Safety Precautions when Changing Diapers

Up to 10 times a day, you’ll find yourself asking questions like, “Why does my child turn into a ninja once set on the changing table?”, “How did poo get on the wall?”, and “Do we need a diaper cream or a trip to the doctor’s office?” We feel you, but remember: this, too, shall pass. And with a bit of preparation and a dollop of bravery, you’ll be conquering even the most harrowing of diaper changes like a true champion. 

How are Dirty Diapers Dangerous? 

Every parent knows diapers have a story to tell — what was eaten last, how well it was digested, whether the tummy is happy or unhappy. But researchers in Denmark discovered there’s more than meets the eye — identifying 10,000 viruses in diapers — many of which were previously unknown. (Yikes!) 

Hepatitis, A. Giardia, Salmonella, norovirus, E. coli, and listeria are the usual suspects found in soiled diapers. These pathogens primarily spread through food in contact with contaminated hands or surfaces. (Cue the soap, water, and antibacterial wipes.) 

Given that one in six US residents suffer from these illnesses each year, you’ll want to do whatever you can to limit your risk of having to care for a baby while you’re down in the dumps — unlike your job, parenthood has no sick days.  

 Quick & Dirty Tips for a Safe & Sanitary Diaper Changes 

Let’s get into the good stuff. We could have written it ourselves, but the Michigan State University Extension already took the words right out of our mouths — here’s  the steps professionals recommend you follow during diaper changes:  

• Designate a changing area to contain the chaos. 

• Keep the diaper changing zone far from food areas. 

• Opt for a changing table over beds or floors. 

• Arm yourself with baby wipes, diaper cream, sealable bags, and fresh diapers. 

• Provide a washable or disposable changing pad. 

• Seal soiled clothes in a bag until you reach the laundry machine. 

• Wipe front to back, with fresh wipes for each swipe. 

• Seal the dirty wipes and diaper in a plastic bag before throwing in the trash. 

• Once your child has a fresh diaper on, wash those tiny hands thoroughly. 

• Use soap and warm water, scrubbing to the wrists for at least 20 seconds, and dry. 

• Clean the diapering surface with soap and water, then disinfect. 

• Finally, wash your own hands for at least 20 seconds and dry them. 

How To Keep Your Child Safe During a Diaper Change 

Beyond germs, parents face another formidable foe — the squirming, wriggling bundle of joy on the changing table.  

Over a 10-year period, the Consumer Product Safety Commission received 188 reports of babies falling off changing tables. While most babies were treated for cuts, lacerations, and bruises and released, 5 percent were admitted to the hospital for head injuries, fractures, or internal damage. Most of these accidents happened as caregivers were looking through diaper bags or stepping away for a second to grab something they needed.  

Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers these tips to keep your little acrobat safe: 

• Anchor the changing pad and furniture to the wall to prevent falls. 

• Keep one hand on the baby at all times during changes.  

• Ensure all diapering essentials are within arm's reach, including the diaper pail. 

• Keep hand sanitizer and creams with caps out of baby’s reach. 

• Reserve the changing table solely for diaper duties. 

• Entertain your little one with a toy, mobile, or lightweight mirror secured to the wall. 

Avoid Diaper Rashes as Best You Can 

Before you embark on your diaper-changing odyssey, make sure you’re prepared for the side effects of diapers. Diaper rashes will happen, but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk. Change your baby's diaper every 2-3 hours to minimize prolonged skin contact with urine and feces. You should also have some soothing diaper rash cream on your hand to apply to their bum before strapping up the new diaper.   

When it comes to high-quality diapers and diaper rash cream, Hello Bello has got you covered. Our seriously soft diapers are free from harsh processed chemicals and other additives, and our materials come from natural and sustainable sources.  With a patented high-performance Super Absorbent Polymer, they can absorb up to 10x their weight in liquid. Our Soothing Diaper Rash Cream also leaves out harmful, irritating ingredients, specially formulated to calm and protect even the most sensitive baby skin.