Nappy Changing Tips for First-Time Parents

Between the soaked-through sleepsuits, famously messy poonamis and rough cases of nappy rash, it's no wonder that nappy changing is a surprisingly big task for new parents. Read on to discover some top tips on how to keep wriggling babies clean and happy when it comes to nappy changing.

Create a changing station

First things first, set up your changing station: your future self will thank you for it. Here are some key essentials we recommend keeping within arm's reach, because once that nappy comes off, your little wriggler should never be left unattended:

Nappies
Wipes/cloth and warm water
Fresh clothes
Nappy bags or a bin
Cream

For a raised changing platform, we'd always recommend a changing mat with raised sides. The supportive, padded shape helps keep your baby feeling secure, while giving you a little extra confidence when those unexpected wiggles begin. Ours are also made with easy-wipe PVC, so when the inevitable little leaks happen, clean-up takes seconds.

Mastering the midnight change

It’s 3 AM. The lights are dimmed, and stealth mode is activated. Your only mission is to keep your baby sleepy while you change them so everyone can get back to sleep as fast as humanly possible.

That's when our zip up baby grows come to the rescue. The two-way zip lets you open from the bottom, so only the lower half of your baby is exposed while the rest stays warm and cosy. Plus, they also feature a handy chin guard to stop the cold zip from catching delicate skin or startling sleepy babies. It's one of those little details that makes a big difference when you're running on empty.

The efficient clean-up

Every parent gets caught out at least once. The dreaded "fountain" (especially common with baby boys!) is practically a parenting rite of passage. Thankfully, a little preparation goes a long way, especially with these three simple steps.

Shield: Before you undo the old nappy, slide a fresh one underneath – it's a simple trick that can help catch any surprise wees before they become a full outfit change.
Swipe: Then use the front of the old nappy to wipe away the bulk of the mess before gently cleaning your baby's skin from front to back. For newborns, warm water and cotton wool are often all you need, though fragrance-free baby wipes are fine once your baby's a little older.
Seal with a Barrier: Pat the skin dry, then if your little one is prone to soreness, apply a thin layer of barrier cream before fastening a clean nappy. Be careful not to get cream on the sticky tabs of the nappy; otherwise they won't stick.

Distraction & stimulation

As your baby reaches around 3 months, you'll probably notice nappy changes become a whole lot wigglier. Keeping them happily distracted can help nappy changes feel a little less like a losing battle. Chat, sing, pull silly faces and make plenty of eye contact to use the moment as an opportunity for bonding.

You could even keep one special comforter that's reserved just for the changing station. When they begin to associate that toy only with nappy changes, it's more likely to hold their attention and more likely to make the whole experience calmer, quicker and a little more fun for you both.

Baby changing necessities

Baby Changing Mats

Baby Changing Bags

Baby Changing Tables

Zip Up Baby Grows

Muslin Cloths

Baby Comforters

(Spare) Maternity Clothes

Nappy Changing FAQs

How often should you change a newborn's nappy?

Young babies may need changing as many as 10 or 12 times a day, while older babies need to be changed around 6 to 8 times. It's important to change their nappies as soon as possible after they have filled it, as sensitive baby skin is prone to getting sore and red if left damp.

How many changing mats do you need?

We recommend having up to 3 changing mats: one for the main nursery or upstairs, one for the downstairs living area and one portable fold-up mat for the nappy bag.

How can I know if I've put the nappy on tight enough?

Aim for a snug, secure fit. If you can comfortably fit two fingers under the waistband and leg cuffs, you've got it just right. If it's leaving deep red marks or pinching, it's too tight.