Process Paper Essay, Research Paper

The birth of my son is the most incredible event in my life. Unfortunately, he didn?t come with an instruction manual; rather he seemed to come with a mother-in-law who knows everything. The joy of having my son was to some extent lessened because of the difficulties associated with changing his diaper. However, in a short amount of time I mastered the art of diaper changing. I am going to explain the art of diaper changing in three basic steps: the preparation, the process and the clean up.

The preparation step is very important. I have learned through trial and much error that organization is key. I have determined my son?s changing table is the best place to change him. It is a flat and very stable surface. Trying to change him on anything else would be like trying to change my car?s flat tire on a steep hill. Organizing all of the necessary equipment is of utmost importance. Everything needs to in the same spot every time so you know exactly where it is. After all, if it is three o?clock in the morning and I have to change my son?s diaper, I do not want to search for anything; this takes away from much needed sleep time. The most important items I keep organized are: the diapers, baby wipes, baby powder, ointment and the diaper genie (a specially designed trash can that locks in the dirty diaper and the odor). Now that I have everything organized, preparation is complete.

After completing preparation, I am ready to lay my son on his changing table and the process begins. The first step is to remove his pants or if I am lucky and he is wearing pants with snaps around his legs, I unsnap them. Next, while I am holding him with one hand I reach for two diapers. One diaper is for him to wear and the other will protect me in case the cool air acts as a catalyst in the urinating process, causing me to become wet from his ?fountain.? Now I pull the Velcro flaps on the diaper, detaching them from the front. Folding down the front of the diaper, I gently grab him around the ankles with one hand lifting his legs and buttocks in the air, enabling me to remove the diaper from underneath him. I set the soiled diaper off to the side. Next, I set the extra diaper over his ?fountain? and reach for the baby wipes. Carefully, I wipe him clean; and I am looking to see if there is a rash, redness, blister, or sore. If there is, I would have to apply an ointment such as Desatin. Again, I grasp hold of the ankles and lift slightly to make room for placing the clean diaper under his rear end. If I wanted to apply baby powder, now would be the time. Then, I carefully release his ankles and fold the front of the diaper up onto his stomach. While I hold the diaper in that position with one hand, I take a hold of each flap and attach them to the front of the diaper, which keeps the diaper on him. For the last time, I grasp his ankles and lift him up to pull his clothing down from underneath his body. Once his legs have stopped kicking, I can insert them into the pants and snap the clothing back together. I have now changed his diaper and it is time for cleanup.

Cleanup is by far the easiest part in the art of diaper changing. I start by putting everything back exactly where it goes. I then put the dirty diaper and dirty wipes into the diaper genie, give it a twist and put the lid on it. Lastly, I spray the changing table with a disinfectant and wipe it down. Finally, the entire diaper changing process is complete.

My son is now clean and healthy which makes me happy and proud. I have prepared to change him, gone through the process of changing him and cleaned up after him. I have cleared another milestone and I consider myself a master diaper changer. That reminds me of a funny quote I heard by Marshall McLuhan, Canadian communications theorist, that says, ?Diaper backward spells repaid. Think about it.? I have thought about it and I would like to apologize to my mother. Nevertheless, I will continue to be a diaper-changing master.