I’m a nappy expert – here’s why you’ve been changing your baby wrong
HAVING a new baby can be daunting and let's face it - we are all winging it to some extent.
There's so much to think about, from baby grows to formula and of course, the dreaded nappy change.
It can be challenging enough to change your little one and many parents might not have any experience in caring for someone else.
But even if you're a seasoned pro with a few kids, there is always room for improvement, one guru has said.
Now one expert has revealed how you might have been changing your baby wrong - and some top tips to make sure you're doing it correctly.
Speaking to The Sun, nappy pro Christie Alice said while she can't promise to make the process of nappy changing fun, she can hopefully make it easier for overwhelmed - sleep deprived parents.
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The guru explained: "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.
"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,"; she said.
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Christie, who is the chief nappy expert at said you should try and use nappies that have their favourite characters on, such as Cocomelon.
She advised: "You can give your baby one to hold or point out faces and colours to help keep them occupied whilst changing."
Another mistake you've been making, Alice said, is dressing your little one in stylish dresses and onesies.
While they might look cute, she added that they could be 'problematic' when it comes to to changing time.
"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," she said.
Her go to product, she said, are envelope neck vests.
"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," the guru said.
But we all know that babies have messy explosions regularly and Christie said some kids can get very upset when they have their nappies changed.
Take your time! Why patience is a virtue when it comes to nappy changing
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.
Christie said that 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," she added.
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, the expert said.
In order to avoid shocking their sensitive areas, make the transition smoother with a cold wet wipe from your bag.
She added: "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."
Packing all your little extras such as wipes is key, as is getting the right nappy size, Christie said.
This, she said, is important when it comes to keeping them comfortable and can help limit any nasty infections or nappy rashes.
She explained: "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.
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"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.