Changing Newborn Diapers: Umbilical Cord Care You'll be changing a lot of diapers, so it's important to learn the drill early on. With today's modern disposables, it can be nearly impossible to tell by touch if your baby's diaper is wet. Try and plan on changing your little one after every feeding at first, as well as after every bowel movement. While her cord is attached, use the notch-cutout diapers (or fold down a regular one), and be sure to daub the stump with a wet cotton ball or swab when you change her. Here are a few more helpful diapering tips. Wipes may be used whenever you change a diaper, but they're especially handy when the diaper's messy. If you wish, apply ointment or petroleum jelly (to help prevent diaper rash) before you put on a clean diaper. Wrap the clean diaper around your baby firmly and fasten the tabs in front. If your baby's skin is red around the diaper when you change it, it's either fastened too tightly or your b...