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Changing a nappy isn’t really one of the big things most of us worry about before having a baby. Sure, you might never have done it before, but after a few goes, how hard can it be?
Well, a teeny, tiny baby can wriggle and squeal with the best of them, so when you’re trying to get them out of their dirty nappy – the contents of which has gone all over their clothes – all the while making sure they don’t fall off the changing table, things can get pretty complicated.
And don’t even get us started on when you have no choice but to change a nappy in public. When you feel like you don’t know what you doing, it can seem like onlookers definitely think you don’t know what you’re doing, which is the last thing stressed-out new parents need. But fear of changing a nappy outside the house can get so intense that parents can be put off going out altogether. So first of all, just know – you’re not doing anything wrong. There is no ‘perfect’ way to change a nappy and there certainly is no ‘perfect’ baby that always lies still and just lets their parent get on with it.”
This article includes a short series of nappy changing tips to help you in a small way on this great journey you’re on.
Top changing tips
Hold their feet
When changing a little baby, always keep their feet held gently in one of your hands – otherwise they can kick the poo and you have a bigger clean-up job to deal with.
Cover their bits
Little boys can be known to wee as soon as the nappy comes off, so put a wipe over their ‘bits’ to make sure it doesn’t go everywhere (or even worse, hit you straight in the eye).
Use vests with envelope necks
If your baby’s poo leaks onto their vest, pulling it up and over their body spreads it all over their backs. So, try and buy vests with ‘envelope’ necks, which stretch over your baby’s shoulders so you can pull them down and off their body..
Distract them
When your baby is old enough to hold something, don’t shy away from giving them something to distract them – even if it’s your phone, keys, whatever. If it gives you two minutes to get the job done, that’s all that matters.
Be thorough
This may sound obvious but you’ll be surprised how far poo can go. Use your WaterWipes biodegradable, vegan, cruelty-free and sensitive baby wet wipes to really clean the entire area – front and back and in the inner creases of their groin – as residue left behind can cause nappy rash. Check out our nappy rash tips for more information.
Out of reach
When you take a dirty nappy off, put it out of the way – babies can reach pretty far, and a little hand covered in poo is the last thing you need.
Check your bag
Always give your changing bag a once-over before you leave the house, to make sure you’ve a good chunk of nappy that are the right size, plus your pack of WaterWipes – the world’s purest baby wipe. Check out our changing bag checklist for further items to include.
Right size?
If all of a sudden, your nappy keep leaking, see if your baby is ready for a bigger size.
Whatever works
Change your baby wherever is most convenient and safe at that time, even if it seems unconventional – in the car, on your lap, on the beach – even in their pram. We can promise you, your baby really doesn’t care, so if it works, it works.
This is a tricky job at first but just keep calm, take some deep breaths (although not while holding the nappy) and remember – you’ll be a pro in no time.
Why not check out how often you should change your baby’s nappy now?
After reading our nappy changing tips, hopefully, you will feel more confident the next time to carry out this mighty task!
Want to learn more about caring for a newborn? Whether the baby is on the way or you’re just looking for tips, take a look at the WaterWipes Parenting Community for more articles:
