We’re parenting experts and you’ve been changing your baby’s nappy wrong – how it really should be done
CHANGING nappies as a new parent can be daunting, from choosing the right size to use, to how often you need to change it.
However, parenting experts have revealed you may be changing them wrong and how it really should be done.
Christie,’ official nappy expert, has created seven top tips to help you change your nappies correctly….
Put on a show
While I can’t promise to make nappy changing fun for parents, I do have some tips to make it a lot easier and less stressful.
The biggest mistake many parents make when changing nappies is ‘ignoring’ the baby to get the job done.
Whilst this is easy to do - who wouldn’t want to quickly get the job done - entertaining your baby whilst you change them will keep them occupied instead of wriggling to get away.
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For younger babies, try changing them under a mobile for some sensory play whilst you get on with the task in hand.
For older babies, introducing a toy to hold may not be the best idea as you wouldn’t want it anywhere near the dirty nappy, so instead opt for nappies with fun prints on them.
Use nappies with a recognisable print to your advantage.
You can give your baby one to hold or point out faces and colours to help keep them occupied whilst changing.
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Don’t only dress to impress
Everyone loves getting their little ones dressed up in cute outfits, and whilst this is adorable for pictures, in reality, having stylish dresses and onesies can be quite problematic when it comes to changing.
If your baby has had an upset tummy, or food that doesn't agree with them, the aftermath can often end up all over their clothes, and the last thing you want to be doing is putting it anywhere near their head.
This is why I recommend avoiding anything that requires going over your baby's head to take off.
Envelope neck vests are my go-to.
Not only can you save hundreds on clothing bills, if you end up with a messy explosion, you can slip the vest down their shoulders so you don’t have to get anything near their faces.
Use a cold wet wipe
Some babies can get very upset when they’re put down to have their nappy changed.
Whilst most parents think this is because they don’t like having their nappies changed, it can very often be down to the cold air that suddenly hits their skin when the nappy is removed.
To avoid shocking their sensitive areas, make the transition smoother with a cold wet wipe from your bag.
Simply wipe it across your little one's lower belly, just under the waistband before taking off their nappy for a change.
This helps to mimic the cold air that will hit their body when the nappy comes off, helping them to feel more adjusted.
It can also encourage them to do a wee beforehand, saving you even more mess.
It’s all about fit
Choosing the right size nappy is important to keep your little one dry and comfortable, helping to limit any nasty infections or nappy rash.
Many parents don’t realise that nappies aren’t universal in size so it's vital to check the labels before purchasing.
If you’re a bulk-buyer, it’s important to regularly check that your baby is still within the correct weight category for your nappy brand.
If they are on the cusp of a new size, you can check if the nappy fits correctly by checking that the waistband fits under the belly button and that you’re able to fit two fingers below the leg cuffs and waistband.
Once you’ve taken the nappy off, make note of any red marks where it could have been too tight.
If you’re unsure, you can always take a look at the for help on getting the perfect fit.
Know your (liquid) limits
Every nappy has slightly different instructions and varies in how much liquid they can hold.
Make sure to read your nappies instructions to make sure that you put them on correctly for that brand and can leave them for the correct amount of time.
Because every child is different, checking their nappy is a good habit to get into so that you’re aware of their routine.
Every couple of hours check the wetness of the nappy with a clean finger, make sure to make this a habit so that your little one stays extra clean and has a happy bottom.
As a rule of thumb, babies need their nappy changed before or after every feed, as well as after every poo.
Some babies may also need them changing more regularly as they’re sensitive to the wetness, so keep an eye on your little one and adjust as they need.
Patience is a virtue
When you’re new to nappy changing you may feel the pressure to get it done quickly but it's important not to rush things.
Not only does rushing lead to things being missed, but your little one can also pick up on it.
By taking your time and staying calm, your baby will sense this and it may help to relax them.
Even if there are tears (yours or theirs), have patience and ensure the area is cleaned and dry before putting a new nappy on.
Not only will this help to create a more pleasant experience for the both of you, it also makes sure there will be no chapped bottoms or ill-fitted nappies leaking out later down the line.
The art of misdirection
As your little one grows up and becomes more inquisitive about their surroundings, they may get fascinated by their nappy.
Although it can get frustrating if they keep ripping off the very item that is preventing any accidents on your carpet, it’s important to remember they are just exploring.
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To avoid any unnecessary mess, switch it up and put the nappy on backwards.
Because of how they are designed, this shouldn’t cause any leakage, but hide the tabs at the back so they aren’t tempted to pull them off.