While the frequent (sometimes hourly) diaper changes may not be your favorite part of the parent job, they're still part of the baby care package. And it's important for baby, too, since changing a diaper whenever it's wet or messy helps prevent irritation and diaper rash.

Here's everything new parents need to know about changing baby's diapers, including how to make the process as easy as possible.

How to Change a Baby’s Diaper

New baby in the house? Here's a handy diaper-changing how-to so you're not caught off-guard.

While the frequent (sometimes hourly) diaper changes may not be your favorite part of the parent job, they're still part of the baby care package. And it's important for baby, too, since changing a diaper whenever it's wet or messy helps prevent irritation and diaper rash.

Here's everything new parents need to know about changing baby's diapers, including how to make the process as easy as possible.

Diapering essentials to have on hand

Before you get started, be sure you have the following diapering essentials nearby:

1.Clean diapers. It's always good to have a couple of spares handy when you're changing diapers.

2.Clean cotton balls, washcloths or wipes. For newborns under 1 month old and those with diaper rash, use warm water and a cotton ball to clean baby off and a washcloth for drying (you can also try using hypoallergenic wipes for newborns without diaper rash to start, if you prefer). For older infants, use pre-moistened wipes; look for those that are hypoallergenic and free of fragrance and alcohol.

3.A change of clothes for baby. You might need one if the diaper has leaked (it happens!).

4.Clean diaper wraps or waterproof pants. If you're using cloth diapers, you'll want these on hand.

5.Ointment to prevent and/or soothe diaper rash. If baby has diaper rash, it creates a barrier between that tender bottom and skin-irritating poop and pee. No need for lotions, baby oil or powder. Remember, though, that you can't use many diaper rash creams and ointments with cloth diapers.

6.A loving touch. Your gentle voice (talking or singing) and touch can make diaper changes easier on your baby — and easier on you, too.

7.A distraction. Keep a favorite toy visible and even a music box or mechanical toy for distraction, especially if you've got a squirmy baby.

Once you've got everything you need ready to go, wash and dry your hands. If that's not possible, give them a good swipe with a diaper wipe.

How to tell a wet diaper from a dry diaper

With a newborn, you'll probably know when your baby poops by the grunts and grimaces that clue you in; otherwise you'll get a whiff soon after your little one is finished.

You'll know your baby peed with a disposable diaper often by the liquid-sensitive, color-changing stripe on it and with a cloth diaper that's wet to the touch. If you still can't tell, a quick feel of the diaper or look inside it will do the trick.

If baby is sleeping, there's no need to wake him for a diaper change. Unless your newborn is very wet and uncomfortable or has a poopy diaper, you don't need to put a new one on during nighttime feedings, either, especially if it will interfere with going back to sleep.

tips for safe baby-handling

All new parents worry that they’re going to somehow break baby when they first bring home that tiny, floppy and oh-so-fragile-looking newborn from the hospital — and anyone who says differently is putting on a very good show of confidence. So you’re really not alone in your worries.

But here’s a truth that’ll keep you from quaking in your slippers every time you get ready to pick up your newborn: You can’t break a baby. That young, helpless newborn is actually an incredibly resilient, elastic little being. And you’re not going to end up yanking his arms out of their sockets or breaking those itty-bitty toes and fingers just by doing such routine baby care as changing an outfit, rocking him to sleep or giving him a bath (wet babies are super slippery, and you’ll need to get a good grip) — no matter how clumsy you feel when you’re handling him.

And here’s even better news: This phase will pass before you know it. By the time your newborn turns 3 months old, he’ll be past this quivering jelly stage and will have gained some good control over his wobbly head and floppy limbs and will seem more like a sturdy baby — and less like a rag doll. And you’ll be past the tentative, afraid-I’ll-break-baby stage and toting him around like a natural.

Until then, these tips can speed up the comfort factor around your not-so-fragile baby, even on the days you feel most fragile yourself.

You know you’re supposed to support your baby’s head and neck whenever you lift him up, hold him and carry him.

But it’s easier to do this if you scoop him up with one hand supporting his head, neck and spine, and your other hand tucked under his bottom for ample support. Don’t worry if you touch those soft spots (called fontanelles) on his head — they’re well protected by a sturdy membrane. And don’t fret if your newborn’s noggin flops back and forth a little bit while you’re trying to perfect your move — it won’t hurt him. (Of course, never shake your baby because that can cause serious harm.)

Stick with side-snap shirts (and, once the umbilical stump falls out, with wide-necked onesies), sleep sacks and outfits that snap or zipper all the way down until you feel comfortable getting clothes on and off over your baby’s head. Steer clear of adorable but impractical clothes — anything that buttons up the back or tiny turtlenecks sans snaps. Plus, all those blow-out diaper changes and gushing spit-ups will give you ample opportunity to change your new baby’s clothes again…and again…and again (What! Spit up again! I just changed that shirt!). The upside: You’ll soon feel like an old pro at this changing game.

Have fun getting comfortable with your newborn!