Ask Our Expert - Tips for Changing a Boy's Diaper

November 22, 2009

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Ask Dr. Jana Tips for Changing a Boy's Diaper

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Jana, How do you change a boy's diaper? — Davbells

ANSWER	May 23, 2001


Dear Davbells, First answer that comes to mind is "carefully." That said, I will elaborate by perhaps stating the obvious: some baby boys have a habit of urinating when their diapers are removed. It will serve you well if you keep this handy fact in mind during diaper changes and remember to either keep a hand, a cloth rag, or an extra diaper over the baby's penis until the clean diaper is in place. Only once during my time seeing patients did I let my guard down, and I'll assure you that the baby boy took full advantage of the situation! As for other practical considerations that apply to both baby boys and baby girls, I suggest that you keep any supplies you might need close at hand, make sure that your baby is never left unattended at any height, and offer him a distraction (a toy, for example) if he doesn't want to sit still. Also, I have found it quite practical to slip the new diaper under the baby before removing the old one. While this occasionally results in a wasted diaper, it can prevent urine or bowel movements from being distributed over the changing table or changing surface and from getting on the baby's clothes. — by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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