Changing nappies

Unless you have a nanny do it, there is no way you will get out of changing nappies! You may have had practice with a friend's baby, but most people say it is much easier to change your own baby - the "ick" factor just seems to be less!

Babies need to be changed frequently, especially when they are newborn, in order to prevent nappy rash. A newborn may go through as many as 8-10 changes per day, as he or she will need to be changed with each feed. Most midwives recommend changing baby half way through his or her feed to wake him or her up before offering the rest of the feed. Your older baby or toddler will need around 5-6 changes per day, usually around feed and/or nap times. You will find that you will settle quickly into a nappy changing routine that suits you.

It is safest to change baby on the floor, particularly for older babies and toddlers who are mobile, but many parents make use of change tables as they are a convenient height and easier on their backs. It may help to put a towel, muslin cloth or flat cloth nappy underneath your baby when you are changing his or her nappy to catch spills if baby wets during changing.

So how do you change a nappy?

Cleaning Baby
Open nappy and wipe away faeces with a tissue or wet wipe, then lift your baby's legs and remove the dirty nappy. Using a clean wash cloth or cotton wool soaked with baby lotion or warm water or a wet wipe clean inside all the creases of your baby's legs, thighs and genital area wiping downwards and away from the body.

For boys, make sure you clean under the penis and do not pull the foreskin back.

For girls, do not pull back the labia and clean inside.

Gently lifting baby by the ankles with one hand clean his/her bottom.

Drying Baby
If you used water to clean baby's bottom, dry your baby with a dry cloth or tissue. Before putting the nappy on, apply barrier cream gently to prevent nappy rash. For boys use petroleum jelly to protect his penis, not barrier cream.

Putting on the Nappy
Step One
Lift your baby's legs and slide the nappy underneath. If using a disposable, make sure that the side with the velcro grip tabs is at the back underneath your baby.

Step Two
Pull the nappy up between baby's legs (for boys, make sure the penis is pointing down), making sure that it is not too loose around the crutch area as this may cause leakage. If using a disposable, pull the adhesive tabs over the middle firmly (but not too tight) so the nappy is comfortable around your baby's waist. If using a cloth nappy use the snaps or velcro to fasten the nappy snugly around babies tummy, or if using pins ensure that the pins are positioned so that they will not dig into baby.

That's it! Until next time...