Whether you're bringing your newborn home or your bub is transitioning to toddler nappies, our guide covers everything about nappy changing. From nappy changing essentials to step-by-step instructions on how to change your baby’s nappy right through from newborn to toddler, we’ve got you and your little one well covered.
Having the right supplies on hand is the secret to seamless nappy changing. These essentials will help take the stress out of nappy changing and ensure baby change time is easy and harmonious.
Looking to help your money go further? Where possible, invest in reusable products or items that last you from the newborn stage right until the toddler stage.
Nappy changing can be a challenging time for you and your bub. Here are our top tips for helping to make it safe, easy and stress-free.
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after changing your baby's nappy to help prevent the spread of germs. You might even want to also use hand sanitiser
Keep everything you need close by. It will help minimise the time that your baby is on the changing table
Never leave a baby unattended on a change table. Always keep one hand on your baby to prevent them from rolling off the changing table
Gently hold on to the baby’s ankles with your left hand (or right, if you’re left handed) if your bub is a wriggler, it might help to. This can become a little game, with the added benefit of keeping your baby still through the nappy changing process. You could also try singing a lullaby or talking to them in a soothing voice to calm them down
Keep calm and carry on changing. Babies can sense when you're stressed. It can cause them to mimic your behaviour
Warm up your wet wipes/flannels/cotton wool before you use them. Babies don't like cold wipes!
Provide your little one with distractions such as toys to play with or a mobile hanging above your station.
Envelop your baby with a sense of security by placing something warm on their tummy. Babies feel more secure when being cuddled or wrapped up. This could lead to fewer tears through change time
Dress your little one in clothing that’s easy to put on and remove. It will mean less fuss around change time and help the process go quickly and without stress
Keep your bub’s toes warm. Babies love warmth, especially on their tiny toes. We often only think about an exposed bottom, but keeping them snug with a pair of clean cotton socks or booties can make all the different to their comfort levels
Follow our step-by-step instructions on changing a nappy to help you have a fuss-free experience almost every time.
Have all your supplies within reach before you pop your baby down to change the nappy. This includes a clean nappy, wipes, and any creams or ointments you may need.
Place your baby on their back on a clean, flat surface. Make sure they’re comfy and secure.
Open the dirty nappy and fold it down to reveal your baby's bottom. Use your wipes to gently clean your baby's bottom before removing the nappy completely.
Carefully lift your baby's legs and slide the dirty nappy out from under them. If the nappy is really full, you might wish to dispose of it immediately to avoid any messes.
Use wipes to gently clean your baby's bottom, making sure you thoroughly clean all creases or folds. If you're using washable or reusable nappies, a damp cloth could be used instead of wipes to clean your baby's bottom. You can wash it and reuse it again later.
Does your baby have sensitive skin or is prone to nappy rash? Apply a thin layer of barrier cream or ointment to their bottom after it’s been cleaned and has had time to air dry.
Take a clean nappy and open it up. Lift your baby's legs and slide the clean nappy underneath them, making sure it’s centred on their bottom. Fasten the nappy securely, but not too tightly.
Disposable nappies can be wrapped and placed in a covered garbage bin or dedicated nappy bin. If you're using washable or reusable nappies, simply rinse them out and store them in a dry place until you’re ready to wash them.
When washing cloth nappies, use a gentle detergent that’s kind to your baby’ s skin. Try to dry them on the washing line in the sun, if possible. If not, use anti-static cloths in the clothes dryer to eliminate any potential static transferring to your baby.
As your baby grows and develops, you may need to adjust your nappy changing process to suit. Here are our top tips.
Got more questions? Don’t worry, we have you covered with our frequently answered questions below.
Yes, it’s always important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before changing a nappy. This will help to prevent the spread of germs and keep both you and your baby healthy.
Reusable cloth nappies are generally no more likely to cause a nappy rash than disposable nappies. However, it’s important to make sure that reusable cloth nappies are washed and dried properly as moisture can cause leaks and contribute to nappy rash.
If your baby develops a rash while using reusable cloth nappies, it could be due to a number of factors, such as irritation from detergent or other substances, or simply a reaction to the cloth itself. If you suspect that your baby's nappy rash is being caused by their nappies, try switching to a different type or brand of nappy.
It’s not recommended to reuse baby wipes. Most baby wipes are designed for single use and should be disposed of after each nappy change. Reusing wipes can lead to the spread of germs and may not effectively clean your baby's bottom.
It’s generally recommended to change a dirty nappy as soon as possible to reduce the risk of nappy rash and other skin irritation. If you're using disposable nappies, it’s important to change them every 2 to 3 hours, or more frequently if the nappy is soiled.
If you're using washable or reusable nappies, you may be able to go longer between nappy changes, but it’s still important to check your baby's nappy regularly and change it as needed.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this page is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about the health of your baby, you should consult with a health professional.
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