by Berni

Created on: October 06, 2009   Last Updated: October 09, 2009

Hints and tips for nappy (diaper) changing

I have been trying to write this article for a while and I have come to realise that in reality there is no right and wrong way to change a nappy, just your way.

Of course there are a lot of hints and tips that can help along the way, especially if you have never (like me) changed a nappy before having your tiny bundle of joy. And there are some simple questions and answers that you may want answering, which I have taken the courtesy of asking mothers and typing out the most common answers so here they are:

Nappy changing Q&As

What did you find challenging when you first changed a nappy?

Changing a newborns diaper is a breeze the only challenging part is the crying as soon as the nappy comes off, they don't like it when the cold air hits their bits, once they can crawl and roll around it can get frustrating trying to hold them down, this is where changing mats with straps come in handy. Though we used a changing table with straps once at the local swimming pool, my son must have been about 8 or 9 months and he managed to sit himself up and wriggle out of the straps! So you have to be quick.

What is the difference between changing a nappy on a boy and changing one on a girl?

Not much. One has a penis, and one has a vagina. You just have to make sure on a little boy that you clean around the sack and that there's no poo on the penis and that you point the penis down when closing the nappy. On a girl you just have to remember to wipe front to back and make sure to clean between the folds.

How do you get around the peeing issues with a boy?

Do everything fast! Once the diaper comes off put something over the penis so that you don't get covered. Newborn boys tend to pee the minute the damn thing comes off. Girls can and will do it too so a top tip is to put a towel underneath and put the vest/sleep-suit about halfway up their back to avoid it being peed on.

How long did it take you to become an expert at changing nappies?

Every baby is different, what works for one baby won't necessarily work for another. As a parent you are constantly learning and adapting your style. This theory can be applied to all aspects of parenting, not just nappy changes.

If you have both gender kids did you find nappies leaked more with a boy or girl? Boys generally seem to leak more than girls, but I personally have never had a problem with my son leaking. It is said that Huggies (I have always used huggies from day one, never pampers

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