Make sure you have everything you need within reach before you put your baby on the changing table, countertop, bed, or floor to change him. Use the dirty diaper to do as much preliminary wiping as you can before you bring out the clean cloths or wipes.

Try not to look disgusted; you want your baby to think getting his diaper changed is fun. Sing, spin a mobile, or hold a toy in your mouth — anything to keep your baby entertained and on his back. Clean the baby's bottom with plain water (using an infant washcloth, cut-up towel, soft paper towel, or cotton balls) for the first month. Save commercial diaper wipes for later, as they may irritate your baby's skin.

For a girl, make sure you wipe front to back, using a clean section of washcloth or piece of cotton each time, to prevent spreading poop to the vagina. Although you don't typically need to clean the inside of the lips of the vulva, it sometimes seems as if poop is in every fold, back and front.

For a boy, toss an extra diaper over his penis while you're cleaning him. This reduces the chance of getting a fountain in the face. This isn't a bad precaution when changing a girl, either.

When you're done diapering, put your baby down in a safe place (never leave your baby alone on the changing table, even if he is belted in). You want to dump whatever is loose from the dirty diaper into the toilet. (This goes for disposable diapers, too. Their biggest environmental hazard may not be the amount of paper in the diapers, but rather the problems caused by leaching bacteria.) When you're done, wash your hands thoroughly.

Diapering gets more challenging as your baby gets more control over his body and can kick away your hands, flip over, and, eventually, try to stand up. If he's persistent in wriggling, move the scene of operation to a washable rug on the floor. You may have to swing a leg over his torso to gently hold him on the floor during some of the wrigglier stages. And once your baby learns to stand up, you may have to learn to change his diaper while he's vertical.