Toileting

How many times will my baby need their nappy changed per day?

Babies will need their nappy changed many times a day. The frequency of nappy changes can vary from child to child, but it is typical for young babies to need to be changed between 10 and 12 times a day while older babies may need to be changed between 6 and 8 times.

Babies need to be changed as soon after they have had a wee or poo as possible, you need to do this to avoid nappy rash (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/nappy-rash/) which is not good for your baby.

Nappy options

Nappy options

Advantages

Disadvantages

Disposable nappies
  • You can change the nappy on the go without having to carry around old, used nappies
  • They can be very absorbable to make them last longer
  • They can be thrown away straight after use
  • They are bad for the environment, taking hundreds of years to break down
  • They can cause nappy rash
  • They can be expensive

Reusable nappies
  • They can be used over and over again by washing them after use
  • They are eco-friendly and can save you money as you don’t have to buy as many
  • Nappy rash is less likely
  • They are softer on your baby’s skin
  • They can take a long time to dry after being washed which can be an issue if you have none dry and ready
  • It can be a big task to wash them as babies need to be changed a lot
  • They are less absorbent than disposable ones

Choosing the right type of nappy for your baby is really important for looking after them. There are a lot of options available and it can be overwhelming as they all have their own pros and cons.

What do you need for changing?

Make sure you’ve got everything you need to hand and in one place so that when your child has an accident you can take care of it quickly and easily. You will need:

  • A mat or towel
  • A bowl of water and alcohol-free baby wipes
  • A bin bag for disposable nappies
  • Barrier cream to apply to your baby’s skin
  • A clean nappy
  • Clean clothes

Where should I change my baby’s nappy

The best place to change their nappy is on their towel or mat on the floor, especially if you have got more than one child. This way you can make sure that your baby is safe on their back in case you need to see to another one of your children. Sit down when you change them so its easier on your back.

If you are using a changing table make sure that you are with them at all times so that there is no risk of them falling off. If there are straps on the table, you cannot rely on them to keep your baby safe, stay with them for the entire time that you are changing them.

Older babies may try and wriggle or crawl away when you are changing them, you could give them a toy to distract them and keep them in place.

Baby poo

The first poos that your baby will have are called Meconium. It will be sticky and a greenish-black colour. Some babies may do this kind of poo during or after birth, or some time in the first 48 hours after birth.

After a few days, their poo will change to a yellow colour. Breastfed babies’ poo will be runnier and won’t smell whereas a baby who is formula fed will have poo that is firmer, a darker colour and smellier.

Formula food can make your baby’s poo dark green. If you change from breastfeeding you’ll find that their poo will get darker and thicker.

If you have a girl, you may see a white discharge on her nappy for a few days after birth. This is normal and caused by hormones that have crossed from the placenta and into your baby but these hormones will disappear from them quickly. Occasionally, these hormones can cause bleeding that is similar to a mini period but again this is normal and not a cause for concern.

Its normal for your baby’s poos to change from day to day, but if you notice that they are becoming extreme, for example they are too hard or too watery or too smelly, you should talk to your doctor or health visitor.

Nappy hygiene

Disposable nappies can be kept rolled up and resealed with the tabs that are on them. When they have been used, roll it up and put it in a plastic bag that is used just for nappies and put it in the outside bin, it’s best not to keep used nappies in any of your inside bins.

Reusable, washable cloth nappies might not need to be soaked before washing but you might want to do this to help get stains off them. There’s nothing that suggests that using washing powders with enzymes (bio powders) will irritate their skin, but its best not to use fabric conditioners on them because it can make them less absorbent and can lead to nappy rash.

Nappies that have poo in them should be washed separately to the rest of your washing and wash your hands after handling nappies. If your child is old enough, encourage them to wash their hands with you, it’s a good habit for them to get into.

How to change a nappy

Making sure you know how to properly change a nappy and clean your child is really important for good hygiene for both you and your baby.

If their nappy is dirty you can use it clean the rest off your baby but you can also use baby wipes and use wipes and water to make them clean.

Then clean the whole area and make sure you clean the inside of the folds in their skin.

Girls should be cleaned from front to back to avoid germs and infection in their vagina, and boys need to be cleaned around the testicles and penis, but there is no need to pull back their foreskin.

If it is warm enough, you should let them lie on the mat on their back for a while, wearing a nappy all the time makes it more likely that they will get nappy rash.

Talk to your baby while you are changing their nappy, this can help you bond and will help their development. Try not to show any disgust at what their poo is like so that you don’t make them think that doing a poo is something to be ashamed off or something they need to avoid, it is best for them that they wee and poo when they need to.

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