Article: A well-stocked changing table can make diaper and clothes changes more streamlined and predictable. Make sure to follow all safety precautions. Use one hand to hold your baby in place at all times and pay attention—you may need to react quickly if they start wriggling erratically! Never leave your baby on the changing station alone for any reason. Fold-up changing mats are great to bring along with you when you’re away from home. When babies are under 6 months old, it may be easier to wrestle their arms and legs into clothes if they’re sitting on your lap. Hold the baby so its back is against your chest, and gently maneuver the clothes onto the baby’s body. Make sure their neck and head are always supported. When your baby starts crawling at around 6 months, they may still prefer to be changed while sitting in your lap. It can be a comforting experience, and your body heat may help offset the temperature difference in those moments when they aren’t into their clean clothes yet. If your baby is really squirmy and you’re worried they might roll off a changing table, switch to the bed. Bring all your supplies along with you. Lay the baby on their back on the bed, and then gently start to remove their dirty clothes and put on fresh ones. If you might be changing a diaper on your bed as well as changing clothes, lay down an old towel first so that your comforter and mattress will be safe from any potential mishaps. This is a great option, too, if you’re traveling or at a friend’s home and there isn’t a changing table nearby. Lay down a blanket or towel on the floor to protect the floor and to protect your baby from any dirt or hair that might be present. Make sure there is nothing nearby that your baby could pick up and put in their mouth. If you’re at home and have a play gym or something similar, you could lay your baby underneath of it to hopefully distract them while you’re changing their diaper or clothes.
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Use a changing table if you like to keep all your supplies in one place. Hold your baby in your lap to control their movements a little more. Lay your baby on the bed for some extra space to change their clothes. Change your baby on the floor to eliminate the risk of them rolling away.