Nappy changing

You’re about to become an expert in nappies — newborns get through a lot of them, often eight to twelve a day at first. The first few changes feel fiddly, but you’ll be doing them half-asleep in no time. Here’s how to make them quick, clean and comfortable for you both.

Have your kit ready. Set up a safe changing spot with everything within reach: clean nappies, cotton wool or wipes, warm water, a change of clothes, and a bag for the dirty one. Never step away from a baby on a raised surface, even a newborn who “can’t roll yet” — a changing mat on the floor is the safest option if you need both hands free.

When to change. Change your baby whenever the nappy is wet or soiled — newborn skin sits against it constantly, and frequent changes prevent nappy rash. In practice that’s before or after most feeds and any time you notice a poo. You don’t need to wake a sleeping baby just to check, unless they’re unsettled.

How to do it. Lay your baby down, undo the nappy, and use the front of it to wipe away the bulk of any poo. Clean gently with cotton wool and warm water or a fragrance-free wipe. For girls, always wipe front to back to avoid spreading germs; for boys, be ready with the nappy as cool air can prompt a wee. Let the skin dry, then slide a fresh nappy under and do it up snugly but not tight — you should fit a couple of fingers in the waist.

Cord care. While the umbilical stump is still on, fold the nappy down below it (or use a cut-out newborn nappy) so it stays dry and uncovered, which helps it heal and drop off.

Cloth or disposable. Both are fine — it comes down to budget, laundry, environment and what suits your life, and plenty of families mix the two. Modern cloth nappies are far easier than the old days. There’s no “better parent” choice here; pick what works for you.

Preventing and spotting nappy rash. A little redness is common. Change often, clean gently, let the skin air-dry, and use a barrier cream if the skin looks irritated. Most nappy rash clears with these simple steps. See your pharmacist, child health nurse or GP if it’s severe, doesn’t improve, or looks like it might be thrush (bright red, sometimes with spots).

What’s normal in the nappy. Early black-green sticky poos (meconium) give way to soft yellow (breastfed) or firmer tan (formula) stools, and breastfed babies can poo very often or go a few days between — both normal. Do flag very pale, chalky poos, or blood in the nappy, to your nurse or GP.

Nappy changing quickly stops being a big deal and becomes background noise to your day — a few dozen reps in and you’ll have it down to seconds. Keep the wipes stocked, the surface safe, and know that this, too, is a phase that passes faster than you’d expect.