Why Everyone Should Learn How To Change A Diaper

I’ve been a father for almost two years and of all the things involved in being a parent, so many variables occupy our worried minds, bumped heads, choking hazards, sharp objects, and on and on. But if there is one thing worth mastering, or at least worth preparing for—it’s the blowout.

Problem Solving Under Duress

The internet is not going to help you here. The mere act of asking for Googles input on how to change a diaper made me laugh out loud. Go ahead, even if you’re not a parent, I think it’s hilarious how quaint the process sounds. Give it a search. I can wait.

Back? Ok.

What I found totally incomprehensible in the search results was any mention of the human being. Diaper manufacturers and all the Mommy blogs go deep into technical magnificence of their products or super well researched tips on keeping things clean but they will never mention the human experience. What’s going through your head? What about your childs head?

Basic Human Decency

Communicating with your baby seems like it should be part of the long lists of steps in changing a diaper. Rarely, if ever, does the internet mention this. Maintaining an emotional connection helps both parties moving forward and if things get out of control at least you’re still connected. The application of this principle in other parts of life seems appropriate these days especially in the cultural and political climate we live in.

The Art Of The Distraction

This might feel like manipulation, like you’re not being honest with what is really going on, but if someone is upset beyond immediate repair this technique has to be implemented. Even telling them the process and steps behind the problem getting solved can be distracting. Sometimes. But if you do it in Elmos voice, you’re golden.

Done Is Better Than Perfect

You may not get every nook and cranny to the problem, but at some point you have to move on. I wrote about this theme in yesterday’s blog post, and I know it definitely applies here. Learn from your mistakes and always try to do better next time.

The Diaper Under The Dirty One

Another life lesson from the Chernobyl disaster and other blowouts of sorts, is to be prepared. As a matter of practice I have two diapers ready. I place a clean diaper under the dirty one, while the dirty one is still on. I was surprised to discover in my search results that this wasn’t how most people did it. To me it makes sense because you want to contain whatever remnants are left over once you take off the dirty one—just in case. Folks might say I’m wasting diapers if I end up sacrificing another one, but just think of how many cleaning wipes and jars of Purell you could save.

The Bar Is Low

I’m reminded of a phone call I had with a nonprofit the other week, who had the unfortunate experience of dealing with a vendor who did not respond to emails or did not share problems as they arose. It feels like when it comes to this sector, especially with video production, the bar is very low.

Communicate, share problems as they arise, redirect if you absolutely must (preferably with added value), but get the job done and always do it better next time.

I am no expert by any means, but experience has always been an invaluable asset. No amount of reading really prepares one for the unknowns on the horizon.

-Reuben