It’s daunting, right? You’re a new mum – or about to become one – and you’ve put in months of preparation. The nursery is kitted out, the hospital bag is packed and ready, the house has been so baby-proofed that it’s physically impossible for even the clumsiest person to hurt themselves in here and now all you need to do is bring the little one home!
But there’s one thing you’re just still not totally sure about – and to be honest you’re a little worried you’re a ‘bad mum’ if you have to ask because it just seems like instinct to other mothers – but how on earth do you properly change a nappy?
We’re so glad you asked.
We’ve got all the top tips to help make the whole experience much less of an ordeal for both you and baby, taking you through the process step by step. Make sure your changing area is all set up with every necessity to hand and you’re ready to begin!
Step 1. Wash your hand well and lie your baby down on a waterproof changing mat and undo the tabs on nappy.
Step 2. With one hand, hold the baby gently by the ankles - with your fingers in between their heels to stop the ankles grinding together - and then raise their legs upward.
Step 3. If baby has had a poo, pull down the front half of the nappy with your other hand and wipe the bulk of the soiling with the clean front half of the nappy. Then seal nappy and pop it into a nearby bin, being sure to always keeping one hand on baby.
Step 4. Next, clean baby’s bottom, being sure to get all skin creases, by gently wiping the skin with a cotton wool soaked in lukewarm water or use a suitable baby wipe. That means something alcohol-free, specifically formulated for baby’s delicate skin.
Step 5. Do you clean boys and girls differently? Absolutely! Parents should clean girls from front to back to keep bacteria from the back passage away from the front passage. Boys, however, need to have the skin folds around the scrotum cleaned thoroughly. But don’t try to push the foreskin back! Pat the skin dry and allow your baby to have a little kick, so air can get to the skin and it can breathe for a little while.
Step 6. Lifting baby gently by their ankles once again, slip a clean nappy underneath them with the tabs to the back. Pull the front half up to baby’s tummy and fasten the tabs at the sides ensuring it is not too tight so their delicate skin can breathe. One finger should be able to slide between your baby’s skin and the waistband, and that’s how you’ll know you’ve got the perfect fit for baby!
Step 7. Ensure to wash your hands thoroughly after nappy changing or use a hand sanitizer if you can’t get to a sink.
The key is not to panic and know you’re going to be fine. The process is simple, so try not to overthink it and know that you’ll be a great mum, simply because you love your baby so much.
Nappy changing is really all about being prepared and having everything you need ready to hand and having nappies that are specially designed to provide the softest and most caring protection, like Pampers New Baby.
Pampers New Baby nappies are specially designed to provide comfort and protection at night. If you’re worried about breathability for baby’s skin, they have a breathable outer layer, an airy top sheet, a quick dry core and wetness indicator which will all work to ensure your little ones delicate skin is protected.
Prolonged contact with urine or poo can affect the condition of baby’s sensitive skin, as well as causing discomfort and stress at night. Pampers New Baby nappies are especially designed to provide the softest and most caring protection, so you know you’re doing what’s best for your baby.
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