In this guide
Learning how to change a nappy is one of the first practical jobs that makes fatherhood feel very real. It can look awkward when someone else does it quickly, especially when the baby is wriggling and you are trying to remember which way round the nappy goes.
This guide shows you how to change a nappy safely from start to finish. The most important parts are preparing everything before you begin, keeping one hand close to your baby and cleaning gently.
Newborns may need as many as 10 to 12 nappy changes a day. That gives you plenty of practice, and it also means nappy changes are a regular chance to talk, make eye contact and build familiarity with your baby.
How to Change a Nappy: What you need for a nappy change
Keep a basic changing kit together:
• A clean nappy
• A changing mat or folded towel
• Warm water and cotton wool, or fragrance-free and alcohol-free wipes
• A clean cloth for drying
• A nappy bag or covered bin. Keep plastic nappy bags and other bags away from your baby because they can cause suffocation.
• Barrier cream when needed
• Clean clothes in case the nappy has leaked
Wash and dry your hands before beginning. Put everything within reach so you never need to leave your baby on the changing surface. The NHS guide to changing your baby’s nappy also stresses preparing everything before you start and never leaving your baby unattended.
How to Change a Nappy: Where is the safest place to change a baby?
The safest option is a changing mat on the floor. A changing table can be convenient, but babies can roll unexpectedly. Keep a hand on or immediately beside your baby at all times and never rely on a strap as your only safety measure.
If you are changing your baby on a bed, sofa or public changing unit, check that the surface is clean, stable and away from edges.
How to Change a Nappy: 13 Simple Steps
1. Lay your baby on their back and undo the lower half of their clothing.
2. Open the clean nappy and place it nearby. Unfasten the dirty nappy but leave it underneath your baby for the first part of the clean-up.
3. If there is poo, use the clean front section of the old nappy to remove the worst of it, wiping downwards.
4. Gently lift your baby’s bottom by holding both ankles together and raising the legs slightly. Do not pull them high or force their hips.
5. Fold the dirty nappy inwards under your baby so the clean outer surface is facing up.
6. Clean the nappy area thoroughly. Use warm water and cotton wool or suitable fragrance-free, alcohol-free wipes.
7. Clean girls from front to back to reduce the risk of moving bacteria towards the urinary opening.
8. For boys, clean around the penis and testicles. Do not force back an uncircumcised foreskin. Keep a cloth or the clean nappy loosely over the penis while you work because cold air can trigger a wee.
9. Pat the skin dry, including the folds. Avoid rubbing sore skin.
10. Slide the clean nappy under your baby with the fastening tabs at the back.
11. Bring the front between the legs and fasten each side. It should be secure but not tight. You should be able to slide two fingers comfortably beneath the waistband.
12. Check that the leg frills are pulled out rather than tucked inside, which helps prevent leaks.
13. Dress your baby, place them somewhere safe and then dispose of the dirty nappy. Wash your hands afterwards.
Once you know how to change a nappy, the whole process becomes quicker and calmer. Keep the same basic order each time so you are less likely to forget a clean nappy, drying cloth or change of clothes.
How to change a cloth nappy
The cleaning process is the same. Place the washable nappy beneath your baby, add the liner if your system uses one, then fasten the nappy and waterproof cover according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cloth nappies should fit closely around the waist and legs without leaving deep marks. Store used nappies securely and follow the washing temperature and detergent instructions for your chosen system.
When should you change a baby’s nappy?
Change a dirty nappy as soon as possible. Young babies also need wet nappies changed frequently because prolonged contact with urine and faeces can irritate the skin.
Check the nappy before feeds, after feeds when needed, before sleep and whenever your baby seems uncomfortable. Modern nappies may have a wetness indicator, but you will quickly learn how a used nappy feels.
How to prevent nappy rash
Nappy rash is common and is usually caused by moisture, friction or prolonged contact with wee or poo. Prevention is mostly about basic care:
• Change wet and dirty nappies promptly
• Clean gently rather than scrubbing
• Pat the skin dry
• Give your baby some nappy-free time when practical
• Avoid fragranced soaps, bubble baths and talcum powder
• Check that the nappy fits correctly
• Use a thin layer of suitable barrier cream when the skin needs protection
More cream is not necessarily better. A thick layer can make cleaning harder and may affect how some nappies absorb moisture.
Speak to a pharmacist, health visitor or GP if a rash is severe, bleeding, blistered, spreading into the skin folds, accompanied by fever or not improving after a few days.
Common nappy-changing mistakes
The most serious mistake when learning how to change a nappy is leaving your baby unattended while you fetch supplies. Do not lift them by one leg, force their hips upwards or use scented products on irritated skin.
Avoid showing disgust or turning the change into a stressful event. Babies learn from your face and tone. You can acknowledge that the nappy is impressive without making your baby feel that a normal bodily function is shameful.
You are not only cleaning them. You are teaching them that you are a safe and responsive person who notices discomfort and takes care of it.
Talk to your baby while you work
Nappy changes happen repeatedly every day, so use some of them as connection time. Tell your baby what you are doing, copy their sounds, smile and give them a moment to stretch without the nappy.
You are not only cleaning them. You are teaching them that you are a safe and responsive person who notices discomfort and takes care of it. Learning how to change a nappy confidently also gives you regular one-to-one time with your baby. Once you know how to change a nappy safely, the whole process becomes quicker and less awkward and after a few days, how to change a nappy will feel like an ordinary part of caring for your baby.
How to change a nappy Frequently asked questions
Should you use wipes on a newborn?
Warm water and cotton wool are a gentle option, particularly in the early weeks. Suitable fragrance-free and alcohol-free wipes can also be practical. Stop using a product if it appears to irritate your baby’s skin.
Do you need barrier cream at every change?
Not every baby needs cream at every change. Use a suitable product as directed when the skin needs protection or your healthcare professional recommends it.
How do you stop a baby rolling during a change?
Change them on the floor, keep supplies close, give them a safe toy and maintain a hand near their body. Never leave them on a raised surface because they have not rolled before.
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