When to change a child's or adult's diaper

Observe the signs.

Watch for signs that indicate you need to change their diaper. If it's soiled, you can usually tell easily because it will start to smell, and you may have seen them get into position to go to the bathroom or heard them pass gas. If the teenager is more independent, you could even ask them directly if they need their diaper changed. If they are less independent, you may have to visually check it yourself. Take a quick look at the front or back of the diaper to see if it's wet or soiled.

• He might resist when you try to check, so you need to be tactful so as not to hurt his feelings. Try to respect his privacy and dignity while you do it. Take a discreet look, even if it's impossible to do so without exposing at least part of the diaper. Also, try to make him understand that if he tells you he needs a diaper change every time, you won't have to go and check on him and embarrass him in front of others. If you like, you can agree on a code phrase for him to signal, for example: "Do you need a break?" - "Yes, I need a break." In this case, a break means a diaper change. You could also say, "It doesn't smell very nice in here, do you want to go for a walk?" - "Yes, I need to go for a walk."
• It is important to change your baby's diaper as soon as you think it is soiled. Waiting too long could contribute to the development of incontinence or urinary tract infections, skin irritation, or rashes.
• The frequency of diaper changes depends on many factors (health, etc.), but generally, a teenager's diapers need to be changed between five and eight times a day. If possible, create a schedule to know when to change them and adjust it as needed to change soiled diapers.

Go to the appropriate area.

If you're at home, you can go to the bathroom or another room with more space. If you're out and about, it might be more complicated. Go to a public restroom and find a larger stall, a stall for people with disabilities, or a separate family restroom, if available. It's important to choose a space that's clean and large enough for both of you to move around. Sometimes you'll find restrooms with a large changing table.

• Try to appear as discreet as possible by avoiding attracting attention. If you are with other people, you could say, "Excuse us a moment, we'll be right back," and say nothing more.
• If you have this option, choose a toilet cubicle with handrails or shelves (to place the equipment you need).

Maintain a certain level of privacy.

You should always lock the door behind you. If there are people outside, don't hesitate to ask them for some privacy. Similarly, if you are in a public place, speak in a low voice. Don't complain loudly, or you will embarrass the teenager even more.

Prepare the equipment.

If you are out and about, you could carry a large diaper bag containing the following supplies: diapers, disposable wipes, wipes, skin cream, a pair of gloves, and hand sanitizer. Take these items out of the bag and place them near where you will be changing the diaper. If the teenager is able, you could ask them to help by holding the wipes or the clean diaper.

• Disposable towels are one option for creating a barrier between your teenager and the surface you're changing them on. They're water-resistant, thin, and about the size of a bed sheet, but they can be expensive. You could get a folded shower curtain or a water-resistant picnic blanket. Alternatively, you could make a thin but comfortable vinyl-covered changing mat that you can fold or roll up, making it suitable for outings with your teenager.
• You can easily forget or run out of these items. Every time you go out, you should do a quick inventory of your diaper bag to make sure you have everything you need.
• If you're in a public restroom and can't put your equipment down, you can leave it in your bag and take it out and put it back as needed. The less your equipment is exposed to germs, the better.

Adapt the room.

If you need to move something to create more floor space, do so. Also, pay attention to the temperature. You should avoid the room being too hot or too cold, as this could make the process even less comfortable. Adjust the thermostat if there is one and if necessary.

Prepare to put it in position.

If the teenager is unable to stand independently or if their diaper is very soiled, you will need to prepare the room for a diaper change while they are lying down. If so, place the towel on the floor or on a towel rack, if available. If you have a changing table, ensure the plastic cover is clean by wiping it with a cloth. If you want to have them sit up, place the towel on a chair or bench. If you can change them while they are standing, you can place the towel on the floor near a wall if they need something to hold onto.

Disinfect.

In the next step, you will need to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Many people also prefer to wear latex gloves at this point. The goal is to prevent the transmission of germs between you and the teenager, and vice versa.

Change it standing up.

This is generally the best option for teenagers, as it's less stressful and often quicker. This position also requires less space, making it a good choice for small bathrooms and other smaller areas. Start by placing the towel on the floor, then have them stand on it before pulling their pants down to their ankles.

