How to Change a Disposable Adult Diaper

Co-authored by Cheyenne Main Medically reviewed by Jennifer Boidy, RN

Last Updated: December 14, 2024 Fact Checked

When changing an adult diaper, it is important to know the correct technique and to be calm and respectful. You can change an adult diaper while the person is lying down or while they are sitting on a toilet. Remember, you should always change the diaper as soon as it is soiled.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Taking Off the Old Diaper

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It's important to have clean hands before starting, as you don't want to bring your germs to the patient. You should also wear disposable latex gloves (or vinyl if you or your patient is allergic to latex) to protect your hands against bodily fluids.^{[1]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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You'll need a new diaper in the correct size, a towel or disposable blue pad (also known as a chuck) to collect any waste and keep the sheets clean, and wipes. You'll also need a trash can to put the old diaper in, as well as a protective moisture barrier cream. The cream is used to protect the person from wetness after you change the diaper.^{[2]
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Get the person to lie on the bed, a table, or the floor.^{[3]
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Research source} Open the tabs of the diaper. Tuck the front side of the diaper between the person’s legs, as far under as it will go. You are folding it under to make it easier to pull out in a minute. Wipe up the front of the person, moving from front to back.^{[4]
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Gently roll the person away from you. It's best to roll the person away from you by placing your hands at the hip and shoulder. Roll the person until they are all the way on their side.^{[5]
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Research source} Then, place the towel or chuck under the person’s backside to protect the sheets.
5
Wipe up what you can. Go ahead and wipe up what you can before moving the diaper, especially if the person had defecated. Try to get as much as you can out before removing the diaper completely.^{[6]
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- Put the wipes into the old diaper beneath the person as you wipe.^{[7]
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6
Remove the diaper. Pull the diaper out through the person’s legs towards their backside, and then fold it up to hide the mess. Dispose of the diaper.^{[8]
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Research source} You can put it in a plastic grocery sack before sticking it in the trash to reduce the smell.
- After you remove the diaper, pull off your gloves and put on a fresh pair.
7
Finish cleaning up. Use a gentle wipe to clean the person’s private parts thoroughly.^{[9]
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Research source} Make sure the person is thoroughly clean before moving on. You'll know the person is clean when a wipe comes up clean after you wipe the person.
- Always wipe the person from their front to their backside.^{[10]
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- Be sure to wipe the person off gently, especially if they are elderly because their skin may be more fragile.
- Make sure that the person is completely clean as well.
Once the person is clean and dry, let the area air-dry for a moment.^{[11]
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Research source} You don't want to put a new diaper on while the person is still wet—moisture can cause skin irritation or even a rash.^{[12]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Putting on a New Diaper

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1
Place the diaper on the person from front to back. Place the person on their back. Open a new diaper and place the front against the person’s front. Tuck the middle and bottom of the diaper between the person’s legs, pushing it as far back as it will go.^{[13]
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- Hold the diaper up to the person’s front to make sure it’s the right size.^{[14]
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Fold the front of the diaper back and apply barrier cream to the person. This will help prevent diaper rash and keep the skin from breaking down from moisture.^{[15]
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Research source} Apply a thin layer, especially over the buttocks. Fold the front of the diaper back over the person.
Gently pull the person back towards you. Pull the diaper up through their legs to cover their buttocks.^{[16]
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4
Attach the side tabs, which may be velcro or adhesives. The diaper should be snug but not so tight it would be uncomfortable.^{[17]
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Research source} You should be able to slide at least a finger under the top.
- You may need to roll the person a bit the other way to get to the part of the diaper that is under them.
- The tape tabs are always on the front of the body.^{[18]
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5
Throw away the gloves. Grab the outside of one glove at the wrist and peel it away so the outside is facing inward. Hold the glove you just removed in your gloved hand as you pull the other glove off. Throw the gloves away.^{[19]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

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- Wash your hands immediately after removing the gloves.^{[20]
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  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
  
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6
Add a disposable bed liner. If you prefer, you can place a bed liner under the fitted sheet of the person’s bed. Roll them one way to slide it under and pull the fitted sheet over the mattress, and then roll them the other way to get it all the way under them. The liner can help keep the bed clean in case of an accident.^{[21]
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- Try to avoid putting a plastic liner directly against the person’s skin. This can cause irritation and skin breakdown.^{[22]
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Tips

If possible, have another person help you move and support the patient.

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If you are the wearer's caretaker, try to always wear gloves when changing diapers to avoid coming into contact with bodily fluids and solid waste in the diaper.

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Be sure to remain calm and respectful while changing an adult’s diaper so that the person is provided with dignity and comfort.

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Warnings

No matter what type of removal and changing style you must use most often, never flush an adult disposable diaper in a toilet.

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