How to Change an Extremely Dirty Diaper

Co-authored by Jami Yaeger

Last Updated: June 1, 2021 References

Changing diapers is something you will just have to get used to if you have a baby. Some diapers are easy to change, but others are extremely messy. If you're changing an extremely dirty diaper, be sure to use the proper technique to contain the mess and avoid spreading germs.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Getting Ready to Change the Diaper

1
Have all of the necessities nearby. Changing diapers will be much easier if you always have everything you need right near the changing area. Keep a stash of supplies within your reach so you never have to go looking for something.^{[1]
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- For all diaper changes you will need clean diapers, baby wipes, and diaper rash ointment.
- Try making your own baby wipes. Include in the wipes some baby soap, witch hazel extract to dry the baby, lavender to prevent diaper rash, baby oil to soften the skin, distilled water, and diaper rash cream to treat diaper rash.
- You may not need these items for every diaper change, but it's a good idea to keep a clean pair of baby clothes and a wash cloth within reach as well, just in case you run into an extremely dirty diaper. Gloves are also handy if you want to keep your hands clean.
- The bathroom is an ideal location for a changing station because you will always have access to a sink nearby.^{[2]
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2
Choose the right surface. If you're dealing with a particularly dirty diaper, you will want to make sure that you do not contaminate the surface. Always change the baby on a surface that can easily be cleaned.^{[3]
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- If you are changing the baby on a surface other than a changing table (like a bed or a rug), protect it with a towel or a waterproof changing pad.
- If you're in your home, try putting them on a towel or blanket on the bathroom floor or in the bathtub. That will help make cleanup easier.^{[4]
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  Jami Yaeger
  Parenting Specialist
  Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.}
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3
Don't procrastinate. Changing a dirty diaper right away will make the task easier. Don't wait, or you may have even more of a mess to clean up.^{[5]
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4
Gear up. If you want to stay as clean as possible while changing a super dirty diaper, you may want to consider wearing gloves. You can use disposable gloves or thicker ones that can be washed and reused multiple times.
- If you don't wear gloves, at least roll your sleeves up to keep your clothing clean.
5
Assess the baby's clothing. Take a look at the baby's clothing before you get started. If it is soiled, remove all of it. If it does not appear to be soiled, remove only what is necessary to change the diaper.^{[6]
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- You may want to remove shirts and onesies by pulling them down rather than up and over their heads. This may help to prevent the feces from getting on your baby’s back and head if the diaper has exploded.
- If you don't already have clean clothes by the diaper changing station, be sure to get some before you begin changing the baby.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Changing the Diaper

