How to Change a Cloth Diaper

 Changing a wet cloth diaper

If the cloth diaper is simply wet, the steps are the same as changing a disposable diaper.  You remove the wet diaper, and toss it into your diaper pail. 

A tiny baby bum doesn’t need harsh chemicals and excessive cleaning.   For a wet diaper, pat with a wet cloth wipe.

Or simply allow the baby’s bum to dry while you coo and sing with your baby.

When you are done singing, the baby is ready for a fresh cloth diaper.

Changing a Soiled Cloth Diaper

The idea of changing a soiled cloth diaper has been known to scare away the most dedicated father, grandfather or babysitter.  However, there is nothing to it.  No latex gloves required. 

At the changing station, have available a squirt bottle with your favorite wipes solution.  For young babies, that may be just warm water in an old thermos.    For an older baby, a squirt bottle with a  little of your favorite baby  soap, Baby Bits or your own wipes solution.

Use a dry wipe to remove any solids from the baby’s skin.  Or, use a clean spot on the prefold diaper to do a preliminary cleaning.   Remove the soiled diaper and toss it in your diaper pail. Then grab a cloth wipe and wet it with water or solution and remove any remaining soil from the baby’s skin. 

After the final wipe and remove the soiled diaper.  Baby’s clean skin is against the clean changing surface.  Set the soiled diaper aside, while you put the fresh diaper on the baby.

Once the baby is dressed and safely positioned, grab the dirty diaper.  If the baby is exclusively breastfed, the water soluble poop can go right into the diaper pail.  If the baby is eating food, shake any solids into the toilet.    A spatula designated for baby is handy for pushing any solids into the toilet.   And drop the diaper into your diaper pail.

Voila!