There’s a lot of uncertainty involved in parenthood. But one thing is certain for every new parent — diaper changes are going to become part of daily life for the foreseeable future.
If changing your little one’s diaper feels chaotic right now, don’t worry — it’s completely normal. And we’d like to reassure you that within a few months you’ll be able to change a diaper one-handed, with your eyes closed (though we don’t recommend that)!
In the meantime, here are a few diaper-changing tips to help you replace chaos with calm.
No one is born knowing how to change a diaper
When it comes to newborn diaper changes, no one prepares you for the surprise pees (parents of boys, beware), the awkward angles, the poop explosions, or even just how often tiny babies need changing! It’s normal to change a newborn’s diaper 10 to 12 times a day, or every 2–3 hours. You’ll need to change them at night too, often around a feeding. Luckily, this phase doesn’t last long, and changes become less frequent as they grow.
Babies always choose the worst moment
You’re ready to head out. You’ve got this. Your little one is fed, happy, and dressed in that cute new outfit you bought. You grab your car keys and bingo — a poop explosion erupts…
Whether it’s a coffee catch-up or a baby massage class, tiny babies always seem to choose the worst possible moment to have a blowout. While you can’t predict their bowel habits, you can minimize disruption by always carrying spare onesies and outfits in your diaper bag — especially in the early months. Also look for diapers that offer super absorbency and poop pockets that help contain leaks.
Mess doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong
Speaking of mess, if it does happen, remember that blowouts are a rite of passage, not a personal failure. Baby poop tends to be less solid before they start solids, and sometimes a blowout up the back just happens. Follow the advice above to help minimize mess.
Finding your rhythm (it happens faster than you think)
Practice makes perfect — and when it comes to diaper changing, you’ll get plenty of that. Muscle memory kicks in, and suddenly you’re doing changes one-handed and can’t remember the time you were a diaper novice.
Find your diaper brand
Choosing diapers and wipes that are gentle, toxin-free, super absorbent, and fit well will be your best ally while you’re on the diaper-changing learning curve. A newborn’s skin is incredibly sensitive, so it’s important to find diapers and wipes that don’t contain toxins and are designed for newborn, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin to help minimize diaper rash and discomfort. Getting the perfect fit is also key: diapers that are too tight can cause discomfort, while those that are too big may lead to leaks.
Make a pure choice
Not all diapers are created equal. Pura’s Allergy UK–certified, toxin-free diapers are enhanced with soft organic cotton in the backsheet to keep tiny bottoms cozy and are thoughtfully designed to keep your baby’s bottom dry day and night. They also feature a super-absorbent core with plant-based materials and stay-dry channels that lock liquid away, keeping bottoms drier for longer. A breathable, plant-based layer with tiny micropores allows air to circulate, helping to ward off diaper rash and irritation.
Keep it lighthearted
Our final piece of advice is to keep a sense of humor. Laughing helps more than you might expect. Because sometimes — especially when you’re running late and your baby has had a volcanic poop eruption — all you can do is laugh, clean up, and carry on.
