Nappy chat

You’ll be changing your baby’s nappy a couple of thousand times. Are you ready?

Parenting is a wonderful thing. Your instinct is to protect and cherish, which means putting your baby’s needs first. Nothing is as important as this little person’s comfort and wellbeing. Before you have your own baby, it’s difficult to imagine what nappy changing will be like. Rest assured: all you’ll care about is that your baby is clean and comfortable. Also, prepare to feel deeply satisfied when you realise you can and do provide for your vulnerable little baby’s needs. Even the most terrible nappy experience will quickly fade and become a story from the trenches to chuckle over later. Here’s some advice to help you survive and flourish during this part of your parenting journey.

PREPARATION IS KEY

These nine tips help make life easier:

■ Hospitals don’t provide nappies, so take along enough nappies when it’s delivery day.

■ Establish the habit of always keeping your nappy bag packed and ready to go. Replenish the bag as soon as you get home after an outing. Rather have too many than too few. Other essentials are a changing mat (many nappy bags come with this function built in), wet wipes, face cloth, scented disposal bags, antibacterial spray, nappy cream and an extra set of clothing. Always keep an extra stock of nappies and essentials in your car’s boot – you won’t regret it!

■ Keep waterless hand cleanser in the nappy bag, car and handbag. It comes in very handy during nappy changes.

■ Drape a tissue over your son’s penis as soon as you open his nappy. Little boys typically pee as soon as fresh air hits their skin.

■ It happens to all of us: poo that runs all the way up the back of your baby’s outfit. This is why baby vests are made with nifty crossover necks. Simply widen the neck and pull the vest down, instead of trying to pull the whole mess over your baby’s head.

■ Less is more when it comes to bum cream.

Too much tends to smear off, interfering with the absorption qualities of the nappy.

■ Give feedback on the public facilities you use during a change of nappy, be it a mall or restaurant. Tell the owners if it was clean and convenient, and ask for specific improvements if it wasn’t.

■ Always hold a hand on your baby during nappy changes, no matter where you are. Babies can roll over in a flash and get badly hurt. Make sure you have everything you need within reach.

■ After a change, clean the entire area, so it’s hygienic for the next session.

START WITH THE RIGHT NAPPY

Nappies work according to weight, not age. When your baby’s nappy starts to leak, it’s a sign to move onto the next size. If you know your baby’s weight, you could avoid this indicator.

Don’t initially buy too many newborn nappies; babies outgrow that size quickly. If you’re buying for a friend’s stork tea, consider buying the second or third size. Often expectant parents get so many newborn nappies as gifts and can’t even use them all.

One feature to be on the lookout for is a wetness indicator. This function can save you quite a bit of money in the long run, as you won’t be changing the nappy too early, before it is really wet. Make sure that the nanny, the daycare helpers and anyone who will be changing your baby’s nappy knows how this indicator works. Your aim is to choose nappies that don’t pinch or restrict your child. You want your child to be comfortable enough to roll and move, because it’s through movement that they learn and develop. A stretchy waistband is therefore a must. Velcro tags that can be opened and closed repeatedly are handy. Soft baby skin also appreciates a soft backing, as that precious little bum will be spending nearly the whole day and night in contact with it. Finally, good absorption is also what you need in a nappy, because you don’t want a wet nappy to disturb precious sleep or lead to a sore nappy rash.