If you’re an expectant parent who has wondered how to change a nappy – you’re not alone! If you’ve never changed a nappy before, then it can be a little daunting to think about! But I promise, that before long, you’ll be an absolute pro!
Nappy changes will become just another part of your routine with your baby – just like feeding, playing and settling.
Keep reading for my step-by-step instructions of how to change a nappy. Plus learn the differences you need to know when it comes to changing baby boys’ vs. baby girls’ nappies.
How to change a nappy – step-by-step
* including my quick-switch nappy hack *
- Make sure you have everything on hand and ready to go – coconut oil or a zinc-based nappy cream, wipes (fragrance free or reusable cotton), changing table/mat with waterproof cover, nappy. Plus any clothes if you need to change your baby’s outfit or get them dressed.
- Lay the clean nappy out under your baby’s bottom – WITH the old nappy still on. I know this sounds a bit strange – but bear with me! This makes it so much easier to quickly switch out the old nappy for the new one before they pee everywhere (Newborns – I’m looking at you!)
- Open up the dirty nappy and use it to quickly scoop away any mess before gently and slightly lifting baby’s legs to fold the nappy under their bottom (still on top of the clean nappy).
- Wipe front to back then apply any nappy cream or coconut oil if needed.
- Simply pull the dirty nappy out from under baby.
- Now your clean nappy is good to go! Put it on securely, checking the little ruffles around the leg are out to prevent leakage.
- Once baby is dressed, dispose of the nappy – making sure that if you use nappy bags, these are kept well out of reach of your little one.
How to change a nappy - baby girls tips
Baby girls are more prone to UTIs so it’s really important to keep their vaginal area clean to prevent bacteria from getting in. To do this:
- Make sure you always wipe front to back – NEVER back to front. This prevents you accidentally wiping poo into the vagina.
- Make sure her nappy is nice and secure around her legs as when a girl pees and it’s not on tight enough it will run down her legs (and all over you).
- Girls have extra folds (labia) that you need to be extra careful around keeping clean. You need to ensure you’re wiping thoroughly in these areas when you change your baby girl’s nappy, particularly if she’s had a poo explosion.
- Pay careful attention to the rolls under her bottom/on her thighs as these areas can get irritated if they aren’t kept clean and dry.
Important to know: newborn baby girls can have a little bit of a white mucous discharge, or even a small amount of blood (like a little period). Please don’t be alarmed – this can be normal and is generally due to your hormones. Just mention it to your Dr or Midwife if you are concerned.
How to change a nappy - baby boys tips
You may have heard that changing a baby boy’s nappy is easier than a baby girl’s nappy – and this is true for several reasons, but there are still a few things you need to be aware of:
- Always check the penis is pointing down inside the nappy. Otherwise, you may end up with leakage.
- Also try to keep the penis point down during changes as if they pee (as they just love to do when their nappy is off), it’s going to go straight up over their chest and into their mouth. You may think I’m joking, but I have seen this a few times!
- Change as quickly as you can, or have a cloth on hand! Baby boys can pee unexpectedly and it’s much like an uncontrolled hose. You can also try to put a clean wipe over the penis when you are wiping their bottom. This may catch any unexpected spray of pee!
- Don’t worry about having to do anything with the foreskin at this age – you don’t need to retract. If you’re wanting more info on circumcision/have any concerns, then have a chat to your Dr.
- When wiping, you need to wipe the whole genital area, including the testicles and inside all the folds around their bottom and thighs. The scrotum also has lots of lines and folds where poo or moisture can get trapped, so always give this area a really gentle but thorough clean.
- Always check for the testes – every nappy change just do a quick check to make sure they’re present, keeping an eye out for any redness, tenderness and swelling (especially on one side). Watch your baby’s reactions while you check – baby will seem uncomfortable or may cry if it is painful.
A quick note on nappy rash: Treating and preventing baby nappy rash
Nappy rash is really common, and you’re very likely to come across it with your little one at some point. It is generally caused by wearing a wet or soiled nappy for too long, causing your baby’s skin to become irritated, red and sore. Sometimes, chemicals can also be the culprit – fragranced wipes, the products you use to wash reusable nappies, products used in the bath, etc.
Some little ones with skin conditions like eczema can also be more prone to rashes on their bottom.
What does nappy rash look like?
Depending on your child’s skin tone, nappy rash will often look red and swollen. The rash will be irritating for baby. You may notice them cry and wince as you wipe in this area when changing their nappy. So, it’s important to be really gentle.
Sometimes the rash is just on their bottom, but it can extend into the genital area as well.
Treating a nappy rash:
There are a number of products on the market, but I find plain coconut oil works best. It’s really gentle and moisturising and is a natural, readily-available option. Zinc-based nappy creams can also be really helpful, if you prefer. Apply after every nappy change, making sure you’re really gentle as baby may be quite uncomfortable. The idea is to create a barrier that prevents further irritation, while soothing and allowing the skin underneath to heap.
It’s important to change your baby’s nappy often. You should also try to avoid them sitting in a wet/dirty nappy as this may further irritate the rash. When you bathe them, make sure you only use a gentle wash – avoiding all fragranced soaps and bubble baths. Limit baths to once daily as otherwise it may dry out your baby’s skin and make the rash worse.
You can also try giving your bub extra nappy free time. Make sure you put a towel or waterproof cover down as they will inevitably pee. This allows their skin to get some fresh air, and for their bottom and genitals to remain dry for periods of time. Your little one will also love the extra freedom of movement that comes with nappy-free time!
Important:
If your baby’s nappy rash isn’t improving at all and it’s been a week, or if you think it’s worsening, or has blisters, crusts and pimple-like spots, then please see your doctor. Some conditions such as thrush can cause a very bright nappy rash that will need medical treatment.
If your baby has a fever, or if they develop a rash on any other part of their body, then get them seen by a Dr right away.
Pregnant Mamas make sure you check out our FREE Prenatal class that 8 out of 10 new mothers say they wish they took before birth to ease their stress and worries. You can even watch it at your own pace from the comforts of your own home! Sign up here.
It’s important to note this blog is general education only. For any personal based advice regarding you or your baby please seek advice from your own healthcare professional.
- ACD A-Z of Skin - Nappy rash. (2015, April 2). ACD. https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/atoz/nappy-rash/
- COCOON : Nappy changing. (n.d.). https://www.rch.org.au/cocoon/project/caring-for-baby/Nappy_changing/
- Healthdirect Australia. (October 2022). Nappies. Pregnancy Birth and Baby. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/nappies
- Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.-f). Nappy rash. Causes, Treatment and Prevention | Pregnancy Birth and Baby. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/nappy-rash
- Healthdirect Australia. (September 2021). Nappy rash. Symptoms, Causes, Treatments and Prevention | Healthdirect. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nappy-rash#:~:text=Nappy%20rash%20is%20usually%20caused,%2C%20psoriasis%2C%20thrush%20or%20impetigo.
- NHS. (2023, May 17). How to change your baby’s nappy. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/how-to-change-your-babys-nappy/
- NHS. (2023, June 2). Nappy rash. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/nappy-rash/
- NHS. (2022, August 11). Undescended testicles. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/undescended-testicles/
- Undescended testicle - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2023, May 23). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/undescended-testicle/symptoms-causes/syc-20351995
- Yeap, E., Nataraja, R. M., & Pacilli, M. (2019). Undescended testes: What general practitioners need to know. AJGP, 48(1–2), 33–36. https://doi.org/10.31128/ajgp-07-18-4633
