Dictionary For Dads

After opening the dirty diaper and disposing of it you must clean the baby. This is more technical than most parents think. Using a  clean wet washcloth, cotton balls, or baby wipes, gently wipe your baby clean from the front to the back. Never wipe from back to front, especially on girls, because you could spread the bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections from the rectum. You may want to lift the baby's legs by the ankles to get a better reach. Don't forget the creases in the thighs and buttocks daddy.

For boys, it's a good idea to keep a clean diaper over the penis during changing because exposure to air often causes boys to urinate - on you, the walls, or anything else within range. Once you've finished wiping, pat your baby dry with a clean washcloth and apply diaper ointment.

Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with you at bat.  Then fold second base down to home and set the baby on the pitcher's mound.  Put first base and third together, bring up home plate and pin the three together.  Of course, in case of rain, you gotta call the game and start all over again.  ~Jimmy Piersal, on how to diaper a baby, 1968

• Open the diaper and slide it under your baby while gently lifting his or her legs and feet. The back part with the adhesive strips should be about level with your baby's belly button.

• Bring the front part of the diaper up between your baby's legs and onto his or her belly.

• Bring the adhesive strips around and fasten snugly. Be careful not to stick the tape onto your baby's skin.

• Trash should be emptied regularly (about once a day) if you're using disposables. Not only does this prevent a stinky diaper pail but also prevents the growth of bacteria.

• If you find any marks around your baby's legs and waist, the diaper is too tight. Go for a looser fit next time.

• If a rash develops at the diaper openings around your baby's leg and waist, change the brand of diaper you're using. Sometimes babies become sensitive to certain brands of diapers.

• If diapering a boy, place the penis in a downward position before fastening the diaper. This will help prevent leaks from creeping up above the waistline.

• Fold down the waistline of the diaper if your baby's umbilical cord has not fallen off yet to keep that area dry.

• Always wash your hands well after changing your baby's diaper to prevent the spread of germs.

Most dads choose disposable diapers because of their convenience, some dads go for cloth diapers, which can be more affordable when you wash them yourself. Cloth diapers usually come pre folded or in a square and require pinning. More modern types are fitted just like disposable diapers, and come with Velcro straps. To further complicate this task there are tow different ways to fold these diapers. 

          Triangular fold:

• Fold the square in half to form a triangle. (For newborns or smaller babies, you might need to fold the long side of the triangle down a few inches so it fits your baby better.)

• Place your baby in the diaper by gently lifting the baby's feet and legs and sliding the diaper under. The longest side of the triangle should be behind your baby's back, with the opposite corner pointing down toward his feet.

• Bring the front part of the diaper up between your baby's legs and onto his or her belly.

• Bring one side around so it overlaps the center part.

• Bring the other side around so it overlaps the other two parts. Fasten all three parts together with a safety pin.

          Rectangular fold:

• Fold the diaper into a rectangle. Some parents find it helpful to make an extra fold in the diaper so that extra material covers the area the baby will wet the most – in the front for a boy and on the bottom for a girl.

• Position the diaper under your baby, with the long sides facing the same direction as your baby.

• Bring the bottom up onto your baby's belly.

• Bring one side around and fasten with a safety pin, then do the same on the other side.

• When using diapers that require pinning, use oversize pins with plastic safety heads. To prevent pricking the baby, keep your hand between the pin and his or her skin. If this makes you nervous, use diaper tape that comes in a dispenser.

• Wet diapers can be tossed right into the diaper pail, but soiled diapers should be emptied into the toilet first - especially if your baby is formula-fed or is on solids. Some people rinse the diaper before washing it. You may also choose to spray the diapers with water and baking soda for better odor control.

• If you're washing the diapers yourself, wash them separately from other laundry, using a mild detergent that is hypoallergenic or recommended for infant clothing. Don't use fabric softener or antistatic products, which can cause rashes on babies' sensitive skin. Use hot water and double rinse each wash.

• Always wash your hands well after changing your baby's diaper to prevent the spread of germs.

It is common for babies to have some diaper rash. This is a result of having moist or soiled diapers and frequent wipes. To reduce the rash change diapers as quick as possible when needed. In addition to using ointments and powders to prevent rashes. If the rash is persistent and lasts for more than three days, or is getting worse, call a doctor.  When in doubt call the doctor take no chances. Please see our website disclaimer.

• Change diapers frequently, especially after bowel movements.

• Use a diaper ointment to prevent and heal rashes. Look for one with zinc oxide, which acts as a barrier against moisture. A&D ointment is also soothing for minor rashes.

• Let your baby go un-diapered for part of the day. Let your baby lay on top of a few diapering cloths. If you have a boy, place another cloth diaper over his penis when he's on his back so he doesn't spray you.

• If you use cloth diapers, wash them in dye- and fragrance-free detergents, and avoid drying them with scented drying sheets.