Diaper changing

One of the first few things a dad would have to learn hands-on (with big clumsy hands) is how to change diapers. Once you get the hang of it, it's quite a quick procedure if and only IF the baby complies.

No books which I've read teaches you these things.

• NEVER put a dirty diaper beside a baby. With a well placed kick, the contents of the dirty diaper would be splattered all over the floor. Worse, you'll have to clean the infant's feet and change the whole linen. Sometimes they don't have to kick, just a couple of rolls and they will reach the diaper.


• NEVER yank a toddler out of bed while he's still sleeping to wash his butt. Even with nice warm water, he/she will scream his lungs out until you end up a bit deaf. Instead feed them warm milk and wait for them to get into their active self.


• NEVER remove a baby's diaper without a waterproof pad underneath. Sometimes with baby boys, they can spray a foot away, thus avoiding the waterproof pad.


• NEVER ask them if they want to change diapers. Most of the time, they rather continue what they are doing instead of a short sidetrip to the bathroom. Tell them they have to change diaper and perhaps get to blow soap bubbles while at it.

Experience is still the best teacher. Anybody wants some hands-on and smell sh!t daily? I guess not but somebody has to do it.