How to Change a Diaper: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Diapering your baby is as much a part of parenting as feeding your little one. Although changing a diaper takes a little practice, it will soon become routine once you get the hang of it.

Read on for our step-by-step guide on how to change your baby’s diaper, and learn the difference between changing diapers for newborns, boys, girls, and active toddlers.

How to Change a Diaper

Make sure you have everything you’ll need within reach for the diaper change. Once you’re ready, here’s how to change your baby's diaper in a few easy steps:

What Do You Need to Change a Diaper?

Having the right diaper changing supplies on hand can often make diapering a little easier. You might also choose to set up a diaper changing station, which could be a simple corner of a room. Here are some items needed for your “diaper changing station”:

Consider setting up a diaper changing station in your baby’s nursery. This station should include all the essentials you need for diaper changes, as well as the clothes your little one will change into. By having everything within arm's reach, you can keep your focus on your baby without having to look away or use your hands for anything else.

Diaper-Changing Tips

Learning how to change your baby’s diaper is a skill you’ll master quickly—you’ll get lots of practice! From understanding how to change a newborn diaper to trying out diaper-changing hacks for a busy toddler, here are our top diaper-changing tips to keep your baby clean, comfortable, and happy.

How to Change Your Newborn’s Diaper

If you're wondering how to change a newborn diaper, you're not alone. Many parents find those first few changes a little daunting, but with some practice—and lots of diapers—you’ll soon feel more confident.

Step-by-step tips for diapering a newborn

To get started, follow the basic steps in our guide on how to change a baby’s diaper. Right after birth, your nurse, midwife, or doula may walk you through a few diaper changes.

Your newborn might go through up to 10 diapers a day, so it’s a great time to get comfortable with how to put a diaper on a newborn.

Here are a few tips tailored for diapering a newborn:

You might also see:

• Small blood spots in your baby girl’s diaper during the first week after birth. This is generally normal and due to the mother’s hormonal changes.

When in doubt, reach out to your provider with questions about what’s normal in your baby’s diaper.

How to Change a Baby Boy’s Diaper

Changing a newborn boy's diaper brings its own set of tricks. Along with following the diaper-changing steps above, try these handy tips:

• Cover the penis with a clean diaper or cloth while changing to avoid accidental spraying.

• Point the penis downward before fastening the new diaper. This helps reduce leaks and keeps your baby drier.

How to Change a Girl’s Diaper

Wondering how to change a diaper for a baby girl and how to wipe? In addition to the general diapering steps, be sure to:

• Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract, which may lead to a UTI.

• Clean between all the folds of skin gently but thoroughly with each change.

How to Change Your Toddler’s Diaper

Changing a wiggly toddler? It’s a whole different ballgame. Here are some changing diaper hacks for busy toddlers:

• Try a standing diaper change. Many toddlers prefer standing up, especially when they’re on the move.

• Use diaper pants like Pampers Cruisers 360. These are easy to pull up and down, and feature EZ Off Tabs for quick removal—no need to lie your toddler down. Learn more about Pampers Cruisers 360.

Talking your toddler through the diaper change and even letting them help can make it more interactive. It’s also a gentle way to start introducing the concept of potty training. You might even let them watch as you dump their poop into the toilet to help make the connection.

Related Articles

Diaper Rash: Causes, Symptoms, & Relief for Your Baby

Diaper Changes on the Go

Changing a diaper in public can feel overwhelming at first, but with a little preparation, it becomes second nature. When you’re out for a walk, dining at a restaurant, or traveling, these tips for diaper changes on the go can help make the experience smoother for both you and your baby.

When a public changing table isn’t available, look for a quiet, clean corner with some privacy. You can also change your baby in the car using the back seat or trunk space as a makeshift changing area.

For more tips on handling a diaper change in public, check out this guide on changing diapers in different scenarios.

How Do You Know It’s Time for a Diaper Change?

Some diapers have a wetness indicator so that you can see at a glance if your baby needs a diaper change.

Other signs your baby may need a diaper change include:

• You reach into the diaper with a finger, and it’s damp

• You can smell or see pee or poop

• The diaper is sagging, or the underside of the diaper feels bulky

• Your baby may cry or act fussy if their diaper is wet or dirty.

What to Do If Your Baby Dislikes Diaper Changes?

If your baby fusses, cries, or squirms during diaper changes, you're not alone. Many babies dislike being undressed or lying still, especially if they're cold or overstimulated.

Here are a few calming strategies you can try:

• Create a soothing environment. Use a soft, warm surface and keep wipes and hands at a gentle temperature.

• Offer distraction. Try singing, talking softly, or handing your baby a special toy reserved just for diaper time.

• Be quick but gentle. Speed things up without rushing—having everything ready before you begin helps.

• Involve your baby. As your baby grows, letting them hold a clean diaper or wipe can give them a sense of control.

• Stay calm and consistent. Babies often pick up on your energy, so keeping a calm tone and steady pace can help them feel more secure.

If your baby seems uncomfortable due to diaper rash or sensitive skin, check with your baby’s healthcare provider to rule out irritation or allergies. Discomfort during diaper changes can sometimes be linked to skin issues or developmental phases where your baby is asserting independence.

The Bottom Line

Even if diaper changes aren’t your favorite part of the day, they’re an important opportunity to bond with your baby—and keep them feeling clean, dry, and comfortable. As you gain experience, diapering becomes second nature.

In the early weeks, expect to change your baby’s diaper about 10 times a day, especially after each poop or when the diaper is wet. Learn more about how often to change a diaper as your baby grows and their habits change.

If leaks or red marks start to show up, it might be time for a bigger size. Look for signs your baby’s diaper doesn’t fit well, like the tapes don’t reach the center, you notice red marks on your baby’s skin, you can’t fit two fingers under the waistband, or your baby seems uncomfortable. Our diaper size and weight chart and diaper size quiz can help you find the best fit.

And if you’re dealing with frequent blowouts or damp clothes, check out our guide on how to prevent diaper leaks and blowouts—including finding the right diaper fit—for helpful troubleshooting tips.

With the right routine—and the right diapers—you’ll be well on your way to diapering success.