Tanvi complains that her otherwise lovable baby boy cannot be at rest while changing the diaper. Tying a nappy sometimes becomes like a nightmare for her. She tried keeping him engaged with a toy but that did not help much to calm her restless toddler. Every time she ran out of steam while changing the diaper. One day she handed him her mobile phone and she wondered that he allowed her to change diaper without any fuss.

Infants and toddlers need to wear diapers most of the time. You need to take extra care while diapering to ensure the comfort of your child. By knowing diaper know-how's you can make life easier for you and your baby.

How to choose the right diaper?

Mothers can prefer either cloth diapers or disposable ones. With disposable diapers you need to purchase and store new pack as per your need. While making your choice you may consider cost, maintenance and comfort level. Disposable diapers are costly as compared to cloth diapers but they do not need cleaning. Disposable nappies are easy to get rid of. On the other hand, cloth diapers are made of natural fabrics and will be light on your pocket as they are reusable. The drawback of cloth diaper is that they need a lot of maintenance like washing and drying.

If your baby is not wearing the right size of diaper it could lead to leaks and it will be a messy affair each time. You need to reconsider the size of the diaper if you are witnessing gaps, red spots, rashes or leaks. Your baby should be comfortable in her diaper. Diaper should not be too fit or too loose. Keep in mind that if you want to avoid diaper mishaps, size does matter.

How to change the diaper?

Keep everything handy that you will need while changing the diaper of your baby. You will need a fresh diaper, warm or cooled boiled water, a towel, wipes, cotton balls, diaper disposal bags, diaper cream and a diaper mat. Choose a comfortable spot to change the diaper. You may use a diaper changing mat to avoid the mess all over the place. Make your baby lie on her back and undo the used diaper. Lift the baby by her feet and remove the diaper. Wipe the remaining waste with the used diaper.

Wipe the diaper area with cotton wool or cloth dipped in warm water. Give special attention to skin folds and area around genitals. If area is not cleaned properly it can lead to bacterial growth and thus diaper rash. If it is a baby boy, clean the area around penis and testicles gently. If it is a baby girl clean the diaper area to keep the germs away from the vagina. Dry the area with cotton cloth or towel. You may apply diaper cream or baby lotion to keep the area dry.

Lift the baby's bottom up by holding her legs by the ankles. Open the tabs of the new diaper and slide the diaper beneath her bottom. Position the diaper in right place. Bring the front part of the diaper up between the legs of your baby. Stretch the front part of the diaper around her tummy and place the tabs of the both sides on this front part. Check if the grip tabs are positioned well as to ensure that your baby is at ease.

How to use a cloth diaper?

You have to purchase a plastic cover to hold the cloth diaper. Most of the time pins are used to position the diaper in one place. You have to put the cloth first and then have to cover it with the plastic overlay to avoid leakage. You have to make the cloth thicker by giving it folds so that it will absorb the waste neatly without leading to outflow.

How to dispose the used diaper?

There is no specific rule as for how many times your child will urinate in a day but peeing is a sign of hydration. You can make it a routine to change the diaper in the morning, after every meal, before bedtime and after every bowel movement. You may check it after every two hours if it needs a change. If there are any solid waste residues in the diaper, flush them in the toilet. Using the grip tabs fold the used diaper and put it in the disposal bag. Never flush a diaper down the toilet. Put the used diaper in the dustbin.

How to avoid diaper rash?

Diaper rash takes place when dirty and wet diaper comes in the contact with skin. If the baby remains with the wet diaper for long time, the moistened diaper can irritate the skin. Diaper rash is also called as 'contact diaper rash' or 'diaper dermatitis'. It is easy to prevent diaper rash with proper precautions.

• Allow your baby's diaper area dry naturally before putting on the new diaper
  
  
• Change your baby's diaper as soon as it is wet and soiled
  
  
• Try changing diaper, soaps or wipes you are using if diaper rash persists
  
  
• Avoid using baby wipes that contain alcohol, it will irritate the skin of your baby
  
  
• While using cloth diapers boil them for a few minutes after washing to kill all the germs