You will change thousands of nappies in the first years, often half-asleep and with a baby who wriggles more every week. It is easy to get into habits that seem harmless until something goes wrong. A few simple rules for diapering safety prevent falls, rashes and infections. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Quick answer: diapering safety
- Never leave your baby alone on a changing table, bed or sofa, even for a second.
- Keep everything within reach before you start.
- Wipe front to back and keep nappy creams and wipes out of your baby’s reach.
- Wash your hands after every change.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Turning away during a change. Babies can roll from very young. Keep one hand on your baby, or change them on a mat on the floor.
- Not preparing first. Lay out a clean nappy, wipes, cream and clothes before you begin.
- Wiping the wrong way. Wipe front to back, especially for girls, to reduce urinary infections.
- Leaving products within reach. Creams, powders and nappy sacks can be swallowed or cause suffocation. Store them out of reach.
- Using talc. Powder can be breathed in. It is not needed.
- Fastening too tight. You should fit two fingers under the waistband.
- Changing too rarely. Wet or dirty nappies left on cause rash. See how often to change a newborn’s nappy.
- Skipping hand washing. Germs from nappies spread easily.
Setting up a safe changing area
- use a changing table with raised sides and a safety strap, or a mat on the floor
- keep the area away from windows, blind cords and heaters
- store supplies on a shelf or caddy within your reach but not your baby’s
- clean the mat after every dirty change
Caring for the skin
- clean with water and cotton wool or fragrance-free wipes
- pat dry, especially in skin folds
- apply a barrier cream if the skin is red
- give some nappy-free time each day
See diaper rash prevention and treatment and diaper sizes by age and weight.
When to talk to your doctor
- a fall from a changing table or bed, especially with vomiting, drowsiness or unusual behaviour: seek urgent help
- a nappy rash with blisters, open sores or fever
- fewer wet nappies, or blood in the nappy
- pain or crying when weeing
Frequently asked questions
Are nappy sacks dangerous?
Yes, they can cause suffocation. Keep them out of reach, never in the cot or pram.
Should I clean inside a baby girl’s labia?
Wipe gently front to back on the outside. There is no need to clean inside.
Do I need to push back a baby boy’s foreskin?
No. Never force it back; simply clean the outside.
Sources
- NHS: How to change your baby’s nappy
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Diaper changing safety
- Child Accident Prevention Trust: Falls and nappy sacks
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your baby’s skin or a fall, contact your doctor.