how long should I wait before changing a toddler's dirty diaper?

Question

I usualy wait 15 minutes to make sure she's done.

She has not had many cases of diaper rash, could i let her sit in her diape rlonger? like on trips.

Answer 1

6-8 Hours. At least that what I do with my little cousin. (Unless the baby poops change it right after you know it pooped.)

Answer 2

Waiting 10 or 15 minutes is ok to make sure they are finished. It is a bit annoying to just change a diaper and have them go again immediately since they weren't really finished! But you should not wait much longer than that. Dirty diapers are caustic on your baby's bum and sort of burn if left on too long. Add to that the bacteria in the poop and you can cause a rash or even an infection if left too long. Even on a trip it is best to change them right away, especially if it's a girl. You don't want her getting an infection from sitting in squishy poop that has spread to where it shouldn't be.

Answer 3

I change my daughter's diaper about once every six hours as long as it's only wet. If she's pooped, I change her right away. If they sit for very long with a poopy diaper, they get a bad rash. Also, if they pee in it after they've pooped, the poop can get runny and come out the legs of the diaper into the clothes or into the carseat (which would make for a miserable trip).

I have a friend who changes her daughter every time the diaper is the tiniest bit wet...she spends about $25 a week on diapers and I spend about $20 a month. Diapers are a lot more absorbant than they used to be...my mom is always after me to change my daughter's diaper every 15 minutes or so, but there's really no need.

Answer 4

Just because she has not had diaper rash in the past, doesn't mean you should extend the wait time between changings. You want to change them as soon as physically possible... and definitely no longer than 10-15 minutes if you happen to be on a car trip. Pull over to the side or find a gas station bathroom and make the change. I know I wouldn't want to sit in a poopy diaper, so give your child the same courtesy. Once you smell it- change it. You should also change your child's pee diaper (or check for wetness) once every two hours. If you allow urine to contact the bottom for extended periods without cleaning it, it can lead to urinary tract problems, as well as rashes (urine contains ammonia, which can burn delicate skin). Saving money on diapers isn't your main priority, it is saving your child's health.

Answer 5

Yikes, I am hoping the previous posters who answered every 6-8 hours, and "once every 6 hours" are JOKING. That's inhumane and disgusting.

I say as soon as you notice it's dirty, change it! In other words, immediately! Isn't the smell alone overpowering? I imagine after waiting 15 minutes your house is going to smell like poop. Same for car trips, doesn't your car start to smell??

I am confused by the question I guess... I assumed everyone changed their children's diapers immediately. If you're getting sick of changing diapers, or trying to save money, maybe it's time to look into potty training.

Answer 6

Immediately after you are aware that the diaper is messy or as soon as you can get to a safe,clean place if you're on the road. Letting her sit in that is unhealty and promotes bad hygiene. Think about it,how would you feel sitting in that? I was fanatical about changing my child's diaper,with or w/o diaper rash.

Answer 7

Would you want to sit in your own soil while you were on a trip, or even for 15 mintues for that matter? You should just give her a few minutes, then clean her. It would be just plain cruel (selfish? I don't know the right word) to make her sit in it while on a trip, it only takes a second to pull over and clean her up. Plus, you'll get to stretch your legs too.

Answer 8

I usually give my son ten minutes. I can't wait no longer than that and not for the fear of diaper rash. I would hate to leave him in one longer than that!! How would you feel if someone left u in a dirty diaper?? (not meant offensivly, just a question)

Answer 9

It should be changed once she is done because while she may not have a rash now she could also get infections in her urinary tract as well.

My Mom says the rule of thumb is how long would you like to sit like that? Mother of 7 and we never had skin problems.

Answer 10

What you're doing sounds fine. Longer would be punishment for both of you. Don't court the misery of diaper rash.

Answer 11

If it's poop-change it as soon as she is done, you can wait a couple minutes if she looks like she is still trying to poop some more.
If it's just a little wet you can wait till it's more soggy. If you change it everytime they pee you will be changing it 15-20 times a day!