Changing a disposable adult diaper isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a fun afternoon, but it is one of the most loving
and practical acts of caregiving you can offer. Whether you’re helping an older parent, a partner with a disability,
or a long–term care client, knowing how to change an adult diaper correctly keeps them cleaner, safer, and much more
comfortableand saves you from leaks, back pain, and random mystery smells.
This guide walks you through 14 clear, caregiver–tested steps for changing a disposable adult diaper while the person
is in bed, plus tips for changing a brief while they’re standing. Think of it as your calm, slightly funny friend
talking you through each step, including what each picture in a “with pictures” guide would show, so you can visualize
the process even without actual photos.
Before You Start: Safety, Dignity, and Supplies
Talk First, Task Second
Before you reach for the diaper tabs, talk to the person you’re caring for. Tell them what you’re going to do,
ask for their permission when possible, and check in on their pain level or comfort. Many adults feel embarrassed
about needing diapers; your calm, matter–of–fact tone can make the whole situation feel more normal and respectful.
Picture idea: A caregiver sitting at the bedside, smiling and talking gently with the person before starting.
Gather Your Supplies
Having everything ready before you begin makes the change faster and safer (and reduces the chance of you sprinting
across the house in gloved hands).
- Clean disposable adult diaper (correct size and absorbency)
- Disposable gloves
- Pre–moistened wipes or a basin of warm water, washcloths, and mild cleanser
- Disposable underpad or towel to protect the bed
- Barrier cream or moisture–protective ointment (often zinc oxide–based)
- Plastic bag or diaper pail for disposal
- Optional: fragrance–free powder (if recommended), skin protectant spray, hand sanitizer
Set Up the Space
Close doors or curtains, silence the TV, and make sure the room is warm enough. If the bed is adjustable, raise it
so you don’t have to bend from the waistyour back will thank you later. Lock the bed wheels if possible, and keep
the person centered in the bed, not at the edge.
Picture idea: The bed raised, underpad in place, supplies neatly arranged on a bedside table.
The 14-Step Adult Diaper Change (Lying Down)
These 14 steps assume the person is lying on their back and can roll with some assistance. If they cannot move on
their own, go even slower and consider asking a professional (nurse, physical therapist) to show you safe techniques.
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Step 1: Wash your hands and put on gloves.
Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then put on disposable gloves. This protects both you
and the person you’re caring for from germs and bodily fluids. -
Step 2: Explain what you’re about to do.
Tell them, “I’m going to change your brief now,” and let them know you’ll be as quick and gentle as possible.
If they can help by bending their knees or rolling, ask them to do so when you cue them. -
Step 3: Protect the bed.
Place a disposable underpad or clean towel under their hips. You can do this by gently rolling them to one side,
tucking the pad under, and then rolling them back onto it.Picture idea: Caregiver tucking an underpad beneath the person’s hips.
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Step 4: Loosen and open the soiled diaper.
Undo the tabs or sides of the diaper. Fold the front of the diaper down between the legs, keeping the dirty side
tucked inward so you don’t spread stool or urine on the skin or bed. -
Step 5: Wipe away what you can with the diaper itself.
Use the front portion of the soiled diaper like a large wipe, gently pulling it toward the feet to remove the bulk
of any stool. This minimizes how many wipes you’ll need and keeps things neater. -
Step 6: Roll the person to their side to remove the diaper.
Ask them to bend their knees if they can. Place one hand on their far hip and shoulder and gently roll them toward
you. Slide the rolled–up dirty diaper out from under their bottom and place it directly into the trash bag.Picture idea: Person on their side with caregiver supporting shoulder and hip.
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Step 7: Clean the front area.
Roll them onto their back again. Using wipes or a warm, damp cloth, clean the genital area from front to back.
For people with a vulva, always wipe front to back to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. Use a new wipe
for each pass if there’s visible stool. -
Step 8: Clean the buttocks and skin folds.
Roll them back onto their side. Clean between the buttocks, along the crease, and in any skin folds. Be gentle
rubbing too hard can irritate the skin, especially if they already have redness or rash. -
Step 9: Pat the area completely dry.
Moisture is the enemy of healthy skin. Pat (don’t rub) the cleaned area with a dry cloth or towel. If possible,
leave the area uncovered for a few minutes to air–dry while keeping the person’s dignity with a light sheet on top. -
Step 10: Check the skin and apply barrier cream.
Look for redness, open areas, or rash. Apply a thin, even layer of barrier cream or ointment where the skin is
most exposed to moistureusually around the perineal area, buttocks, and upper thighs. Think “frosting a cupcake,”
not “plastering a wall.” -
Step 11: Position the clean diaper under the hips.
Open the new diaper and slightly roll half of it lengthwise. With the person on their side, tuck the rolled half
against their lower back and hips, making sure the back of the diaper is high enough to cover their bottom once
they’re lying flat.Picture idea: Half–rolled clean diaper tucked under the person’s side.
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Step 12: Roll them onto the fresh diaper and unroll it.
Gently roll them back onto their back and onto the diaper, then pull out the rolled portion so the diaper lies
flat under them. Smooth out any wrinkles to prevent pressure spots or leaks. -
Step 13: Bring the front up and secure the tabs.