1
Wipe up the mess with the diaper first. Once the baby is lying on their back on the changing table, open the diaper so that it lies flat on the table. If the front part of the diaper is clean, use that section to wipe up as much mess off of the baby as you can. Then quickly fold the diaper in half so the baby's butt is on top of the clean outside section of the diaper.^{[7]
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- If the entire inside of the baby's diaper is dirty, do not try to use it to wipe the baby. Instead, fold the diaper in half right away and move on to the next step.
- If the diaper is dirty on the outside, consider putting a clean diaper or an open baby wipe under the baby while you clean them. This will help contain the mess while you're working to get them clean.
2
Continue wiping. Once you've gotten as much mess out of the way as you can with the diaper, it's time to keep wiping with some baby wipes or damp cloths.^{[8]
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- Use as many wipes or paper towels as you need to in order to get the mess cleaned up completely.^{[9]
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  Jami Yaeger
  Parenting Specialist
  Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.}
- If necessary, gently roll your baby onto one side, then the other, to thoroughly clean their skin.
- If you have a baby girl, be sure to always wipe her from front to back in order to help prevent vaginal and urinary tract infections. Male babies can also get penile infections, so clean the penis as thoroughly as you would clean a dirty finger. Do not pull back the baby’s foreskin if he is uncircumcised.
- Avoid using any wipes that contain alcohol or fragrances, as these can cause skin irritation.^{[10]
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  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- For a more thorough clean, go ahead and just give your baby a bath.^{[11]
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  Jami Yaeger
  Parenting Specialist
  Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.}
3
Prevent diaper rash. In order to prevent your baby from getting a painful rash, it's a good idea to make sure his skin is completely dry before you put a new diaper on. You can also apply petroleum jelly or ointment to his skin in order to prevent irritation.^{[12]
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- To dry your baby's skin, you can use a towel or dry cloth, give them some time to air dry, or even use a hair dryer on a cool setting.
4
Put on the new diaper. Once the old diaper is off and your baby is wiped down, put on a fresh pair of gloves (if you are wearing gloves) and put the new diaper on. Simply open the diaper up, slide it under the baby with one hand while you gently lift up his legs with the other hand, fold the front part of the diaper up, and secure the straps from behind.^{[13]
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- If there is another diaper under your baby, remove this one first before sliding the clean diaper in place.
- Be sure to position the diaper correctly. For disposable diapers, the tabs should be in the back.
5
Get rid of the dirty diaper. If you use disposable diapers, roll the old one up and throw it away. If you use cloth diapers, roll the old one up and place it in a container with a tight lid until it's time to wash it.^{[14]
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- To help contain the smell, place the diaper in a plastic bag and tie it tightly before you throw it away. Plastic bags are also great for containing soiled cloth diapers when you're out.
- If you need to walk away from the changing area to throw the diaper away, always bring the baby with you. Never leave him on the changing table unattended.
- It's a good idea to wipe off as much poop as you can into the toilet before you throw the diaper away. This will help reduce the odor.^{[15]
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- If you wore disposable gloves, throw those in the trash as well. Pinch one glove with the other gloved hand to remove it, and then insert a clean finger under the inside of the other glove to peel that one off.
6
Check the baby. Once the new diaper is on and the old one is removed, give your baby a once over to make sure they're clean all over. If you notice any messes, clean them up with a cloth right away.
- Be sure to pay extra close attention to their hands and feet, which can sometimes come into contact with the dirty diaper during changing.
7
Wash up. When you're all done, be sure to wash your hands and your baby's hands thoroughly with soap and water, even if they do not appear dirty. Also clean and sanitize the changing surface.^{[16]
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- If you wore non-disposable gloves, wash them thoroughly before you wash your hands.
- If you use a changing pad, be sure to wash it on a regular basis.
- If you removed the baby's clothing, you can put a clean pair of clothes on them now. Put the old ones in the wash as soon as possible.
- When sanitizing surfaces, always be sure to use a cleaner that is baby-safe.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What is the safest way to change a baby's diaper?

Jami Yaeger
Parenting Specialist
Jami Yaeger is a Parenting Specialist, Doula, and the Owner of AustinBorn, an online community offering comprehensive and modern education to growing families. With 10 years of experience, Jami specializes in whole family support for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. Jami earned her BA in Theatre Performance from San Diego State University and earned her Certification as a Lactation Education Counselor from the University of California, San Diego. She is a Certified Infant and Child CPR Instructor, Birth and Postpartum Doula, and Childbirth Educator.

Jami Yaeger

Parenting Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Whenever you are changing your baby, you should always put them on a safe surface that they cannot fall off of.
Question

How can I clean an extremely dirty diaper?

Jami Yaeger
Parenting Specialist
Jami Yaeger is a Parenting Specialist, Doula, and the Owner of AustinBorn, an online community offering comprehensive and modern education to growing families. With 10 years of experience, Jami specializes in whole family support for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. Jami earned her BA in Theatre Performance from San Diego State University and earned her Certification as a Lactation Education Counselor from the University of California, San Diego. She is a Certified Infant and Child CPR Instructor, Birth and Postpartum Doula, and Childbirth Educator.

Jami Yaeger

Parenting Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

First, take a deep breath, then move the baby to a place where you can change them. If you're at home, that might be the bathroom floor or the bathtub, or it might be a changing table if you're out. Use wipes and paper towels to get the baby completely clean, or give them a bath if you're at home. Then, put a fresh diaper and clean clothes on the baby and you're good to go.

Warnings

Avoid using talcum powder, as it can cause lung irritation for both you and your baby.^{[17]
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March of Dimes
Nonprofit organization devoted to improving the lives of mothers and babies.
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If you have a boy, always cover his penis with a cloth when his diaper is off to prevent him from peeing all over the place.^{[18]
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