How to Check a Diaper

Co-authored by Roy Nattiv, MD

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

If you are babysitting or have had a baby and you start to smell something, you will sometime in your life, have to check a diaper. Read on to find out how.

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Sometimes it may be time to change their diaper, once they begin crying. You may know that you have to change a nappy, if the baby cries.^{[1]
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Research source} Maybe if you're babysitting or something like that, the baby will burst into tears. Remember to focus on other reasons before ripping the nappy open.
Turn the baby around and take a good whiff, if you are brave enough! Just hold up the baby, smell and let your senses do the rest. If you are close to passing out then yeah, the baby needs changing.

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REMEMBER, this is only for the brave hearted, or if you feel comfortable enough doing this. However, the nappy is soft and plump so this step might not get you far.^{[2]
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Research source}
A diaper that moves like jelly is mostly wet and will need to be changed soon (or immediately).
and take a look for yourself. But do this in hygienic places. Not in the middle of the street.^{[3]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK

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How to treat diarrhea in infants?

Roy Nattiv, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
Dr. Roy Nattiv is a Board-Certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles, California. With over 20 years of experience he specializes in a broad range of pediatric gastrointestinal and nutritional illnesses such as constipation, diarrhea, reflux, food allergies, poor weight gain, SIBO, IBD, and IBS. He completed his pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, and his fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). While at UCSF, he was a California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) fellowship trainee and was awarded the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) Fellow to Faculty Award in Pediatric IBD Research. Dr. Nattiv received his undergrad degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and his medical degree (MD) from the Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Roy Nattiv, MD

Board Certified Gastroenterologist

Expert Answer

To treat diarrhea in infants, it is crucial to ensure proper hydration. Confirm that infants with suspected loose stools or diarrhea are tolerating their feeds, whether through breastfeeding or formula and observe for an adequate number of wet diapers daily. Additionally, assess the baby's interaction, alertness, playfulness, and smiles as indicators of hydration status. If stools are excessively voluminous, consulting a pediatrician is advised. Addressing the causes of diarrhea, recognize that frequent stools in infants are common due to components in breast milk with a mild laxative effect. Diarrhea may also signal an allergy or intolerance to food proteins from breastfeeding or formula, often necessitating a hypoallergenic formula. Infections should be ruled out before considering allergies, with stool tests available, such as PCR, to screen for multiple infections in one specimen. Excessive juice or sugar intake can contribute to diarrhea, typically observed in toddlers (toddler's diarrhea). Parents should consult a pediatrician if they are concerned about dehydration. If diarrhea persists, consider giving electrolyte fluids like Pedialyte and promptly contacting the pediatrician for guidance.

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My first time babysitting is on Saturday and I have to babysit a 1, 4 and an 8 year old. How do I tell the other kids that I am going to change the baby's diaper?

Community Answer

Kids aged 4 and 8 are starting to recognize the need that the baby needs to be diapered, and if given the chance can help pitch in with simple tasks to help complete the change. Although there's really no need to keep it secret, you may want to walk over and take care of the change without mentioning it to them. If the 4 and 8 year old kids are asleep, don't mind waking them up, however, if they are awake, you can hype them up a little to have them help you. Such things as bringing a clean diaper to you or simple things that are safe to do, are okay to let the kids know.

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What if the baby poops in public?

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Find a public restroom if you can, or change the baby in the car.

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Tips

When smelling the bum, if you are in a busy place, try holding the baby up and pretend to throw them up, then take a good whiff.

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If the baby needs changing, change as soon as possible.

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When feeling, do it in the bathroom.

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Warnings

If you feel the bum outside in public place, people may think you're a pervert.

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Opening up for the first time, or if you are a man/boy, could result in a painful memory. TAKE CARE!

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The child may feel upset if they are embarrassed in a public place. Depends on the child.

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