Well Done Mum

Changing a Nappy

Especially in the early months, the time for a change can come all too often, sometimes hourly. As tedious as this may be, it is the best way to avoid skin irritations on your babies' sensitive bottom.

The first thing to do is to set-up properly. Find a warm, clean, dry area to change your baby. In the beginning you'll probably use a changing table or changing mat, but a changing cloth on any soft, warm surface will work, too.

Make sure you have everything you need ready and close to hand including a clean nappy and plenty of wipes. If you're using disposables, have a plastic bag ready for disposal. If your baby has or is prone to nappy rash, keep some ointment or petroleum jelly on hand.

• Place your baby on a clean flat surface.
• Unfasten the tabs and fasten them back on themselves so they don't stick to your baby, but don't remove the dirty nappy yet.
• Wipe away excess stools from his genital area with the corner of the nappy, taking care to cover the penis with a clean cloth if your baby is a boy, so he doesn't pee all over himself (and you) while you're changing him.
• Grasp your baby by the ankles and lift his bottom off the changing table.
• Fold the dirty nappy in half under your baby, unsoiled side up.
• Use a soft cotton balls or wet cloth to clean your baby's front thoroughly. For a girl, be sure to wipe from front to back. This will help minimize the possibility that bacteria will get into her vagina and cause an infection.
• Lift both of your baby's legs and clean his bottom thoroughly with a cotton ball or wet cloth.
• Swap a clean nappy for the dirty one. The clean nappy top half (look for the tabs) should go under your baby's bottom, and the other half should come up between his legs
• Avoid covering the umbilical cord as this can cause irritation.
• Fasten the nappy at both sides with the tapes, making sure it's snug, but not so tight that it pinches his skin.
• Re tape the soiled nappy around the contents, put it in a plastic bag, and discard it in the bin.
• Dress your baby, and wash your hands thoroughly.