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Returns 5 Top Tips For Easy Nappy Changing
This weeks blog post has come about as a result of feedback from various facebook fans, who commented on our Cheeky Wipes Clean up video, saying that it was all well and good but a bit different if you were wiping poo from an actual wriggly baby!
Good point well made.
For those of you who haven't had your bubs yet, or whose bubba's are all still at the newborn not moving very much stage, take this as a warning.
Your newborn baby will, at some stage, decide that they don't like or want their nappy changed. Or would like to play with their penis or vulva whilst you're wiping. Or decide that they want to pick a raisin out of aforementioned poo and investigate further....
And whilst I'm not a nappy changing expert, I have changed the nappies of all 4 of my kids over a period of 8 years, many times a day. And that's including having two babies in nappies at the same time, so here's 5 top tips for easy nappy changing:
Be prepared for the nappy change
Get everything ready before you need to do the nappy change:
- Clean Nappy
- Wipes
- Nappy Cream or Barrier cream to prevent nappy rash
- Nappy sack or nappy bin for the dirty nappy and wipes
You don't have to have an actual changing area to clean your baby, a mat or towel on the floor would do! We don't since no1 son wriggled his way off the changing table at 4 months but keep your nappies and wipes in one place. I can say hand on heart that the advice to keep an eye on your baby at all times is VERY relevant! Luckily he landed on his padded bum and was absolutely fine.
This means you don't have to use a changing table, but a waterproof washable change mat is super handy and VERY absorbent!
Nothing worse than starting to strip off your baby's bottom to deal with a messy poo and realising that you don't have the clean nappy on hand! Same goes for any nappy cream or wet and wipe spray you might need. We only use nappy cream if our baby has a sore bum, but always good to have it readily available.
Reusable Wipes make nappy changing quicker and easier!
Use reusable wipes
Obviously massively biased but reusable wipes do make the job of nappy changing much quicker and easier.
Why? Well they have a bit more traction, so don't smear poo around like disposable wipes, just remove it quickly and easily. That's why we say 'Just use one for a nice clean bum'
You also won't put your finger through a reusable wipe and end up with poo all over your hands! Plus they can be used with disposable or cloth nappies.
Distraction
This technique works very well from an early age. I know some people have used cot mobiles or black and white images beside the changing area to give very small babies something to focus on.
Once they start being more responsive and wriggly, you could start singing to them, a special changing song, or lullabye is always good. We always liked 'We are the Cheeky Girls' as the chorus seemed very relevant when wiping with Cheeky Wipes and it entertained us!
When they get a little bigger and are able to clap and wave, it's brilliant to do songs than involve them making actions as it entertains them AND keeps their hands busy and away from their nappy. Brilliant.
Giving your baby something to play with
This also works well. Car keys if you're out and about are always useful here, but also teething rings or rattles. Even a Cheeky Wipe to chew on will keep them occupied while you get on down below.
The wrestling hold
There are some occasions when even the best of distractions won't work.
Your baby might be tired, grumpy, or just have got out of the wrong side of bed. You might be tired, grumpy, or just have got out of the wrong side of bed.
For some reason, this always feels much worse when you're pregnant and not very mobile. Wrestling with a strong toddler at 9 months pregnant is NOT fun, especially if they're lashing out and kicking out your poor belly.
Extreme circumstances call for extreme measures.
I find that pinning your baby gently to the floor with your (bare) feet on their upper arms works a treat. They can't move but aren't being hurt, simply restrained. They won't like it, but quite frankly it's not pleasant being kicked by their flailing arms and legs.
Have you got any other top tips to share? Let us know...
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About the Author: Helen Rankin is founder of Cheeky Wipes, the original environmentally sustainable baby wipes kit, founded in 2008. Having had 4 children, she doesn't consider herself an expert in anything aside from herding kittens and creating fabulous 'Simple Reusables' which help save the planet. The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on helping people make the switch to reusables EASY, and love to talk pee, poo and periods. All day long.
