Getting the hang of diapering

My name is Bob and I have never changed a diaper . . . (sounds like a 12-step program, doesn't it?)

Before Little Elvis arrived, I had never changed a diaper in my life, but now in just 12 days I have become and old hand at it. When I mentioned to a friend that I was going to a Babies R Us diapering class a few weeks before the baby's arrival, he laughed, but I'm glad I went. I picked up the basic mechanics and tips for making the task easier for parents as well as the baby.



One of the tips Meredith has already mentioned -- hanging a plastic shoe rack next to the changing table. Let me tell you from the perspective of a rookie diaper-changer, this is a great idea. With a naked, wriggling baby on the table, the shoe organizer keeps all the necessities (diapers, onesies, etc.) within easy reach.



My mother-in-law also made a nice addition to the changing table -- one of those collapsible open boxes that can be used as organizers in a drawer. This box comes in handy for holding items such as hand sanitizer, baby wipes, butt cream that are used during each and every diaper change.

Got any other tools or tips of the trade to share?