Some mommies are experts from the beginning.  The rest of us?  Not so much.  For instance, when you changed your first diaper, were you expecting little legs to be scrunching and stretching the entire time?

These simple tips can help you get the hang of changing even the squirmiest and messiest baby.

Have supplies ready:
Diaper
Changing pad (preferably lined cloth so liquid can be absorbed)
Wipes
Hand sanitizer
Ointment
Dustless Powder
Lotion
Plastic grocery bags
1 small toy

Assess and undress.
Not all diapers are created equally, and not all of baby’s business is baby size.  Sometimes things get really out of control.  You may need a change of clothes for baby.  (Always, always, always have a change of clothes for baby in the diaper bag.  Always.)

With a wet diaper, you can typically get away with just removing the pants, or diaper panties, to change baby.  However, when baby’s messier, removing the whole outfit may be easier than trying to keep it out of “harm’s” way.

If the mess is beyond repair, skip the diaper change and head for the bath!

Distraction and Redirection
Distraction and redirection are going to be your main go-tos for the next three (to 18) years.  Love them.  Give a grasping hand a small toy to hold to help keep that hand from creeping into your “workspace.”  Also, a mobile above the changing table can take baby’s mind off the diaper change.

Kick-y, Twisty Baby!
Sometimes the only way to handle a wiggly diaper change is to work FAST!  Having two or three wipes pulled and ready to use, as well as a plastic grocery bag for trash (kept out of baby’s reach), can help you focus your efforts and on keeping baby’s fingers and toes away from yuck.

Diaper and Play
Diaper as usual and, before you dress baby again, play with those little legs and get those wiggles out.  Making diaper changing interactive and playful can help a wiggle worm feel satisfied and may foster cooperation in the future.