Changing

Changing your baby’s nappy

How often should you change your baby?

Some babies will cry and want to be changed the moment they are wet or dirty, but most don’t seem to be too fussed
Particularly in the first few days, they may poo very often and you can find yourself changing them frequently. In that case, you may want to change them after each feed
Once things settle down, they should be changed whenever they have a dirty nappy, to prevent nappy rash

Equipment

To make life easier, have everything you need beside you before you start:

Changing mat and clean towel
Clean nappy
Nappy sack
Bowl of warm water
Cotton wool
Avoid using baby powder because it can irritate their throat

Changing

Place the towel over the changing mat
Put your baby on the towel
Undo the dirty nappy
Remove the nappy, taking most of the poo with it. Or if the nappy isn’t too dirty, you can keep it underneath while you clean them so it catches any more wee or poo
Clean your baby’s bottom thoroughly with cotton wool dipped in warm water. Wipe from front to back for a baby girl and from back to front for boys
Dry their bottom
Slip the new nappy under their bottom. The velcro tags go at the back
Bring the nappy up to the waist and fasten the tags

Remember to wash your hands after changing a nappy and before doing anything else in order to avoid infection

Click here to get a printable helpsheet on how to change a nappy

Washable, cloth nappies

With these, the actual nappy changing process is the same as with disposable nappies. The only difference is before you put the nappy on:

Pre-wash the nappy to make it softer and more absorbent
Insert a nappy liner

How easy is it to use washable, cloth nappies?

There are several kinds of cloth nappies available, all with slightly different components. Some have sticky tags, others have poppers. Some have a waterproof outer; others have a separate waterproof cover. Whichever you choose, you’ll soon get used to it

What to do with dirty nappies

Put as much of the poo as you can down the toilet. If you’re using nappies with disposable liners, the liner can be flushed away. Never flush a nappy down the toilet because you’ll block it

Disposable nappies

Roll it up and reseal it with the tabs
Put nappies in a bin liner especially for nappies, tie it up and put it in an outside bin

Washable cloth nappies

These are easy to wash at 60°C

There may be a nappy laundering service nearby. They’ll deliver freshly laundered nappies to your home and take away the dirty ones every week. They supply everything you need. The downside is it can get very expensive

Nappy rash

Most babies get nappy rash at some point because their skin is so sensitive

What are the signs?

Sore red blotches, a red patch or small bumps
If it’s severe, there may be open spots or blisters

Causes

Being in contact with poo or wee for too long
Strong soap, detergent, bubble bath and baby wipes containing alcohol
Diarrhoea
Some babies experience nappy rash when they are teething

To prevent nappy rash

Change the nappy as soon as you can when your baby does a wee or poo
In their first few weeks, they may need changing 10-12 times a day
As your baby gets older, they’ll need changing at least 6-8 times a day
Clean them thoroughly with plain water
Pat dry
Lie your baby on a towel without a nappy on for as long as you can to let fresh air get to their skin

To treat nappy rash

Lie your baby on a towel without a nappy on for as long as you can to let fresh air get to their skin
Petroleum jelly is also a very good barrier cream and great for babies with sensitive skin