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

Learning how to change a diaper is a quick skill that keeps your baby clean and comfortable and helps prevent rashes. With a few supplies and a simple routine, you can handle wet or dirty diapers confidently at home or on the go.

What you’ll need:

• Clean diaper and wipes

• Changing pad (or towel) and diaper cream (optional)

• A safe and clean spot and a hygienic way to dispose of the diaper.

In this guide, you’ll learn the safest step-by-step method, tips for squirmy babies, and how to clean up messes efficiently—starting with setting up your changing area and washing your hands.

How to Change a Diaper: Step-by-Step Instructions

One of the most common questions from new parents is, “How do you change a diaper?” It may feel like a tricky task at first, but after a few changes, you’ll soon become a diaper-changing expert.

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

How to Change a Diaper: Step-by-Step Instructions

One of the most common questions from new parents is, “How do you change a diaper?” It may feel like a tricky task at first, but after a few changes, you’ll soon become a diaper-changing expert.

Before you change the diaper, make sure you have all the essentials you’ll need within reach. 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 and essentials 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, or in the corner of your bedroom or living area. 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.

Supplies Checklist for Diaper Changes

Keep these supplies within arm’s reach to make diaper changes easier and more efficient:

• Clean diapers

• Wipes or a damp cloth

• Diaper cream

• Changing pad or towel

• Disposal bag or diaper pail.

Optional but helpful:

• Spare outfit

• Hand sanitizer

• Toy for distraction.

Related Articles

Pampers Baby Diaper Size Chart Guide

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 discovering newborn diaper-changing tips to changing a busy toddler’s diaper, here are our top tips to keep your baby clean, comfortable, and happy at every stage.

How to Change Your Newborn’s Diaper

If you're wondering how to change a diaper for your newborn, 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 to help you get comfortable with the process.

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

Here are a few tips tailored for newborn diaper changes:

You might also see:

• Small blood spots in your baby girl’s diaper during the first week after birth. This is generally normal and because of exposure to maternal hormones prior to delivery. 

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

Important Diaper Change Safety Rules

Always follow these safety basics when changing your baby’s diaper:

• Never leave your baby unattended on a changing surface

• Always keep one hand on your baby to prevent your baby from falling off the changing table

• Prepare supplies before starting, so they’re within your reach

• Use a flat, stable surface

• Keep wipes and creams out of your baby’s reach.

How to Change a Baby Boy’s Diaper

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

• 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 perform a baby girl’s diaper change, and how to wipe? In addition to our general diapering steps, be sure to:

• Wipe from front to back. Wiping your baby girl front to back prevents bacteria from entering the urinary tract, which may lead to a urinary tract infection.

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

How to Change a Diaper on a Toddler

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

• Try changing the diaper standing up. 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. 

Diaper Changes on the Go

Wondering how to change a diaper in public or without a changing table? This can feel overwhelming at first, but with a little preparation, it becomes second nature. Whether 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.

Nighttime Diaper Changes: Do You Need Them?

So, how often do you change a diaper at night, and are they even necessary? You usually don’t need to wake your baby for a diaper change at night unless:

• The diaper contains poop

• The diaper is very full

• Your baby wakes and seems uncomfortable

• There is leakage.

If you think your baby needs a diaper change, gently check down the back of their diaper without waking them. Keep nighttime diaper changes calm and quiet to avoid overstimulating your baby.

If you’re wondering, “Do you change a newborn’s diaper at night?” You’ll likely perform nighttime diaper changes more often during the newborn stage. Newborns generally wake up frequently throughout the night because they need to be fed often. So, this is the perfect time to peek into their diaper and change it for a fresh one if needed. 

What to Do If Your Baby Dislikes Diaper Changes?

If your newborn fusses, squirms, or cries 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 if your baby fights or simply seems to hate diaper changes:

• 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

• Use a super-absorbent diaper for nighttime. For a more peaceful night and fewer diaper changes, try using overnight diapers. They’re specially designed to be more absorbent than regular diapers and can keep your little one dry for up to 12 hours. This means everyone can enjoy a better night's sleep with fewer wake-ups. Check out our best overnight diapers for your baby.

If your baby seems uncomfortable due to a 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.

Diaper Disposal and Disinfecting Your Changing Table

Knowing how to dispose of diapers properly can help reduce odors and limit the spread of germs in your baby’s space. Seal used diapers tightly and place them in a designated bin; for step-by-step guidance, see how to dispose of diapers.

Just as important is disinfecting diaper changing table surfaces regularly. After each change, wipe the area with a baby-safe disinfectant or soap and water, especially if there’s visible soiling. According to the CDC, cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces helps lower the risk of germ transmission.

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.