If you have just welcomed a baby, you may have several questions related to parenthood, including how to change a diaper like a pro. Your concern is rightly justified as changing your baby’s diaper entails more than just swapping out a soiled diaper with a clean one. You may also consider other factors such as what steps to take in case your little one has a diaper rash and the best diaper rash creams to choose.
Diaper rashes are most commonly triggered by fecal irritants, air moisture, and diaper friction. A good diaper rash cream, formulated with natural active ingredients can help eliminate the root cause of these rashes, relieve irritation, and even prevent future flare-ups. To make diaper changes a bit easy and mess-free, we have compiled a list of diaper changing essentials you need and the best diaper rash cream you can opt for soothing your little one’s skin.
List Of Diaper Changing Essentials
Whether you are changing your little one’s diapers at home or somewhere outside, you need a few things handy. Keep the following items at the table or changing station at your home, or in your diaper bag when you step out.
Diapers
While purchasing diapers may be a mouse-click away, choosing the right diapers for your baby may not be that easy. Before buying a diaper, you should consider what best suits your little one. Make sure that the diaper is pant-styled, has normal to high absorbency, and isn’t too tight-fitted. You should also pay attention to the quality of materials used in the diaper, its skin-friendliness (whether it’s rash or causes discomfort), and its ease of use.
Changing Station
It is important to have a diaper changing table or mat at home to ensure the safety of your baby. You can purchase a ready-made diaper changing table with a safety harness or convert existing furniture into a diaper station. A changing station is essential to keep your baby comfortable and prevent them from rolling off.
You can also look for a table with storage space as it makes it easy for you to stack all the diaper supplies for quick access.
Water-based Wet Wipes
Wet wipes are of great help for cleaning your baby’s diaper area. Whether it’s pee or poop, they are easy to use and dispose of. Opt for bamboo-based water wipes that contain plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, almond oil, and vitamin E. These organic ingredients are gentle on your baby’s skin and also help soothe irritation and allergies. Plus, bamboo water wipes contain a high water content of 99%, which helps in keeping your little one’s skin soft and hydrated.
You can also opt for natural water-based baby wipes, formulated with anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, calendula extracts, and allantoin that moisturise and protect your baby’s skin from dryness and irritation, and also reduce any swelling caused by inflammatory skin conditions, caused by eczema.
A Trash Can
You can use a diaper pail with odour control feature, or just a regular trash can to dispose of the diapers. However, make sure to keep the trash can exclusively for diapers, and close to the changing station. If possible, look for a foot-pedal trash can, so that you do not have to leave your baby or bend to throw the dirty diaper.
Diaper Rash Cream
Diaper rash cream is useful if your baby is prone to rashes in their diaper area. It can help treat rashes and soothe your baby’s skin, and also prevent the risk of future flare-ups by forming a protective barrier on your baby’s skin, and preventing moisture absorption and exposure to potential irritants.
The Best Diaper Rash Creams To Opt For
When it comes to choosing diaper rash creams for your baby, you can consider opting for the following natural and plant-based options.
The Mom’s Co. Natural Diaper Rash Cream
The Mom’s Co.’s Natural Diaper Rash Cream is an Australian-certified toxin and allergen-free baby care product. It contains 15% zinc oxide that helps form a protective layer on your baby’s skin and serves as a barrier between the moisture from pee and poo, and the skin, thus preventing diaper rashes.
The diaper rash cream also contains chamomile oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, and calendula butter that aid in the quick healing of your baby’s skin, and reduces irritation and swelling caused by rashes.
Other features:
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraben free
- Cruelty-free
- SLS free
- Great for daily use
BabyChakra’s Diaper Rash Cream
BabyChakra’s Diaper Rash Cream has been designed with non-nano zinc oxide technology that effectively soothes and nourishes your baby’s sensitive skin, and reduces irritation caused by rashes. In addition to zinc oxide, it also contains a blend of plant-based ingredients like organic neem oil, chamomile oil, shea butter, and bentonite that calm your baby’s skin, relieve itching, reduce redness and inflammation, and aid in the quick recovery of the rashes. The diaper rash cream is completely chemical and toxin-free and suited for babies with sensitive skin.
Other features:
- 100% fragrance-free
- All natural ingredients
- Deeply nourishing
- Non-sticky
- No phenoxyethanol
Steps To Change Your Baby’s Diapers
Step 1: Place your baby over the changing station
Bring your baby to the diaper changing station, and spread the changing mat or any other protective sheet on the table before placing your little one on it. Strap your baby (if you have the provision) or hold them with one hand.
Step 2: Remove the soiled diaper and discard it in the trash can
Sanitise your hands and untie the soiled diaper. Fold the top portion of the diaper under your baby’s bottom by lifting their legs, and then fold it again before putting it in the trash. If it’s a pant-style diaper, you can gently pull it off, while holding your baby’s legs up. Close the soiled diaper with the tab fasteners and throw it into the trash can. If you are travelling, carry a disposable bag to seal the dirty diaper before discarding it.
Step 3: Clean the diaper area
Use water wipes to clean your baby’s diaper area and let it dry. In the case of a soiled diaper, use wet wipes to clean your baby’s front and back gently, but thoroughly. Move their legs to clean between the creases, thighs, and buttocks. Next, pat dry the area, and then apply diaper rash cream before putting on a new diaper.
Step 4: Put on the new diaper
Sanitise your hands again, take a fresh diaper, and put it on your infant. Secure it tightly to prevent any leakage. However, make sure that the diaper isn’t too tight as it may prevent airflow and cause irritation.
Lastly, change your baby’s clothes if needed, and then put them in their cot or crib safely. Before you touch anything else, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
Diaper rash creams are an essential part of diaper care, and you should always invest in natural and chemical-free options to provide the best care to your baby. The products that we mentioned above are some of the best diaper rash creams in India that effectively soothe your baby’s diaper rash and are gentle on their skin. Plus, they are free of chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and mineral oils, and do not aggravate your baby’s skin further.
Also read:
How to apply diaper rash cream: Check out this post to know the right way of diaper rash cream application for maximum nourishment.
Best baby skincare products: Are you looking for natural and safe babycare products? This post has got you covered with the best recommendations.
Summer skincare tips for babies: Check out this post on summer skincare tips for babies to keep your little one cool and comfortable.
Featured image: Freepik.com