Changing those first nappies can be very daunting, but remember you will soon be a total pro at the quick change! Don't forget the contents of the nappy in these first days will be the tar-like meconium.
Here are just a few of our tips.
- Open the nappy and wipe any faeces with a clean part of the nappy. Discard the nappy (or fold it under the baby while you clean his bottom, as he is very likely to wee as you change him).
- Clean the bottom using pieces of cotton wool wet with warm water. (If you are going to use wipes use fragrance free)
- If the bum is really dirty it can be as easy to pop him into a bowl of warm water for a bottom bath
- Always wipe girl babies from their front to the back.
- Be gentle around a boy’s penis. Do not pull the foreskin back.
- Always pat dry or allow air dry.
- Using a little petroleum jelly on the bottom can make cleaning the meconium a little easier. You only need to use nappy cream, medicated powders or creams if he develops a rash or a sore bottom.
- Lay the new nappy flat under your baby- tabs to the back - with the top of the nappy-back in line with your baby’s waist. Bring up the nappy between his legs, peel back the tabs and fasten. (Make sure you clean your hands of petroleum jelly if the tabs are sticky-back – otherwise they won’t stick)
- Make sure you leave boys with their penis down before you close the nappy. This is to prevent urine leaking up and over the top of the nappy, and to stop it going on the umbilical cord area.
- Keep nappy folded below umbilical cord stump. This helps the stump dry out and keeps urine away from the area.
- Nappies will often leak on newborn babies. This is not due to any inefficiency on your part, but because even the smallest nappies may be too big for your baby. NB: If poo leaks out of the nappy (and it will!) avoid taking the dirty vest or body suit over his head. Envelope necks allow you to pull the soiled clothes down along his body And over his feet.
Mums’ Tips
“If it’s a boy it needs to point down in the nappy!! We couldn’t understand why our 1st boy was always getting wet even though nappies were on securely.
“I was told to always keep a soft cloth or towel under your baby when changing your baby on a plastic mat or hard surface. They do not like the sensation of cold or hard surfaces and will usually respond by crying. It seems to work.”