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Basic Care - Nappy Change

Basic Care - Nappy Change

26 November 2018

Basic Care - Nappy Change

​As part of our basic care series, we’re bringing you a new video and article each week on how to perform the simple basic care tasks needed to take care of your baby.

This week’s focus is on nappy changes. You can watch the video below or read on to see our step by step guide to follow.

1. To begin you want to start by washing your hands to ensure you’re not passing on any germs or bacteria to your baby.
Gather everything you need so everything is close to hand, and you don’t have to leave your baby unattended. You will need:

2. A changing table or changing mat depending on whether you’re changing the baby on a floor or raised surface.
- A clean nappy
- A nappy sack for the dirty nappy
- Alcohol-free wet wipes
- Toys to entertain your baby
- Clean clothes if needed.

3. Start by removing the bottom half of your baby’s clothes if they have separate top and bottoms on – we want to make sure they’re as warm as possible so don’t remove clothing unnecessarily.

4. Remove the soiled nappy and place it into a nappy sack.

5. Use a fresh wet wipe for each wipe and make sure you wipe front to back to avoid infection.

6. Wipe in between the folds of their legs until completely clean.

7. Put a new nappy on the baby making sure you can fit two fingers in front of the nappy so it’s not too tight but be sure it’s tight enough that it won’t fall off.

8. If their clothes are dirt change these for fresh clean ones but if not put the previous clothes back on.

9. Be sure that when you’re changing your baby’s nappy that you’re engaged with it and talking to it to reassure it and keep it entertained. If needed you can use toys to keep the baby entertained and still if they are moving a lot.

10. Always remember to wash your hands after!

Remember to check your baby’s nappy frequently, and change them after every poo, nap or feed. Babies do an average of 4 poos a day in their first week and this can go down to 2 a day by the time they’re 1.

If you notice a definite change of any kind, such as the poos becoming very smelly, very watery or harder (particularly if there's blood in them), you should talk to your doctor or health visitor.

For further help and advice see:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/nappies/

 

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