Guide to first time diapering

From ADISC Answers Wiki

So, you've taken your first real step into a larger world. You went out and got your first pack of adult diapers. You've got them home, hidden them away safely, and now is your chance to try them out. So what do you do?

As you probably know, there are many types of diapers out there today: some are good, others are not so good. Odds are you went down to your local pharmacy and grabbed a pack of whatever they happened to have on hand. Unless you are very lucky what you have falls into the "not so good" category. But that's all right - there are lots of folks who use the locally stocked brands because they are generally inexpensive, easy to find, and can be bought by the pack (which are generally easy to conceal).

A look at different diaper brands may be found at the Diaper Reviews page. As you now have a pack of diapers, this is your chance to share your experience and give a recommendation! Diapers can vary greatly between brands; this is our chance to tease the good from the bad and even explore different brands.

Before opening the package

All diapers in retail packaging have instructions for use. It may be helpful to read them.

Examining the diaper

Before you begin the fun, take a moment to analyze what you have in front of you. Some diapers are cloth backed, some are plastic. Some have four tapes (or "Velcro"), some have six. Yours may or may not have leak guards, and it may or may not have elastic waist bands. If your diaper has leak guards, make sure they are standing up, many are stuck flat to the inside during manufacturing.

You may have one of the Pull On types. These are becoming quite popular and at many pharmacies, they occupy a large amount of shelf space. The main features of them include no tapes, elastic waist and cloth backing.

Now that you know exactly what you've got you can put it on properly.

Diapering

Self-diapering method varies with the support surface, the fasteners, and other factors. For first-timers a firm flat surface like the floor is recommended.

Support

When lying on a bed, start by laying the diaper out flat on the edge of your bed, with the front (side with no tapes) facing you, unfold the sides and get everything as smooth as possible. It may also be helpful to run a finger along any leak guards to "unstick" them from the bottom of the diaper. Now turn around, spread your legs, and back up until you get to the edge of the bed. Pull the front part of the diaper between your legs and sit down on it. Since you are sitting it should be easy to reach around and pull one side of the diaper up. Now do the tapes....

When using a wall to hold the diaper back in place open up the diaper, with the back side facing the wall. Put the diaper up against the wall and back into it. Keep the diaper against the wall (with your butt, of course), and then do the tapes.

You can really use any flat surface around you, not just a wall or bed, but also the floor, a dresser... whatever works.

Fasteners

If you have a diaper with six tapes, start with the center tape. Stick it on a line about level with the top of the diaper's front padding. Don't press down too hard - just enough so it will stay. Move to the other side of the diaper and do the same thing. Now that you have two of the tapes attached you can stand up and finish adjusting the diaper for the best possible fit. Do the top tapes first, pulling them so the diaper is snug around your waist, place them just above the middle tapes, and then do the bottom ones. Once that is done you can go back and re-stick the center tapes so that everything feels good. On plastic diapers (like Depends) the tapes will tear the plastic if you pull too hard, so remember to use a gentle touch.

If you have a diaper with four tapes, start with the upper tapes. Get them as snug as possible around your waist, then stand up and move to the lower ones. When fastening the lower tapes, pulling these tightly toward the front and top of the diaper will help ensure a tight fit at the legs. This is especially important if you want to wet while lying down in bed! Again, remember to just stick the tapes lightly the first time, so you can go back and readjust. Some diapers have a "backing" layer attached to the tapes - this is a layer of double-stick plastic that permits re-taping of a plastic-backed diaper, with varying degrees of success.

If the diapers are cloth-covered then you are in luck, as the "Velcro" pads on them are infinitely re-adjustable. Just keep moving them around until you get it right. If your diaper is plastic backed 2 or 3 sticks with the tapes is pretty much all they are good for. Either the plastic will tear or they won't stay stuck after that.

For Males

There is some debate about whether it is best to point the penis up or down. If the penis is pointed downward, the padding in the back of the diaper will be used more effectively. However, urinating in this position is more difficult, and the diaper might be more prone to leak out of the leg opening. Having the penis pointed downwards reduces the chance of leakage out the front of the waistband or the side openings when laying down.

Wearing a Diaper with Plastic Pants

Tight-fitting plastic pants with elastic leg and waist gathers may be used in conjunction with diapers. This greatly reduces the chance of waking up in a damp bed. If you are going to use a diaper and plastic pants combination, be sure that the diaper is completely contained within the plastic pant. There is nothing worse than waking up in a puddle to discover that the back of the diaper was hanging out of the top of the plastic pants. The wick effect will allow fluids to migrate up and out of the diaper if not contained fully within the pants.

After getting the diaper on

Using the diaper

Congratulations! You are now properly diapered now for challenge number two: you have the diaper on, and you need to go pee....

You would think it was easy to go in a diaper, but it's not. You have years of toileting engraved into you by society. Your body simply does not think that it's proper to be relieving itself while you still have an item of clothing covering that area. Overcoming this obstacle is something many of us struggle with for a long time, and this is just the first step.

For first-timers, the best method is to wait until you really need to go. A little "bladder is not empty" tickle just won't do. Wait until you are full, then proceed into the bathroom like you normally would. Go ahead and pull your pants and underwear down, and assume your normal toilet position. The objective is to trick your brain into thinking that everything is normal, so you can go. Try to relax, take a few deep breaths and think about going in the toilet like you always would. It may take a minute or two, but you should get success with a little patience. Maybe even try running some water to help move things along.

If you don't get anything out, give it 15-20 minutes and come back again. Don't forget to flush and wash your hands too! Even though you haven't used the toilet, it will make anyone outside (and possibly your brain) think that you have. If you've been in there a while, you might want to spray some air freshener too, for added effect.

It will take some time to get consistent results, but once your body is used to it you can move to another position. Girls can try to go while standing, and boys can try while sitting. Eventually you will be able to move out of the bathroom and enjoy the true freedom of diapers: the ability to go anytime, anywhere.