It's also a task well suited to Dad. One of the themes I am going to develop in this blog is that as a general rule, women are better caregivers because they get training men do not. This is a deep topic that I will dig into later, but for now just think about diaper issues as compared to other baby issues. Unlike comforting a fussy baby, or putting them to sleep, a dirty diaper is a simplistic and linear problem, with a well established solution. It's a problem that can be predicted and prepared for. It's a largely mechanical process that you can learn to do efficiently with practice.
Luckily there is a wealth of information about this online. I've reviewed many of them and recommend the following:
- Basic but thorough instructions on what to do.
- Good and simple video demonstrating these techniques.
- What the real thing looks like.
A few more things to think about:
Logistics - get everything you need before you start, so you don't have to walkaway mid-change.
Timing - when possibly try to change your baby *before* they get fussy.
Bedside manner - Imagine getting examined by a doctor who never said a word? Kinda creepy huh? So make small talk with your baby when changing their diaper.
Vigilance - Diaper rash is your enemy. The first line of defense is frequent changes, so check for a wet or dirty diaper every hour or so. The second line of defense is an early response, so be on the lookout for the first signs of a red bottom and use that diaper creme.