Changing your baby' nappy

Changing your baby's nappy can sometimes seem like a never-ending job.

It is as much a part of parenting as feeding. With a good knowledge of the nappy-changing basics, you'll be able to keep your baby dry and comfortable with no problems at all.

  The Bare Facts

Nappy changing is more about common sense than anything else. Your objective should be to keep your baby as dry and comfortable as possible. Before you start, collect together everything you need:

•  A clean nappy

•  Nappy rash ointment or petroleum jelly

•  A soft flannel and small basin of warm water or a nappy wipe

Remember - never leave your baby unattended on the changing table. Even newborns can roll off and hurt themselves.

First, remove the soiled nappy. If it's only wet, you can put a clean nappy on immediately or gently wipe your baby clean with a wipe or warm flannel before putting a nappy on him.

If your baby has had a bowel movement, wipe his bottom clean with a wipe or warm flannel and gently pat him dry. There is no need to use soap unless he has diarrhoea that is not washed away with just water. Use only mild soap when necessary; all soaps strip your baby's skin of important natural oils.

Next, apply nappy ointment or petroleum jelly and put on a fresh nappy. Avoid baby powder - it doesn't help prevent or treat nappy rash and may be harmful if your baby inhales it.

As your baby gets older, he's likely to fidget a lot more during these tricky nappy changes. You may wish to keep some toys near your changing area to distract him with.

Nappy-changing Tips for Girls

•  Wipe from front to back to keep stools away from her genitals.

•  A small amount of blood or discharge is normal in the first few days after birth. Your daughter is simply adjusting to hormonal changes following birth.

Nappy-changing Tips for Boys

•  Wipe from front to back.

•  If your son is uncircumcised, don't try to pull the foreskin down to clean. It will loosen by itself in time and is usually fully retractable by the time your son is three.

•  Experienced mums suggest covering your baby boy's penis with a nappy or flannel while changing him - to prevent getting a surprise shower yourself!

Dodging Nappy Rash

Babies at risk from nappy rash are babies who wear nappies - in other words, all babies! If you see red, swollen bumps around the nappy area, your baby probably has one of many different types of nappy rash.

What causes nappy rash? Several factors:

•  Wetness against baby's skin

•  Intestinal enzymes in the baby's stool

•  Ammonia created when stools and urine combine

•  Stiff nappies or irritation caused by scrubbing the nappy area.

Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent nappy rash. Here are the most common:

•  Change nappies frequently

•  Use a super-absorbent disposable nappy

•  Spread a thin layer of zinc oxide cream or petroleum jelly over your baby's bottom as extra protection against wetness. There are nappies available containing nappy-rash-fighting ingredients. Let your baby go without his nappy for a while each day. The air helps promote dryness, and he will love his momentary freedom.

When to Change

As a parent, you're in the best position to know when your baby needs to be changed. In general, you can expect to change your newborn as many as 10 times in each 24-hour period. It sounds like a lot, but bear in mind that a lot of wet nappies means your baby is getting enough nutrition and is processing it normally. If you choose to use terry nappies, be sure to change your baby even more frequently, as these don't have the absorbency of disposables.

As your baby grows, you'll need to change him less often, although still at the usual times: when he gets up in the morning, before or after a feed, after his naps and before bedtime. Remember, though, that keeping a dry nappy on your baby will help prevent nappy rash.