Dirty Diapers and Diaper Rash

When you have a newborn, dirty diapers are a part of daily life. But changing diapers is more than just a chore. It’s also a way to make sure your baby is healthy. This sheet will help you know what’s normal and what’s not.

Wet Diapers

Your baby should have at least 8 wet diapers a day. More than 8 is okay. But fewer could mean the baby is not drinking enough fluids (dehydrated) or not eating enough. If this happens, call the doctor.

Bowel Movements

Some babies have a bowel movement after every feeding. Others only have one every couple of days. If your baby doesn’t have a bowel movement for 1–2 days and seems uncomfortable, call the doctor. The baby may be constipated. But if the baby seems okay and is eating well, don’t worry. You don’t need to call the doctor.

Normal Stool

The baby’s stool may look different depending on what he or she eats:

• Breast milk results in light yellow stool that looks like watery cottage cheese.

• Formula results in  stool that’s darker brown, firmer, and more pasty.

Signs of a Problem

Call the doctor if you notice either of the following:

• Diarrhea is thin and watery, and more frequent than normal stool.

• Constipation occurs when the stool is hard and pebblelike.

Warmth and dampness against the baby’s skin inside the diaper can cause diaper rash.

Diaper Rash

Most babies get diaper rash at some point. The warmth and dampness inside the diaper causes skin irritation around the groin and buttocks. Diaper rash is most common with disposable diapers. But it can happen with cloth diapers, too. To prevent diaper rash:

• Change the baby’s diapers often.

• Gently clean the diaper area and pat it dry before putting on a new diaper. Or leave the diaper off for a little while so the area can air-dry.

• Use only mild, unscented soaps on the baby.

• Protect the skin in the baby’s diaper area as directed by the doctor.

• If your baby’s diaper rash doesn’t get better, call the doctor.