician (AAD).

Key takeaways

• Gather all supplies within arm's reach before you start

• Clean front to back (especially for girls) to prevent infection

• For newborns, use warm water and cotton and fold the diaper below the umbilical stump

• Apply barrier cream after the clean diaper is under your baby, and fasten snug, not tight

• A cloth diaper holds only one wetting, change it after every pee

• Change every 2 to 3 hours (about 7 to 10 a day) and give some diaper-free time

• Keep one hand on your baby and never leave them unattended

• See a doctor for a rash that will not clear, or looks red and raw

References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org). Changing Diapers. healthychildren.org

2. American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org). Umbilical Cord Care in Newborns. healthychildren.org

3. American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org). Common Diaper Rashes and Treatments. healthychildren.org

4. Mayo Clinic. Diaper rash: Symptoms and causes. mayoclinic.org

5. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). How to treat diaper rash. aad.org

6. NHS. How to change your baby's nappy. nhs.uk

7. Cleveland Clinic. Diaper Rash (Diaper Dermatitis). my.clevelandclinic.org

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