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Changing a nappy

By Giulia Draycott

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Changing a wet nappy can be incredibly quick and easy - the work of a few seconds for an experienced hand. But, now and then, dealing with a really dirty nappy can turn into a scene of total mayhem. It's all part of the joy of motherhood...

If you're new to parenting, or expecting your first baby, it may come as a bit of a shock to realise that you'll probably be changing about six nappies a day, for up to three years. According to Cheshire County Council, the average baby gets through 5000 nappies by the age of two and a half¹.

So yes, you're going to be changing a lot of nappies. Within a few weeks of your baby being born, you'll probably be whipping out the baby wipes with barely a moment's thought. But in the first hazy, scary days of being a new mother, you may feel as if you don't have a clue.

Panic not. Our guide to nappy changing will get to the bottom of what you need to know.

Buying nappies

• Nappies come in a range of sizes to suit your growing baby, with leading brands offering nappies in the smallest size for newborns from 4 to 11lbs (2 to 5kg) in weight.
• Most supermarkets also offer their own brand ranges of nappies as well as more environmentally friendly brands and own-brand ranges. These are often cheaper, but also perform well. The right choice is purely down to personal preference.
• A huge choice of nappies is available. Each brand offers various different nappy products, each promising different benefits such as protection for sleep time, a secure fit for new babies or greater stretch for active babies.

Choosing a disposable nappy

If you're sleep deprived and feeling less than lively, you may find yourself swaying in front of the nappy range unable to decide whether you want a 'natural fit' or 'secure fit'. In reality, the differences are not that great and any nappy will do the job, as long as it's changed regularly.

You may be tempted to plan ahead and buy in bulk in response to special offers before your baby is born. But before you get carried away, consider where you're going to store all those big nappy packets.

Don't forget that your baby may grow much more rapidly than you had expected, leaving you with lots of newborn nappies that no longer protect against leaks effectively. To be on the safe side, buy as you go, so you can make sure you're buying the right size and fit for your baby's development.

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