6 Reality Checks About Changing A Diaper

What you’re thinking: You'll be changing diapers every single hour.
Reality check: You’ll want to keep your baby as dry as possible to decrease the risk of diaper rash, so regular changes are important (to help you keep track, check out this feeding and diapering chart.) But even newborns, who typically require more frequent fresh diapers, can be changed once every few hours, no prob. And if she’s sleeping peacefully, do not disturb!

What you’re thinking: Putting diapers on right is tricky.
Reality check: Parents typically worry about making a diaper too tight or too loose, says Blythe Lipman, a Scottsdale, Arizona mom of two and the author of Baby Instructions. Her simple solution: “If your entire hand fits between tummy and diaper it's too loose, and if you can't get a finger between tummy and diaper, it’s too tight.”

What you’re thinking: It's going to be gross.
Reality check: Pleasant, it ain’t, but you’ll get used to it. To minimize the ick factor, have everything you need within reach—diapers, wipes, a bag for the dirty diaper. “I was always afraid my son would spray my face,” says Derrick Hayes, a father of four in Columbus, Georgia. “I overcame it by wiping him off fast!” It also helps to place a wipe over a baby boy’s penis to prevent accidental sprinkles.

What you’re thinking: Leaks and blowouts are unavoidable.
Reality check: Accidents happen, but they won’t happen that often if your baby’s wearing the right size diaper. That might mean moving up to a larger size before your child reaches the weight limit of their current size, especially overnight. Happily, both HUGGIES® Pure & Natural Diapers and HUGGIES® Little Snugglers diapers have a pocketed Blowout Blocker to help keep in the runny mess. Click here to learn more about HUGGIES products.

What you’re thinking: Diapering on the go is hard.
Reality check: If you have everything handy in a diaper bag, you’ll deal…and get to be a pro. Can’t find a flat surface? Recline the stroller seat. Or pick a discreet spot in a park or playground. In a real pinch, carefully change baby on your outstretched legs.