Lyla Lindsey
Changing a baby's nappy can be a confusing and daunting task, especially for new parents. However, it is a crucial aspect of childcare, as frequent nappy changes are necessary to maintain the baby's skin health and hygiene. This guide will provide a step-by-step process on how to change a nappy, as well as offer tips for managing public nappy changes, which some may find awkward or uncomfortable.
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What You'll Learn
How often to change a nappy
The frequency with which you change a nappy depends on several factors, including the age of the baby, their feeding habits, and their skin type. Newborns need frequent nappy changes, around 10 to 12 per day. As they get older, they will need fewer nappy changes, typically 6 to 8 times a day.
It is important to change a nappy after every poo to prevent nappy rash and irritation, especially if your baby has sensitive skin. If your baby is prone to nappy rash, you may need to change their nappy more often, at least until the redness clears.
During the night, it is generally advised not to wake a sleeping baby just to change their nappy. However, when your baby wakes up for a feed, check their nappy and change it if necessary. As your baby gets older, you can use overnight nappies, which offer up to 12 hours of protection.
During the day, some parents change their baby's nappy every 2-3 hours, while others change it more frequently, such as after every feed or whenever they notice it is wet. It is important to use your judgement and adapt to your baby's needs, as every baby is unique.
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What to do when changing a nappy
Changing a nappy can be a confusing and unpleasant task, but it's an essential part of keeping your baby clean and comfortable. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do when changing a nappy:
Prepare Your Space and Baby:
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need within arm's reach, including a clean nappy, baby wipes or a damp washcloth, nappy cream or ointment, and a change of clothes for your baby. Choose a safe and comfortable place to change your baby, such as a flat surface or a change table with a padded changing mat. Lay your baby on their back on the changing mat and undress their lower body. If your baby is fussy, you can distract them with a toy or song. Always keep one hand on your baby to ensure their safety.
Remove the Dirty Nappy:
Unfasten the soiled nappy and use the clean front portion to wipe away as much mess as possible. Fold the dirty nappy over and set it aside. Use baby wipes or a damp washcloth to gently clean your baby's bottom, wiping from front to back to prevent bacterial infections. For baby girls, be sure to only clean the exposed areas, as the inside of the vagina is self-cleaning.
Apply Nappy Cream and Powder (if needed):
If your baby has sensitive skin or is showing signs of redness or nappy rash, allow their skin to air dry before applying a gentle, natural baby powder and/or nappy cream to soothe the irritation. You can also apply a baby-friendly lotion to prevent skin irritation.
Put on the Clean Nappy:
Open the new nappy outward so that the inside is facing up. Gently lift your baby's legs by their ankles and slide the clean nappy underneath, positioning their bottom in the middle. Lay them back down and pull the front of the nappy up between their legs and toward their tummy. Make sure any leak guards and leg cuffs are untucked before fastening the nappy securely.
Dispose of the Dirty Nappy and Wash Your Hands:
Dispose of the dirty nappy properly, rolling it into a bundle and sealing it with the grip tabs if possible. Wash your hands thoroughly after completing the nappy change. Remember to change your baby's nappy frequently, especially after they have a bowel movement, to maintain their hygiene and prevent nappy rash.
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How to prevent nappy rash
Nappy rash is a common skin irritation that appears in a baby's nappy area. It is characterised by red, painful, inflamed skin after contact with urine and faeces. The main cause of nappy rash is wearing a wet or dirty nappy for too long, as the skin can be irritated by ammonia, which is present in urine and faeces. The dampness can also cause irritation. To prevent nappy rash, it is important to keep the nappy area clean and dry. Here are some tips to prevent nappy rash:
- Change your baby's nappy frequently—at least six times a day and as soon as possible after they defecate.
- Air your baby's bottom as often as possible.
- Use disposable nappies, especially while your baby has nappy rash, as they absorb more moisture and keep the skin drier than cloth nappies.
- Wash and rinse cloth nappies thoroughly before reuse, ensuring they are dry and free from soap residue.
- Avoid plastic overpants if using cloth nappies.
- Use plain, water-soaked cotton wool to clean your baby's skin, especially in skin folds.
- Avoid highly acidic foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, tomatoes and tomato-based products, as these can aggravate nappy rash.
- Use baby powder with natural ingredients to prevent nappy rash.
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What to do when changing a nappy in public
Changing a nappy in public can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be! Here are some tips to make the process smoother when you're out and about:
Find a suitable location
While it may not always be possible to find a private space, it's worth seeking out a quiet spot away from crowds. This could be in your car, where you can also keep a stock of nappy-changing supplies. If you're in a public bathroom, ensure you choose a clean and well-maintained change table if one is available.
Be prepared
Make sure you have all the necessary items within reach: a clean nappy, baby wipes or washcloths, nappy cream, nappy liners, and a change of clothes (in case of any accidents). It's also a good idea to keep your baby entertained with a toy or song to prevent squirming.
Prioritise hygiene
If you're using a public change table, clean it before and after use with antibacterial spray or wipes. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after the nappy change. If you're using gloves, ensure you don't touch the outside of the gloves when removing them, and dispose of them in a bin.
Change efficiently
Follow the standard steps for changing a nappy: undress your baby's bottom half, unfasten the dirty nappy, and use the clean part to wipe away any solid waste. Use baby wipes or a damp washcloth to clean your baby's bottom, wiping from front to back. Apply nappy cream if needed, and don't forget to cover your baby's belly button if they are newborn. Finally, secure the new nappy, clean up, and wash your hands.
Remember, changing a nappy in public is a normal part of parenting, and many facilities provide dedicated spaces for this purpose. By being prepared and following good hygiene practices, you can confidently handle nappy changes wherever you are.
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What to use to clean a baby's bottom
To clean a baby's bottom during a nappy change, you can use baby wipes, a damp washcloth, or damp cotton wool. It is important to wipe gently and use smooth motions to clean between the folds of the skin, where moisture can become trapped and cause irritation. You can also use the unsoiled part of the nappy to wipe away any excess mess before bringing in the wipes or washcloth.
Baby wipes should be fragrance-free to avoid irritating the baby's skin. If you are using a cloth nappy, you can use a disposable wipe or a damp washcloth to clean the baby's bottom before putting on a clean nappy.
If your baby has sensitive skin, it is important to change their nappy as soon as they wet themselves to prevent further irritation. Newborns may need to be changed up to 10 to 12 times a day, while older babies average 6 to 8 times per day.
To prevent skin irritation or nappy rash, you may apply a gentle ointment or cream to your baby's skin after cleaning. Allow the area to dry completely before putting on a new nappy.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a clean nappy, baby wipes or a washcloth, nappy liners, water, baby cream, a change mat, and a change of clothes.
Lay your baby on their back on a change mat. Undress their bottom half and unfasten the dirty nappy. If it's soiled, use the unsoiled part to wipe away as much mess as possible. Fold the nappy over and lay it to one side. Use baby wipes to clean your baby's bottom, wiping from the front to the back. Put on nappy cream if needed. Slide the new nappy under your baby's bottom, pull the front flap up, and attach the tabs, keeping your baby's belly button exposed.
Newborns may need changing up to 10-12 times a day, while older babies average 6-8 times per day. Change your baby's nappy as soon as possible when they have done a poo.
Never leave your baby unattended on a change table. Always have one hand on your baby while changing them. If your baby has sensitive skin, change them as soon as they wet themselves to prevent irritation.