• Next, undo the side tabs of the diaper and hold it in place while using your other hand to clean the area, starting from the back. Once clean, you can pull the diaper down, wipe the front with a clean wipe, and place the soiled wipes inside the diaper for easier disposal.
• If he needs help to stand, you can ask him to use a handrail (if available), a walker, to lean against the wall or to hold onto your shoulders to keep his balance.
• If you think the diaper is very dirty, be more careful in this position, as it will be easier to stain yourself or get it everywhere.

Change her position to a seated position.

This is an option to consider in areas where seating is available (for example, on benches in family restrooms) or in situations where the teenager can get up from their wheelchair but is unable to stand. Start by asking them to sit on a towel you have placed there. If they are already seated, you can ask them to lift themselves up so you can slide the towel underneath. Ask them to lift themselves up again to remove their pants.

• To remove the diaper while your baby is sitting, you can ask them to remain seated while you unfasten the side tabs. Then, ask them to stand up. Once they do, you can pull the diaper towards their seat and wipe their bottom from back to front. Then, pull the diaper out and put the soiled wipes inside if you haven't already.
• Please note that changing a diaper while seated requires some upper body control. However, your baby can always sit back down on the towel between each step of the diaper change if needed.

Change it while it's lying down.

This option can make teenagers feel very vulnerable and even embarrassed, as you'll be changing their diaper as if they were babies. However, for teenagers with significant mobility issues or who have soiled themselves, it's the best solution. Some teenagers might even prefer this position because they've been used to having their diapers changed since they were babies. Start by helping them lie down on the floor, on a table (if available), or on the bed (if you're changing them in their room) that you've covered with a towel. Pull their pants completely out, including any plastic pants they might be wearing for extra protection. Undo the tabs on the diaper, pull it down, but don't remove it completely.

• • For the most effective cleaning in this position, gently push their knees towards their chest by gently pressing your forearms against their knees. You can also ask them to help by raising their legs as high as possible. Then, wipe them from front to back, placing the soiled wipes inside their diaper, which you have now lowered. Once finished, you can remove the diaper.
  • When you take out her clothes, look for signs of leakage. If her clothes are wet or dirty, replace them with clean ones. If her plastic pants are dirty, replace those too. Put all the soiled clothes in a plastic bag.

Make sure her bottom is clean.

Regardless of its position, you should use as many wipes as necessary to ensure it is completely clean. If possible, you could even ask it to help you clean itself.

• Use alcohol-free and fragrance-free wipes to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
• When you have finished cleaning it, place the soiled wipes in the diaper and fold it to dispose of it.
• Make sure to wipe the teenager from front to back. This helps prevent the transmission of bacteria in feces, which is especially important when changing a teenage girl's diaper.

Apply cream.

• Once you've finished cleaning, massage the skin covered by the diaper with a zinc-based cream. This helps prevent irritation and redness, especially for teenagers who wear diapers all the time. It's a very personal step, and teenagers who are comfortable with it might prefer to do it themselves.
  • Some cream brands offer their products in spray form to make application easier and cleaner. Your child might prefer this option, as you won't need to use your hands to apply the cream.
  • If you notice redness that has darkened or formed bumps, you should consult a doctor. Redness that persists over time can become infected and lead to more serious health problems.

Put on the diaper and dress him.

Take a clean diaper and unfold it before placing it between her legs, securing it on both sides and fastening the tabs. Once you're finished, put her clothes back on as they were before you changed the diaper.

• If your baby is standing, use one hand to hold the diaper in place and the other to fasten the tabs. If they are sitting, ask them to stand up so you can slide the clean diaper between their legs and secure it. If they are lying down, you can keep their knees bent while you put on the diaper, then free them once it's in place before fastening the tabs.
• You need to put the diaper on so that it fits snugly around her body, leaving no gaps around her legs or waist. Also, make sure it doesn't restrict her movement. You could ask her, "How does it feel? Is it too tight or does it fit well?"

Throw away anything that is dirty.

Place the soiled diaper in the trash can. Also throw away any wipes that may have fallen on the floor or elsewhere while you were changing the diaper. Look around to make sure the room is exactly as you found it.

Wash your hands once again.

Once you have finished, it is very important to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, even if you were wearing gloves. You could also ask the teenager to wash theirs.

Put away your equipment.

Make sure you've put everything back in the diaper bag if you changed her in a public place. For example, you could easily forget your wipes if you're in a hurry to leave. Ask her to help you take a look around by saying, "Do you see anything we've forgotten, or can we go?"