Nappies
Parents and carers will change hundreds or even thousands of nappies as their baby grows.
Changing a nappy
Changing a baby's nappy can be done on a safe, flat surface, like a change table, bed, floor or even the boot of a car. Make sure these surfaces are safe so your baby doesn’t roll or fall during a change.
Parents and carers should also use good posture when changing a baby to avoid discomfort or back pain.
Steps to change a nappy:
- Get everything you need:
- clean nappy
- wipes or damp washcloth
- barrier cream
- spare clothes
- bag or bin for dirty nappies.
- Lay baby down on the change mat or flat surface. Keep them entertained with a toy or song.
- Take off clothing from their bottom half, pulling clothes down to avoid spreading poo.
- Open the dirty nappy.
- Lift baby’s legs gently so their bottom is raised off the surface.
- Clean your baby’s bottom from front to back, using clean wipes every time.
- Be gentle around sensitive areas like genitals.
- Place used wipes inside the dirty nappy, use the sticky tabs to close and place in the bin.
- Open a clean nappy and slide it under baby's bottom, applying barrier cream if needed.
- Fasten the nappy snuggly but not too tight. Check the leg cuffs are fluffed out.
- Dress your baby, give them a cuddle and tidy anything else up.
"Poo explosions" and nappy leaks are common in the first year. Try and clean all poo and urine off a baby's skin, giving them a bath where appropriate.
Nappy care and safety
Changing nappies is one of the biggest elements of baby hygiene.
Both disposable and reusable nappies have their pros and cons:
- Disposable nappies are easier to use but can contribute more waste.
- Reusable nappies can save money and reduce waste but need regular washing.
Make sure you have a safe, clean space in the home to change nappies and never leave your baby unattended on a change table.
As babies start to roll and crawl, changing them on their backs can become challenging. When a baby becomes too active to change on their back, try standing them up and using nappy pants.
Never leave your baby unattended on a changing table, even if they are secured with a strap.
Nappy hygiene
Good nappy hygiene helps avoid the spread of germs, prevents infection and protects against nappy rash.
Tips for nappy hygiene:
- wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after changes
- move dirty wipes and nappies away from your baby straight away
- seal disposable nappies and wipes in a tied plastic bag or nappy bin, keeping them out of reach of curious pets and other children
- flush any solid poo from reusable nappies down the toilet before washing
- apply nappy cream around the anus and penis or vulva before putting on a fresh nappy
- wash reusable nappies in hot water (above 60° C) and make sure they are fully dry before reuse.
| If your baby has a penis: | If your baby has a vulva: |
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Nappy rash
Nappy rash can be common in babies. It happens when urine or poo stay on the skin for too long. Some babies have more sensitive skin and more likely to experience nappy rash.
You can prevent and manage nappy rash by:
- changing nappies regularly - every 2-3 hours and straight after seeing or smelling urine or poo
- avoiding plastic nappy covers
- using barrier creams with zinc oxide
- avoiding using talcum powder, soap or fragranced products
- giving your baby nappy-free time to air out their skin
- checking for rashes and seeing a doctor if it doesn’t improve.
See the Nappy rash factsheet for more information.
Poo and wee
| Wee | Your baby’s wee should be pale and not smell. Dark or smelly wee might mean they aren’t drinking enough. Look for:
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| Newborn poo | A newborn’s first poo is black and sticky, known as meconium. After a few days, poo will turn greenish-brown, then yellow or mustard as breastmilk or formula starts. |
| Poo in breastfed babies | During the first few days, breastfed babies will have poo often due to the laxative effect of colostrum in breast milk. Poo starts to become soft, yellow or mustard-coloured, similar to toothpaste consistency. They will usually do 3 or more poos a day during the first 6 weeks. This is a good sign of enough breastmilk. |
| Poo in formula fed babies | Babies fed with formula generally have firmer and less runny poos. Formula-fed poo looks like thick paste and is yellow-brown or greenish-brown. |
| Poos when starting solids | Once your baby starts eating solids, their poo becomes more formed, browner and smellier. |
Warning signs
Sudden changes in a baby's poo can be concerning.
See your doctor if you notice:
- black sticky poo of newborns doesn’t change in the first few days
- your baby has not done a poo in the first 24 to 48 hours after birth
- no wind or gas passing
- constipation - small, hard poo causing baby to strain
- diarrhea - loose, watery poo
- blood in the poo
- pale yellow, white or grey poo
- green, frothy and explosive poo
- mucus in the poo.
Take a photo of the poo if you are worried. It can help the doctor or nurse find what is going on with your baby.
See the Constipation factsheet for more information.