Changing the Baby: Step-by-Step to a Routine

1. Preparation: Wash your hands or clean them with a wet wipe and lay out everything you'll need for changing: fresh diaper, wet wipes, possibly diaper cream and a plastic bag, spare onesie.

2. Prepare the diaper: As a first step, lay out the diaper. For cloth diapers, insert an absorbent pad into the diaper or diaper pants; with a disposable diaper, spread it out next to your baby.

3. Remove the old diaper: Undo the adhesive tabs of the full diaper and stick them together so it won't stick to anything. Lift your baby by the thighs (preferably not by the feet) carefully and fold the diaper so that the contents are enclosed. Attention: Keep a cloth handy if necessary – many babies see the removal of the diaper as an invitation to pee.

4. Wipe and clean: You can briefly wipe the baby's bottom with the old diaper before it goes into the trash. Afterwards, clean the bottom and genital area thoroughly with a damp cloth or a wet wipe. When wiping girls, always wipe from front to back to reduce the risk of infections.

5. Care: Creams or powder are not necessary for healthy skin. If your baby is sore or has a rash, a diaper cream or petroleum jelly helps, but above all lots of air and frequent changing.

6. Put on a new diaper: Fold the top edge of the diaper down slightly and slide the fresh diaper under your baby's bottom. The front half is pulled between the legs to the front and fastened with the adhesive tabs over the belly.

7. Proper fit: Pull the elastic leg openings slightly outward and make sure the diaper doesn't dig in or rub anywhere.

8. Finally: Seal the old diaper and, if necessary, wrap it in a plastic bag before disposing of it.

Tips for the changing table: What you need for changing

A changing table is part of the standard equipment for new parents. It offers enough space and ensures that you have all necessary items within reach. The right mix of comfort and functionality is optimal:

• Changing surface: Sufficient 'workspace' is useful so that you can comfortably change your child even in toddlerhood.

• Safety: Almost all changing tables or attachments have side barriers for protection. Drawers or cabinet doors with soft-close mechanisms prevent curious little fingers from getting pinched.

• Changing pad: A padded changing pad provides comfort; alternatively you can use a thick towel or a blanket.

• Diaper bin: A special diaper bin contains unpleasant odors - a regular trash can will do as well.

• Important items within reach: When your baby becomes more mobile, it's good to have everything necessary within reach. Ideally, besides the actual changing area on the changing table, there is still enough space for your supplies.

• Light and warmth: A soft light helps with nighttime changes. Additionally, you can install a warming lamp at an adequate height above the changing table.

Many parents also use the bed or the floor for changing, because they don't have to be afraid there if the baby squirms or suddenly turns. A mobile to look at above the changing table also helps distract little wrigglers.

On the go parents get very creative when changing: solutions range from the park bench to the trunk – and somehow it always works.

Proper diapering at every stage of your baby's life

Just like all other needs, changing also depends on the development of your child.

Changing newborns: The diaper should sit below the navel in the first weeks so that the wound can heal. Breastfed babies quickly develop a sore bottom if mom has eaten spicy or sour foods – especially at first it's sensible to pay more attention to the diet.

Changing infants: In the first months babies grow quickly and you will need a new diaper size more often. The diaper should allow freedom of movement and must not dig in. If your baby suddenly becomes sore, this can also be related to the first teeth.

Changing toddlers: Some toddlers no longer want to be changed – especially not lying down. If necessary, you can change a diaper standing up or, for older children, use practical pull-up pants.

Changing checklist: Our 7 tips for your changing routine

1. Better to change once too often than once too little

2. Always keep one hand on the child on the changing table and never take your eyes off them

3. Check diaper size regularly

4. Have everything necessary within reach

5. Introduce rituals, e.g. a particular song during changing

6. Healthy baby skin needs neither cream nor powder

7. If the bottom is sore, first look for causes