CHANGING NAPPIES IS CHILD’S PLAY

Here’s how to do it quick and easy. Chop-chop

STEP 1

You’ll be changing nappies at least half a dozen times per day during the first three years of your baby’s life. So it’s wise to install a dedicated changing station where you can comfortably stand and work. Make sure that baby is also going to be comfortable and that it’s big enough to accommodate a toddler too. If you live in a double-storey house, have a changing station on both floors. It can be in the nursery or bathroom.

Buy the right size nappies. If you know what baby weighs, it’s easy, because their age is not as important as their weight. When nappies start leaking often, it’s probably time for a bigger size.

STEP 2

Make sure that everything you are going to need is at hand. Your baby should never be left unattended, because she might fall off. Nappies, wipes, cotton wool and water, powder, bum cream, an extra set of clothes, a towel, an anti-bacterial spray… Plan ahead so you can handle even the dirtiest of nappies with a semblance of grace. Invest in a good nappy bin that locks in odours, or be prepared to throw offensive nappies away in an outside bin – pronto. A nursery should not smell of poo.

STEP 3

Lay baby down on his back, unbutton or unfasten his clothes and move them out of the way. Unfasten the nappy at the front, and use the front part of the nappy to get rid of as much of the poo as you can, wiping from front to back. Bundle everything up neatly in the old nappy, and set it aside.

Hold baby with one hand while grabbing a wipe or the cotton wool with the other. (Everything is handy!) Wipe baby clean, moving from front to back. You can gently ease open a girl’s vagina to make sure it’s completely free of poo. Boys are prone to weeing when they feel the fresh air, so place tissues or a cloth over his penis when you remove the nappy to prevent a wet mess.

Tuck the used wipes or cotton wool into the old nappy and throw everything away.

With newborns: Be warned – if you lift the little legs and press on the belly, it could lead to a poo explosion.

With older babies: They can be busy. Make sure there’s an interesting mobile above the changing station, or give them a soft book or toy to play with. Chat with baby throughout. Nappy changes can be good bonding sessions.

Always wipe from front to back. It helps to prevent bladder infections.

STEP 4

Unfold a clean nappy, lift your baby’s bum, and move the nappy into position. Apply bum cream if necessary. Close the nappy on both sides. It should fit snugly but not be uncomfortably tight. Make sure the frills on the legs are not folded inwards, as this might lead to a leaky nappy. Use your finger to pull them out. Get baby dressed again.

STEP 5

Pick baby up and cast an eye over the changing station to ensure it’s clean. If not, put baby safely down on the floor and do a quick clean. If you’ve run out of an item, make sure to replace it immediately.