How to Change a Baby’s Nappy
Learning to change a nappy can be confusing - but everyone has to start somewhere! This guide is designed for your very first nappy change, covering the basics of nappy features, how often to change your baby and hygiene.
To change out of the old nappy:
- Get ready with your change table or change mat, and a fresh Rascals nappy.
- Lay your baby down on their back and remove the used nappy, by unsticking the two tabs fastened at their hips and pulling the nappy out from underneath them.
- Dispose of it by rolling it into a bundle, and using the grip tabs to seal it on either side. It should look light a rolled burrito with fastened ends.
To clean your baby’s skin before a new nappy:
- Before changing into a fresh nappy gently clean your baby’s bottom, with baby wipes such as Rascals Sensitive Wipes. Using gentle, smooth motions, take extra care to clean between folds of the skin where moisture or get trapped and cause irritation. You can also use a damp wash cloth. Wipe back to front.
- To further prevent skin irritation or nappy rash, you may like to apply a gentle ointment or cream to your baby’s skin. Just be sure to allow the area to completely dry before changing them into a new nappy. You can read more about how to treat nappy rash in this article.
To change into a new nappy:
- Open the fresh nappy outward, so the inside is facing up toward you.
- Open the strong grip tabs (on either side of the nappy), untuck the triple leak guards (elastic sides that run down the nappy) and leg cuffs (ruffled-like material).
- Gently raise your baby’s legs and lower body by their ankles, and slide the fresh nappy underneath. Their bum should be in the middle of the nappy.
- Lay them back down on the nappy and pull the front of the nappy between their legs and up toward their tummy. The Rascals logo should be facing you.
- Before fastening the nappy, make sure the leg cuffs (ruffled material) and leak guards (elastic material inside the leg cuff) are untucked. This will help prevent leaks.
- To secure the nappy, pull the grip tabs over your baby’s hip and fasten it comfortably. There is one on either side. To ensure a comfy fit, you should be able to run a finger inside the nappy along the waistband. This indicates that the nappy isn’t too tight or loose. Our tabs are designed to be resealable, so you can readjust them to get the perfect fit.
How the Nappy Should Fit
- Rascals Stretchy High-Back Waistband™ is designed to sit a little higher on your baby’s back. This makes for a comfy and snug fit to reduce the chance of sneaky leaks or blowouts.
- Make sure the leg cuffs and double leak guards are not tucked in, as these help catch leaks. When opening a new nappy, unfold them so they sit flat on your baby’s skin.
- The most common reason for nappy leaks is the wrong size. Our size range is based on weight, and we recommend choosing a nappy size using our weight range. You can find more information on our size guide.
- Rascals Strong Grip Tabs are resealable, but designed to stay in place once fastened. Our unique fit means that rather than stretchy tabs, our nappies feature an extra stretchy waistband that wraps around your baby’s waist to prevent leaks from escaping.
- Our fit means that when the nappy is on your little one, it should be snug on their tummy (pulled up just under their belly button) and at the same level on their back.
How Often You Should Change Their Nappy
Babies need frequent nappy changes to keep their skin clean, fresh and to help prevent nappy rash. If your baby has sensitive skin, changing their nappy as soon as they wet themselves can prevent further irritation.
It is recommended that your baby’s nappy is changed as soon as possible when they have done a poo.
Newborns may need changing as many times as 10 to 12 times a day, while older babies average 6 to 8 times per day.
Knowing When to Change Their Nappy
Nappy Bag Checklist:
Make sure you have a nappy bag filled with the following to make on-the-go change time easy:
- Change table or change mat
- Clean Nappies (Rascals, of course!)
- Baby Wipes (View the full range of Rascals wipes)
- Nappy cream or ointment
- Change of clothes for your baby (in case of a blowout)
- Disposable bag or bin
FAQs: Changing Your Baby’s Nappy
Understanding how often to change newborn nappy is key to ensuring your baby's comfort. While every baby is different, most newborns will need a nappy change 8-10 times a day. This is due to more frequent bladder movements and to ensure they are comfortable in a clean nappy to help prevent nappy rash. Rest assured, Rascals Premium Nappies offer advanced leak protection to quickly absorb moisture and keep skin dry, and our handy wetness indicator helps you know when to change their nappy – it turns from yellow to purple when full.
The number of nappy changes per day typically decreases as your little one gets bigger, with toddlers only needing 4-6 changes a day.
The necessary supplies for changing a nappy step by step include clean nappies, wipes, a changing pad, and nappy rash cream if needed.