
Changing a newborn's nappy is a frequent task, with babies needing up to 10 to 12 nappy changes per day. The timing of these changes is important to prevent nappy rash and skin irritation. So, should you change your newborn's nappy before or after feeding?
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
How often should you change a newborn's nappy? | In the first few weeks, newborns may need their nappies changed around 10-12 times a day. Older babies need changing 6-8 times a day. |
When is the best time to change a newborn's nappy? | It is recommended to change a newborn's nappy before or after feedings. |
What should you do if your newborn has a dirty nappy? | You should change a dirty nappy as soon as possible to prevent nappy rash. |
What are the signs of nappy rash? | Nappy rash causes red, painful, inflamed skin after contact with urine or faeces. |
How can you treat nappy rash? | You can treat nappy rash with nappy rash cream or ointment. |
How can you prevent nappy rash? | To prevent nappy rash, ensure you change your newborn's nappy frequently, keep their skin clean and dry, and use disposable nappies. |
What are the different types of nappies? | There are two main types of nappies: cloth or disposable. |
What are the advantages of cloth nappies? | Cloth nappies are more environmentally friendly and appeal to parents who prefer a more "natural" style of parenting. |
What are the disadvantages of cloth nappies? | Cloth nappies require more time and energy for cleaning and drying, can be expensive, and are more prone to leakage. |
What are the advantages of disposable nappies? | Disposable nappies are convenient, require less time and energy for cleaning, and are more compact and absorbent. |
What are the disadvantages of disposable nappies? | Disposable nappies have an environmental cost, creating landfill and using water and energy during manufacturing. |
What You'll Learn
How often should I change my newborn's nappy?
Newborn babies need frequent nappy changes. In the first few weeks, you'll need to change your baby's nappy around 10 to 12 times a day. This is because babies have very delicate skin, so their nappies need to be changed as soon as they wet or soil themselves, otherwise, their skin can become sore and red. Changing your baby's nappy as soon as possible after they've done a wee or poo will help prevent nappy rash.
As your baby gets older, they can go longer between nappy changes. From around 6 weeks, breastfed babies may not do a poo for several days. After a few months, formula-fed babies may go down to one poo a day. Older babies need to be changed around 6 to 8 times a day.
You should always put a fresh nappy on your baby at bedtime, as they will be wearing it for a longer period.
Disposable nappies are very handy, but washable cloth nappies work out cheaper if you add up the costs over the years your baby is in nappies.
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What are the health risks of not changing a nappy frequently?
Babies have very delicate skin, so it is important to change their nappy frequently to avoid health risks. Here are some of the possible health issues that can arise if a baby's nappy is not changed often enough:
Nappy rash
Nappy rash is a common issue for babies, and it can be prevented by changing their nappy frequently. Leaving a soiled nappy on for too long can irritate the baby's skin and lead to rashes. It is recommended to change a baby's nappy as soon as possible after they have urinated or passed a bowel movement.
Skin irritation and infection
Prolonged exposure to a soiled nappy can cause skin irritation and potential infection. Urine and faeces are both irritants and can cause the skin to become sore, red, and inflamed. Leaving a baby in a dirty nappy for too long can also lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can cause infections.
Discomfort
A dirty nappy can cause discomfort for the baby. Urine can cause the nappy to become damp and uncomfortable, while faeces can lead to chafing and further skin irritation.
Increased risk of leakage
If a nappy is left on for too long, it can become saturated with urine, increasing the risk of leakage. This can lead to the baby's clothing and bedding becoming soiled, and can also increase the risk of skin irritation and infection.
Impact on sleep
A baby who is uncomfortable due to a soiled nappy may struggle to sleep. Changing the nappy before feeding can help to ensure the baby is comfortable and settled for sleep.
In summary, it is important to change a baby's nappy frequently to prevent skin irritation, infection, and discomfort. Leaving a soiled nappy on for too long can also impact the baby's sleep and increase the risk of leakage.
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How to change a nappy
Preparation
Before you change your baby's nappy, make sure you have everything you need in one place. This includes:
- A changing mat or towel
- Cotton wool and a bowl of warm water, or fragrance-free and alcohol-free baby wipes
- A plastic bag or bucket for the dirty nappy and dirty cotton wool or wipes
- A towel or cloth for drying
- Barrier cream to protect your baby's skin
- A clean nappy (and liner and cover if you're using cloth nappies)
The Nappy Change
- Lay your baby down on their back on the changing mat or towel. If using a change table, always keep one hand on your baby.
- Remove the dirty nappy. If your baby has a nappy rash, apply ointment or barrier cream.
- Clean your baby's nappy area thoroughly from front to back. Use the dirty nappy to clean off most of the poo from their bottom, then use cotton wool and plain warm water (or baby wipes) to remove the rest.
- For baby boys, clean carefully around the testicles and penis, but don't pull back the foreskin. For baby girls, always wipe front to back to avoid getting germs into the vagina.
- Slide the opened nappy underneath by carefully lifting your baby's legs, then pull the front of the nappy between the legs and over the belly.
- If using disposable nappies, secure the sticky tabs. If using reusable nappies, put a liner in and then fasten the nappy.
- Adjust the nappy to fit snugly around the waist and legs. Check it is not too tight by running two fingers between the nappy and your baby's tummy.
- Once you're finished, dress your baby in clean clothes and wash your hands again.
Top Tips
- Smile, chat or sing to your baby while you're changing them. It's a great opportunity for bonding and helps with your baby's development.
- If you have a baby boy, be aware that they sometimes get an urge to wee when you take the nappy off, so position a muslin over their nether regions to prevent pee from getting on the wall, you, or your baby's face.
