It is very important to change your baby’s nappy as often as required as failure to do so can cause nappy rash and other conditions. If, like many new parents, you are unsure as to how to do this, our guide on how to change a nappy can help. The step by step guide includes information about everything from what equipment you will need to nappy disposal. If you want to avoid leaks, lop sided nappies and other common mistakes, get some practice in today.

Before you learn how to change a nappy, you need to make sure you have everything you need. You will need the following items:

Once you have all of the above, wash your hands thoroughly and you’re ready to get started.

  1. Lie baby on their back on a changing mat or towel (be careful not to leave baby on a high surface), unfasten the nappy tabs and use the nappy to wipe away as much poo as possible.
  2. Lift baby’s legs by holding the ankles and remove the dirty nappy. Fold the dirty nappy in half (unsoiled side up) and place it out of reach carefully.
  3. Use warm water and cotton wool or baby wipes to clean baby’s nappy area. Remember to wipe front to back with girls and to clean boys’ testicles and penis thoroughly. This helps to prevent infection.
  4. Dry the area if required before lifting baby’s legs and placing clean nappy underneath – the half with the tabs should go under your baby’s bottom, while the absorbent side should come up between baby’ legs.
  5. Fasten the nappy using the sticky tabs and adjust so it is a snug fit but the nappy should not be so tight as to pinch baby’s skin. At this point you may want to use nappy rash cream to prevent nappy rash.

In time, you will be a nappy changing machine and the only hard part will be disposing of all the dirty nappies. We recommend using a Nappy Wrapper System. Our system provides protection from germs and locks away all odours using a Twist & Lock system. And if you can learn how to change baby’s nappy, you’ll have no problems with our easy to use easi-push plunger system to push nappies in to the tub.

For more information about baby changing, view our baby changing advice section. It includes information about how often baby poos and what baby poo should look like.