Pull the front of the diaper up between the legs, making sure it’s snug but not tight. Fasten the tabs evenly on
each side. Check that the diaper is snug at the waist and legs, but that you can slide two fingers in at the top
without resistance. -
Step 14: Clean up, re–position, and wash your hands.
Dispose of the used diaper, wipes, and gloves in the trash bag. Tie it closed and remove it from the room. Help
the person into a comfortable position, adjust pillows, and pull the sheet back up. Finally, wash your hands again
(and maybe take a deep breathyou did it!).
Extra Tips to Prevent Leaks, Odor, and Skin Problems
Choose the Right Size and Absorbency
A diaper that’s too big gaps at the legs and leaks; too small, and it cuts into the skin and still leaks. Use the
manufacturer’s size chart and consider their weight, waist, and hip measurements. For nighttime, many caregivers
choose higher–absorbency or overnight briefs for better protection.
Change Frequently (Not Just When “It’s Really Bad”)
For most adults, checking the diaper every few hours and changing as soon as it’s wet or soiled keeps the skin
healthier and prevents odors. Sitting in moistureeven a littlecan quickly lead to irritation and rash, especially
in warm or humid environments.
Be Gentle with Skin Care
Use mild, fragrance–free wipes or cleansers, and avoid harsh scrubbing. After cleaning, pat dry and apply a barrier
cream or ointment to protect from moisture. If you notice a rash that doesn’t improve within a couple of days, or you
see blisters, open sores, or signs of infection (fever, strong odor, severe pain), contact a healthcare provider.
Protect Your Own Back and Joints
Always bend from the knees, not your waist, and keep the person close to your body when rolling or repositioning them.
Raise the bed if you can. If the person is heavy or difficult to move, ask for help or use a lift or transfer device
recommended by a healthcare professional.
How to Change a Disposable Adult Diaper While Standing
If the person can stand steadily and bear their own weight (with or without a walker or grab bar), changing a disposable
adult diaper can sometimes be easier in the bathroom.
- Have them stand facing a stable surface (like a grab bar or sink) for support.
- Undo the tabs or sides and carefully pull the soiled diaper away and down, front to back.
- Use wipes to clean from front to back, asking them to shift their weight from leg to leg as needed.
- Open the new diaper, bring it between the legs from front to back, and pull the back up first.
- Fasten the tabs snugly at the hips, then double–check the fit around the legs and waist.
Standing changes still require privacy, patience, and good balance. If they’re unsteady, it’s safer to change the
diaper in bed or with the help of a second person.
Real-Life Caregiver Experiences and Practical Wisdom
Guides and diagrams are helpful, but real caregiving lives in the messy middlewhen the person is tired, the bed is
crinkly, and the diaper tabs somehow keep sticking to everything except the diaper. The more often you change a
disposable adult diaper, the more tiny tricks you’ll collect that make the job faster, safer, and less stressful.
One thing almost every experienced caregiver agrees on: your attitude sets the tone. If you move quickly, quietly
annoyed, the person will often tense up and feel more embarrassed. If you’re calm and use a light touch of humor
(“Okay, we’re going to give your skin a spa treatment now”), the tension in the room fades a bit. You don’t have to
make jokes every time, but sounding confident and unhurried reassures the person that this is normal, manageable, and
not something to feel ashamed of.
Many caregivers also find that a “diaper station” changes everything. Instead of hunting for wipes in a random drawer
and barrier cream in the hall bathroom, they keep everything in one small basket or caddy near the bed. New diapers
stand upright, wipes face the caregiver, gloves are on top, and a roll of small trash bags is tucked in the corner.
When it’s time to change, you grab the basket and you’re readyno scavenger hunt required.
Another hard–won lesson: it’s okay to adapt the “by the book” steps to the real person in front of you. Someone with a
sore hip might need smaller movements and more pillows for support. Someone prone to rashes might need extra drying
time and a gentler cleanser. Someone who values independence may want to help fasten their own tabs or hold the wipes,
even if you’re still doing most of the work. Letting them participate where they can restores a sense of control.
Caregivers often talk about learning to read small cues. A slight wince when you roll them? That’s a signal to move
slower or support that area better. A sigh of relief after you apply the barrier cream? Proof that the extra minute
you took to dry the skin really did make a difference. Over time, you’ll get good at knowing when to talk and when to
just work quietly, when to pause and when to finish quickly so they can rest.
Most importantly, remember that caregiving is emotionally heavy work. It can feel awkward or sad to change an adult
diaper for someone you once saw as strong and independent. Give yourself credit for showing up. You’re not “just”
changing a briefyou’re protecting their comfort, health, and dignity in one of the most intimate ways possible. That
matters more than you know.
Conclusion
Learning how to change a disposable adult diaper in 14 clear steps transforms a stressful chore into a manageable
routine. With the right supplies, a respectful approach, and a bit of practice, you’ll protect both the skin and the
dignity of the person you care forwhile also protecting your own body from strain. Add in frequent changes, gentle
skin care, and smart shortcuts, and each diaper change becomes faster, cleaner, and less overwhelming.
You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to keep doing it with care. Every time you roll out a clean diaper,
you’re quietly saying, “You matterand I’m here for you.”