- If you're using disposable nappies, take care not to get water or cream on the sticky tabs as they won't stick.
- If using cloth nappies, don't cover a newborn's belly button.
- If it's warm enough, let your baby lie on the changing mat without a nappy on for a while. Wearing a nappy all the time makes nappy rash more likely.
- If it's not warm enough to go without a nappy, dry your baby's bottom with a cloth or towel before putting a clean nappy on.
- Wash your hands before and after changing a nappy.
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What products are safe to use when changing a nappy?
It is important to keep your baby's skin healthy and clean during nappy changes. Here is a list of products that are safe to use when changing a nappy:
- A changing mat or towel: It is recommended to use a changing mat or towel on the floor to prevent the baby from falling. This is especially important if you have more than one child, as you may need to tend to the other child momentarily.
- Cotton wool and a bowl of warm water: Cotton wool and warm water can be used to gently clean the baby's nappy area. It is important to clean the area thoroughly, including inside the folds of the skin. For girls, clean from front to back to avoid getting germs into the vagina. For boys, clean around the testicles and penis without pulling back the foreskin.
- Fragrance-free and alcohol-free baby wipes: As an alternative to cotton wool and warm water, you can use gentle, non-scented, alcohol-free baby wipes to clean the baby's nappy area.
- A bag or bucket for dirty nappies: Use a plastic bag or bucket specifically designated for disposing of dirty nappies, cotton wool, and wipes.
- A towel or cloth for drying: After cleaning the baby's nappy area, use a soft towel or cloth to dry their skin before putting on a new nappy.
- Barrier cream: Apply a barrier cream to protect the baby's delicate skin and prevent nappy rash.
- Clean nappy: Put on a clean nappy, ensuring it fits snugly around the waist and legs without being too tight. For cloth nappies, you may need to insert a liner and cover.
Remember to always wash your hands before and after changing your baby's nappy to maintain good hygiene and prevent infections.
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of cloth and disposable nappies?
It is recommended that you change your newborn's nappy before a night feeding. This can wake your baby up just enough that they take a full feed. If your baby poops at the end of a night feed, then it is also recommended to change their nappy after feeding.
Now, here is a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of cloth and disposable nappies:
Cloth Nappies
Advantages
- Cost-effective: Cloth nappies are cheaper in the long run. A single disposable nappy costs around $0.25, and a child will use 5500-6000 nappies before potty training. In comparison, a set of 20 cloth nappies costs around $240-$274 and can be used for multiple children.
- No blowouts: Cloth nappies have better elastic around the legs and back, preventing leaks and reducing the amount of laundry needed.
- Eco-friendly: A single disposable nappy can take up to 1000 years to decompose. Cloth nappies are a more environmentally friendly option.
- Potty training: Babies using cloth nappies tend to potty train sooner, around 26-30 months, compared to 34-36 months for those using disposable nappies. This is because cloth nappies do not wick away moisture as effectively, so babies feel more uncomfortable in wet or dirty nappies.
- Fewer chemicals: Cloth nappies are typically made from breathable cotton fabric and do not contain the same gels and flame-retardant chemicals found in disposable nappies, reducing the risk of skin reactions.
Disadvantages
- Absorbency: Disposable nappies are more absorbent and can be worn for longer periods (3-4 hours) compared to cloth nappies (1.5-2 hours).
- Diaper rash: Cloth nappies may increase the risk of diaper rash due to increased moisture on the skin. Additionally, most diaper rash creams cannot be used with cloth nappies as they can stain or reduce their effectiveness.
- Portability: Cloth nappies are bulkier and less convenient when travelling or going out, as they require a wet bag to store soiled nappies.
- Daycare requirements: Many daycare providers prefer disposable nappies and may be uncomfortable with cloth nappies.
- Laundry: Cloth nappies require more frequent laundry, with a daily load of nappy laundry being common.
Disposable Nappies
Advantages
- Convenience: Disposable nappies are easy to use and can be thrown away after use, without the need for additional laundry.
- Portability: They are compact and easy to carry around, especially when travelling or going out.
- Absorbency: Disposable nappies are more absorbent and can be worn for longer periods, reducing the frequency of nappy changes.
- Daycare: Most daycare providers prefer disposable nappies and are more comfortable using them.
- Cost: While disposable nappies may cost more in the long run, the cost is spread over regular, smaller purchases, making it more manageable for some families.
Disadvantages
- Cost: Over the years, disposable nappies can cost significantly more than cloth nappies, with estimates ranging from $1400 to $2000 per child.
- Environmental impact: Disposable nappies contribute to waste and take a long time to decompose.
- Chemicals: Disposable nappies contain gels and chemicals that may irritate some babies' skin.
- Nappy rash: Despite the increased absorbency, disposable nappies do not necessarily reduce the risk of nappy rash.
- Poo disposal: While it is recommended to dispose of poo in the toilet, some people may find it inconvenient and choose to wrap it up with the nappy, which is against World Health Organisation guidelines.
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Frequently asked questions
In the beginning, expect to change your baby's nappy around 10 to 12 times a day. Change your newborn's nappy whenever they have done a wee or a poo to prevent nappy rash.
It is recommended to change your baby's nappy before a night feeding. This can wake your baby up enough that they take a good, full feed. If you wait until after the feed, it could fully wake them just as they're about to fall back to sleep.
Before changing your baby's nappy, wash your hands and gather the following:
- A changing mat or towel
- Cotton wool and a bowl of warm water, or fragrance-free and alcohol-free baby wipes
- A plastic bag or bucket for the dirty nappy and dirty cotton wool or wipes
- A towel or cloth for drying
- Barrier cream to protect your baby's skin
- A clean nappy (and liner and cover if you're using cloth nappies)