How to change your baby's nappy

Make sure you have everything you are likely to need and choose somewhere warm and safe to change your baby’s nappy. A changing mat on the floor is fine.

• Remove the clothes on the lower half of your baby’s body and pull them up so they are out of the way and not likely to get wet or dirty.
• Undo the nappy and use the front of it to clean off any faeces clinging to his skin.
• Remove the nappy, folding it over as you do so, and place it out of reach of your baby.
• If you have a boy, you may want to place a baby wipe or disposable nappy liner over his penis, as baby boys have a habit of peeing the moment their nappy is off!
• Wipe his skin in the nappy area using cotton wool and warm water or baby wipes. Change the cotton wool often as it becomes soiled. Take care to clean all those important little creases, but there's no need to pull a boy's foreskin back or poke into any orifices.
• Hold your baby’s ankles together and lift his legs so that you can slide a clean nappy underneath his bottom.
• If using nappy cream apply a little now.
• Do up the nappy and secure with tabs or pins as needed.
• If using terry nappies put on a pair of plastic pants.
• Do up his clothes.
• Place him somewhere safe while you sort out the dirty nappy.
  
  

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