Welcome to the world of parenting, which ultimately involves lots of nappy changing. If you are new to the game, keeping this tiny human comfortable and clean can seem incredibly daunting—not to mention disgusting. The good news is you can easily overcome the initial challenges with the right knowledge and tools and naturally become a pro within a few weeks. The not-so-good news is that you’ll naturally become a pro because you’ll be changing so many in the hundreds of nappies over the next few years (lol, that’s a little inside joke; don’t worry, soon you’ll be laughing as well).
But don’t fret; the Dryers team have got your back. We’ve got a great range of premium baby nappies at an unbeatable price bracket, and we’ve gathered the best tips and tricks to help you become a nappy-changing champ in no time.
Let’s begin.
Overcoming the Initial Challenges
As a new parent, changing your baby’s nappy for the first time can be intimidating. However, with practice, you’ll gain confidence and find a routine that works for you and your baby. Remember, every parent goes through this learning curve, so don’t be too hard on yourself.
What to Really Expect: The Good, the Bad and the Poop-Rockets
The best advice we can give is to have a sense of humour. Every parenting manual instructs you on changing the nappy, but no one warns you about the poop-rockets. And trust me, you will need a sense of humour when dealing with the aftermath of a poop-rocket.
Here are some things you should be prepared for so you don’t get knocked out in Round 1:
- You will most get your finger/fingers covered in poop or the like on the daily.
- Be prepared to catch poops while you change a nappy; babies love pooping and peeping mid-change. Apparently, they think it keeps us on our toes.
- Poop rockets are a real thing. They will hit when you least expect it mid-change. Pro Tip: Always keep your mouth closed. The poop-rocket launcher is in range of this area.
- Newborn poops are squishy; they will run up the kid’s back through their clothes, on your bedding and sometimes even on you if you are lucky.
- Nappies will occasionally leak even if you have the creme de la creme of models.
- You will need a change of clothes when you are out, and least expect it.
- You will do a lot of laundry.
The Basics of Nappy Changing
Now that we’ve cleared up the scary stuff, let’s do some training before we step into the ring.
Getting Familiar With Your Nappy
Understanding the anatomy of a nappy is essential for successful nappy changing. Nappies have an absorbent core, a waterproof outer layer, and adhesive tabs for secure fastening. By familiarising yourself with these components, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right nappy for your baby’s needs.
Gathering Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies for nappy changing. You’ll need:
- nappies
- wet wipes
- nappy rash cream, and
- a changing mat or towel.
Having everything within reach will make the process more efficient and comfortable for your baby.
PRO TIP: Always keep an extra nappy at hand just in case baby dirties the nappy during the change.
BONUS TIP: Pull out a few wet wipes from the packet, as sometimes they get stuck, while you changing and it’s hard to get them out with one hand. If baby tinkled 3 to 4 wipes be sufficient, if you are cleaning up a poop 8 to 10 wipes will do.
Choosing the Right Nappy Changing Location
Selecting the right location for nappy changing is crucial. Choose a flat, clean surface with good lighting. This will ensure both you and your baby are comfortable and safe during the change.
Step-by-Step Nappy Changing Guide
Now that we’ve gone through basics and are more familiar with our equipment, surroundings and opponent. Lets look at what we can expect when step into the ring together. It’s really quite simple, there are 5 easy steps to emerge victorious. Let’s take a look.
1. Preparing Yourself and Your Baby
Wash your hands thoroughly before and after each nappy change to prevent the spread of germs. Lay your baby down on the changing mat or towel and remove their clothing from the waist down.
2. Removing the Dirty Nappy
Carefully undo the adhesive tabs on the dirty nappy and fold it down towards your baby’s feet. Use the front of the nappy to gently wipe away any mess, taking care not to rub or scrub the skin.
3. Cleaning Your Baby’s Bottom
Use baby wipes or a damp cloth to clean your baby’s bottom from front to back, ensuring you clean the creases and folds thoroughly. Pat the skin dry before applying a fresh nappy.
4. Applying a Fresh Nappy
Lift your baby’s legs and slide the clean nappy under their bottom. Pull the front of the nappy up between their legs and secure the adhesive tabs snugly.
5.Proper Disposal of the Used Nappy & Clean Up
Once you’ve completed the nappy change, carefully roll up the used nappy and secure it with the adhesive tabs. Place it in a nappy sack or bin to contain any mess and prevent odors. Don’t forget to wash your hands.
Ding, Ding, Ding – And Time.
Congratulations, you survived Round 1!!
More Pro Tips To Keep in Mind When:
Changing a Newborn’s Nappy
When changing a newborn’s nappy, being gentle and mindful of their delicate skin is essential. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the nappy area, as this can irritate. Use baby wipes or a damp cloth to clean the area, and ensure you pat the skin dry before applying a fresh nappy.
With newborns, it’s also crucial to be cognisant of their umbilical cord stump. Choose nappies with a navel cut-out design to prevent irritation and infection. (FYI, Drypers’ Newborn range has an excellent navel care feature).
Changing Different Genders
There are a few key differences between changing nappies for boys and girls.
For girls, ensure that the nappy is positioned correctly to avoid leaks around the leg openings. When changing a boy’s nappy, be sure to point his penis downwards before securing the nappy to prevent leaks.
PRO TIP: Check out our guide to changing boy baby’s Nappies: Mission Possible: How To Stay Pee Free When Changing Your Baby Boy’s Nappy
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Dealing with a Wriggly Baby: If your baby is particularly wriggly during nappy changes, try distracting them with a toy or singing a soothing song. Enlisting the help of a partner or caregiver can also make the process easier.
- Handling Diaper Rash: Diaper rash is a common issue that many babies experience. To prevent and treat diaper rash, be sure to change your baby’s nappy frequently, allow their skin to air dry before putting on a fresh nappy, and use a nappy rash cream to protect their skin. Learn more bout diaper rash here.
- Coping with Leaks and Blowouts & Poop-rockets: Leaks and blowouts can be messy and frustrating, but they’re a normal part of nappy changing. To prevent leaks, ensure that the nappy is snugly secured around your baby’s waist and legs. If a poop rocket is launches, clean your baby thoroughly and change their clothing as soon as possible.
- How Many Hours Between Nappy Changes: The frequency of nappy changes can vary depending on your baby’s age and feeding habits. As a general rule of thumb, newborns may need to be changed every 1-3 hours, while older babies may only need to be changed every 3-4 hours. It’s important to check your baby’s nappy regularly and change it as soon as it becomes wet or soiled. Learn about more about judging the frequency of changing as your baby grows.
Congratulations, You have Survived Your First Fight!
Congratulations on mastering the art of nappy changing! By following the tips and advice outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to changing a nappy like a champ in no time. Remember, every parent goes through a learning curve when it comes to nappy changing, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you make a few mistakes along the way. With patience and practice, you’ll become a nappy changing pro in no time. Good luck and watch out for those Poop-rockets!
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