How to change your newborn's diaper: video (2025)

Midwife Miriam Maldonado shows new parents how to change a newborn's disposable diaper.

Midwife Miriam Maldonado: You need to change your baby's diaper often to keep him clean and comfortable.

Narrator: Start by gathering your supplies.

You'll need a clean diaper.

Some newborn diapers have a cutout that leaves space for the umbilical cord stump.

You could also use a regular diaper, and fold the top edge over to keep clear of the stump.

You'll also need wipes or a washcloth and water; diaper rash cream, if your baby's skin is irritated; and hand sanitizer or a place to wash your hands.

Choose a safe surface, like a changing table or a changing pad on the floor.

Make sure you use the changing table's safety belt, or stay near your baby at all times to prevent a fall.

To start, get the new diaper ready by unfolding it.

Hold your baby's feet up and place the new diaper under your baby.

Open the dirty diaper.

You can wipe your baby with it and fold it in half, placing it under your baby while you finish cleaning her. Or, move the dirty diaper aside and use it as a place to put dirty wipes.

Use a washcloth and warm water or wipes to clean your baby.

If it's a girl, wipe from front to back.

For boys, make sure you clean under and around the testicles and all over the scrotum, as well as underneath the penis.

Let your baby's bottom air dry for a few moments if possible.

If you have a boy, you may want to place a washcloth on top of his penis to avoid getting sprayed.

Whether you have a boy or a girl, clean all the creases and rolls around the genital area and upper thighs.

Apply diaper rash cream if your baby needs it.

Remove the dirty diaper if it's still under your baby and adjust the position of the new one.

For baby boys, fold the penis down so he doesn't pee up and out of the diaper.

If your baby still has an umbilical cord stump, fold the upper part of the diaper over so that it won't touch or irritate the stump, or use a diaper with a cutout.

Then close the tabs and check the back of the diaper and around the legs to make sure the elastic is snug.

Roll up the dirty diaper and fasten it closed with the tabs, then toss it in the diaper pail. If you're putting it in the garbage, you may want to seal it in a plastic bag first, to contain odors.

Use hand sanitizer or wash your hands after you're done.

There you go! Your baby is clean and dry.

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