7 useful nappy changing tips for new parents

Parents need a very particular set of skills. Skills they acquire over a very long career of nappy changing. Skills that make changing dirty nappies a breeze. 

Whether you’re about to become a parent or your baby has just arrived earthside, we’ve put together some handy tips that will have you changing nappies with your eyes closed and your hands tied behind your back. That’s how useful these tips are. 

1. Be ready for anything

Babies tend to wee AFTER you take their nappy off – especially boys. One theory is that the temperature change from undressing causes them to let go of their bladder. One tip is to wipe a baby wipe over the baby’s tummy and wait a moment before opening the nappy, giving them time to wee.

Other tips that could work include:

• laying a cloth down to cover the changing table or mat to soak up any surprises
• placing a clean nappy under the one you are about to remove to catch any leakages
• placing a tissue over his penis, so if he does a wee, it won’t spray too much
• accepting that pee happens and just laugh it off!

And if you have a boy, fold the penis down in the diaper. Trust us. 

2. Create a diversion

For the bubs who would rather be anywhere but lying with their legs in the air waiting for their nappy to be changed, creating a distraction can help.

You can do this by:

• having a special change time toy that only comes out during nappy changes
• enlisting a sibling to help provide some entertainment
• setting up a baby-safe mirror – babies don’t recognise their reflection at first, so setting up a mirror for your bub to babble at herself will be a gamechanger.

3. Pull clothes top-down

Not all baby clothes are created equal. That’s right; some are made so that in the event of a poonami, they can be pulled down, instead of back over baby’s head. Look for the ‘envelop’ style in the shoulder/neck area. 

No one wants poop on their face, not even a baby.

4. Invest in a butt spatula

It’s recommended that a nappy barrier cream is applied from the get-go after every nappy change. That said, nappy cream is quite sticky, and there’s lots of advice out there about only using your pinky finger when applying, so you don’t get it everywhere.

Others, on the other hand, swear by a butt spatula (nappy cream applicator) to apply nappy cream. While many will scoff at such a tool, you can’t deny the handiness of this product after reading the reviews.

5. Hit the floor

Just because you spent money on a baby change table doesn’t mean you have to use it.

If you’re nervous about your baby wriggling and possibly rolling off, move change time to the floor so you have one less thing to worry about. Put down a change mat, grab your supplies and go, go, go. 

6. Never dress baby in button-up clothes for bed

Lack of sleep and overnight changes are bad enough without adding extra obstacles for yourself.

It’s dark and everyone’s tired, so do yourself a favour and dress your baby in something easy to get in and out of – think zips, NOT buttons and press studs. You’ll be so pleased you did.

7. Watch out for the umbilical cord stump

A small amount of the umbilical cord will remain attached to your baby’s belly button after it’s cut. This is known as the cord stump, and it will eventually fall off (around 7-10 days after birth).

Until then, make sure you fold the nappies down so that the cord isn’t covered and allow some time to air dry it if the weather isn’t too cold.

Read more: 

• The best products to help mum after the birth
• 6 essential products other new parents love
• 4 products to help your baby sleep

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