Are you new to parenting and wondering, should I change diaper if baby is sleeping?
If there is one thing most individuals getting into parenthood for the first time hear endlessly is not to wake a sleeping baby.
But are there rules as to when you should not wake up a sleeping baby?
Should you always leave them to enjoy their peaceful sleep, or you can wake them up for a meal?
Worse still, if they need a diaper change while asleep, what should you do?
There are several rules when dealing with babies, but you have to be extra cautious on things you do when it comes to their nap time.
But if you are among the parents out here wondering should I change diaper if baby is sleeping, here is everything you need to know.
Related: Best diapers for sensitive skin
Should I Change Diaper If Baby Is Sleeping
Most babies take quite some time before they finally fall asleep.
Spending more than an hour soothing a cranky baby is probably how most of your evenings go.
Once you finally get them to sleep, it can seem ridiculous to wake your baby up for anything, especially a diaper change.
However, this is what you can do to make the process as seamless as possible:
- Try to change your baby’s diaper before they fall asleep. This way, you won’t have to wake them up later, and you are both more likely to sleep through the night.
- If you have to wake up your baby after falling asleep with a diaper change, make it as quiet and fast as possible. Do not even make eye contact, as they may think it’s a game you’re playing or that it’s time to wake up. You can even keep the lights off so that your baby still thinks they should be asleep. Where light is necessary for you to see what you’re doing, keep it very dim or use a night light. If you have to use wipes, make sure that you warm them first, so they don’t startle your baby and wake them up.
- It would be best if you came up with a particular nighttime diaper routine. It should be different from what you usually do, like playing with your baby while changing their diaper. This routine will teach your baby to fall asleep immediately after you change their diaper at night.
- You can get your baby special nighttime diapers so that you don’t have to get up during the night to do it. These are usually more absorbent and expensive but well worth the purchase. You also need to make sure that they fit your baby perfectly so that there are no leaks. If you think that your baby may develop diaper rash from wearing one all night long, you can apply some diaper cream on their skin before bed.
- If you usually use cloth diapers on your baby during the day, you may want to switch to disposable ones during the night. This way, your baby will not feel any uncomfortable wetness when they pee, and you won’t have to wake them up to change their diaper at night.
- Make sure that you are ready for a nighttime diaper change beforehand. Keep everything you’ll need within reach, so you don’t have to keep moving around when it’s time and risk waking your baby. You can also dress them in something easy for you to remove and get the soiled diaper off, so there’s minimal movement for your baby.
Anyone with a baby knows that sleep is a scarce commodity.
Babies are usually very fussy and rarely fall asleep when they are supposed to.
So when it’s the middle of the night, and you’re asking yourself should I change diaper if baby is sleeping, don’t worry about it too much.
With these few tips and tricks, your baby can be sleeping all night, and you’ll also get the rest you need.
Related Post:Newborn Won’t Sleep Unless Held
Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.