Nappies

Choosing which nappy you will use for your baby will depend on what is important to you and your family. In the first few years of your child’s life, you’re going to be changing a lot of nappies – probably around 6000! There are a number of things to consider, such as cost, convenience and the environment.

There are several types of nappies that are available, some reusable, others disposable.

Getting organised

Get everything you need in one place before you start. The best place to change a nappy is on a changing mat or towel on the floor, particularly if you have more than one baby. That way, if you need to see to another child for a moment, the baby can’t fall.

Sit down so that you don’t hurt your back. If you’re using a changing table, keep an eye on your baby at all times. Don’t walk away or turn your back, even for a few seconds. Babies falling off change tables when mothers are searching for nappies or wipes in bags and other places is a common way for babies to be injured.

Always have a good supply of nappies. If you’re using cloth nappies it might take a while to get used to how they fold and fit. Pre-wash them to make them softer. Take care to choose the right size of nappy and cover for your baby’s weight.

You’ll need a supply of either cotton wool and warm water, or baby wipes. It’s also a good idea to have a spare set of clothes handy, especially in the first few weeks.

Getting started

If your baby’s nappy is dirty, use the nappy to clean off most of the poo from your baby’s bottom. Then use the cotton wool and warm water (or baby lotion or baby wipes) to remove the rest and get your baby really clean.

Girls should be cleaned from front to back to avoid getting germs into the vagina. Boys should be cleaned around the testicles (balls) and penis, but there’s no need to pull back the foreskin. It’s just as important to clean carefully when you’re changing a wet nappy.

If you’re using cloth nappies, put in a nappy liner then fasten the nappy around your baby. Adjust it to fit snugly round the waist and legs. If you’re using disposable nappies, take care not to get water or cream on the sticky tabs as they won’t stick if you do.

It can help to chat to your baby while you’re changing them. Pulling faces, smiling and laughing with your baby will help you bond and help their development.

How to change nappies - video

Video provided by Raising Children Network.

Different types of nappies

There are several types of nappies that are available, some reusable, others disposable.

Reusable

• Cloth squares - these are folded and fastened with pins or clips, and work best with a good-quality waterproof cover or pilcher. They fit snugly and are made of fabric that absorbs liquid, usually cotton (terry, flannelette), and also hemp, bamboo or a blend. Detergent makes some cloth nappies go hard over time, so using a wool mix is better.
• All-in-ones - these have a waterproof layer on the outside or near the outside layer. They’re as easy to use as disposables, but a lot cheaper. They don’t need extensive soaking or bleaching and can be fastened with velcro, clips or press studs.
• Pocket nappies - these have a water-resistant outer fitted shell, with a layer sewn to the shell along three sides and open at one end. Absorbent inserts are placed between the shell and the layer to absorb the liquid. The absorbency level can be adjusted with inserts made of different materials.

Disposable

• Disposables - generally consist of a plastic outer layer, a layer of super-absorbent chemicals, and an inner liner. They come in different packet sizes and are made for a range of ages.
• Biodegradable disposables - these use a non-chemical absorption method. When you throw them away, they break down completely in landfill over time. They’re made from a variety of materials, such as bamboo, fabrics and paper pulp. These nappies are better for the environment, but are often more expensive than non-biodegradable disposables.

Cost and convenience

When weighing up the pros and cons of disposable vs reusable nappies, you might want to think about some of the following questions:

• What about financial costs? Cloth nappies are generally cheaper, but you might switch between types over the time your baby is in nappies, so it’s worth taking a look at the costs. You can do your own breakdown of the cost differences between reusable and disposable nappies – work out how many disposable nappies are in the packet and how many nappies you use every day. This will show you how much you’re spending on disposable nappies.
• Will you want to wash nappies rather than throw them away? For example, you might consider the time spent washing versus the smell of soiled nappies in your bin.
• What about when you’re out and about? Will you find reusables or disposables more convenient? Does this matter to you?
• What type of nappy will perform the best? Is one type likely to result in less leakage or fewer daily changes? For example, reusable nappies will need to be changed more frequently than highly absorbent disposable nappies.
• What are the environmental costs? Are environmentally friendly options important to you?

Nappy hygiene

Put as much of the contents as you can down the toilet. If you’re using nappies with disposable liners the liner can be flushed away but it’s best to only flush liners that are soiled with poo. Don’t flush the nappy as it can block the toilet.

Disposable nappies can be rolled up and resealed, using the tabs. Put them in a plastic bag kept only for nappies, then tie it up and put it in an outside bin. Washable cloth nappies can be machine washed at 60°C, or you could use a local nappy laundry service.

To avoid infection, wash your hands after changing a nappy and before doing anything else.

Safety tips

• If you are soaking nappies in a bucket, remember that even small amounts of water can be a drowning hazard for babies and young children.
• Never leave hot or boiling liquids unattended or within reach of children.
• Keep chemicals and chemical solutions out of reach of children.

Sources: NHS Choices (UK) (How to change a nappy) , Raising Children Network (Nappies: cloth nappies and disposable nappies)