To change a nappy, get everything ready, keep your baby safely supported, gently clean their skin, and put on a fresh nappy. Whether you call it a nappy or a diaper, a simple setup makes the job easier.
The first few changes can feel fiddly. Give yourself time, and ask your midwife or child and family health nurse for a demonstration if you would like one.
Get ready before you start
Have a clean nappy, a washable change mat or towel, cotton wool or a soft cloth with warm water, and spare clothes nearby. A barrier cream suitable for babies can help protect the nappy area. Keep any nappy bags well out of your baby’s reach.
A mat on a clear floor avoids the risk of falling from a change table. If you use a raised changing surface, keep a hand on your baby and never leave them alone, even before they can roll. Take your baby with you if you need to step away. A strap does not replace supervision.
Wash your hands before you begin. Only undo the clothes you need to, so your baby stays comfortable.
How to change a nappy, step by step
- Open the dirty nappy. Undo the tabs or fasteners and fold them back. Keep any soiled fabric away from your baby’s hands and face.
- Clean gently. Wipe from front to back with warm water and a soft cloth or cotton wool. Use a clean part for each wipe and carefully clean the folds where poo collects.
- Move your baby carefully. Support their body while you remove the dirty nappy. Ask your nurse to show you a gentle position if moving or lifting their bottom feels awkward, especially if your baby was premature or has medical equipment attached.
- Pat the skin dry. Avoid scrubbing. If using barrier cream, apply it to clean skin as directed; there is no need to rub off clean cream left from the previous change.
- Fit the fresh nappy. Position it under your baby and fasten it securely without making it tight or leaving pressure marks. Follow the fit instructions for your disposable or reusable nappy.
- Finish and clean up. Redress your baby and put them somewhere safe before disposing of or storing the dirty nappy. Clean the changing surface and wash your hands.
For a baby boy, gently clean around the penis and scrotum without pulling back the foreskin. Point the penis down inside the clean nappy. For a baby girl, keep wiping towards the bottom and do not clean inside the vagina.
If the umbilical cord stump is still attached, fold the nappy below it to help keep it clean and dry. Contact your GP if the surrounding skin becomes inflamed or the area smells unpleasant.
How often should you change a nappy?
Check regularly and change a nappy when it is wet or soiled, particularly after a poo. Checking around feeds is a useful habit, but your baby’s pattern will vary. A wetness indicator can help; it does not tell you everything about the skin underneath.
If you use cloth nappies, follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions and keep soiled nappies and any storage containers out of children’s reach.
Looking after the skin
Frequent changes, gentle cleaning and keeping the skin dry help reduce irritation. Plain water is a good option, especially when the skin is sore. If you use wipes on healthy skin, choose ones suitable for babies and stop if they irritate.
A thick barrier cream, such as a zinc-based nappy cream, can protect sore skin from moisture. Avoid baby powders, including talcum and cornstarch powders, fragranced products and scrubbing. Some supervised nappy-free time on a washable surface can also help.
Ask your GP or child and family health nurse if a rash is not improving after a couple of days. Get medical advice sooner if it is severe, spreading, blistered or very painful, or your baby seems unwell. Use medicated creams only on advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
If your baby is 3 months or younger and has a temperature of 38°C or higher, take them to the nearest emergency department immediately. If your baby is feeding poorly or has noticeably fewer wet nappies than usual, seek urgent medical advice rather than assuming it is just a nappy issue.
Make the next change a little easier
Restock your changing supplies after you finish, so the next clean nappy is already within reach. A spare outfit and a small changing kit can make trips out simpler. Our new baby supplies checklist can help you keep the setup practical.
Sources and further reading
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: nappies and safe changing
- ACCC Product Safety: bathing and changing safely
- The Royal Children’s Hospital: skin and cord care
- The Royal Children’s Hospital: nappy rash
- Healthdirect: fever in children and when to seek care
- Healthdirect: signs of serious illness in babies and children
This guide covers everyday nappy care. Follow any individual instructions from your baby’s care team.