Share your top tips for nappy changing with Asda for the chance to win £100 Asda voucher! *NOW CLOSED*

[KathrynMumsnet]

We’ve been asked by the Asda Little Angels team to find out your tips for nappy changes.

Here’s what Asda Little Angels says: “Here at Little Angels, we understand how busy life can be when looking after your little one. With lots of nappy changes each and every day; from quick changes to messier episodes, we’d love to know your top tips on how to keep baby clean and content! “

So, are there any tips for nappy changing that you wish you had known before you had your baby? Do you have any tricks for preventing leaks? Or maybe you’ve developed a system for speedy nappy changing? Whatever your top tips are, we’d love to hear them!

Everyone who comments on this thread will be entered into a prize draw, where one lucky Mumsnetter will win a £100 Asda voucher.

Please note your tips and comments may be used, along with your MN nickname in an email MN will send out. Your tips and comments may well also be used elsewhere anonymously by Asda.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Get everything ready before you start - couple of wipes out, cream open, clean nappy open. That way you can hold the little wrigglers feet with one hand and change with the other :).

Top tip - don't have any more

Have everything you need to hand before starting. Use the time to chat and sing to your little one, it will keep them distracted from trying to wriggle or crawl away. I always prefer to work on my knees on the floor, no chance of falls for baby or of dropping items from a height.

Foldable changing mats are a wonder. You can change your little one anywhere. Even on the floor or on window sill.
My midwife said always go to the baby change in John Lewis when out and about in town.

Get everything ready before you start - wipes out, cream open, clean nappy open etc, makes it so much easier

Make sure everything is set out and that you have separated the wipes beforehand.

I learnt to always have the clean nappy underneath the dirty one, and to get out a few wipes so they are ready to grab/use (especially when dealing with a number 2!)

Get the replacement nappy unfolded and in close proximity to the bottom before removing the dirty nappy. Where possible wipe whatever you can into the dirty nappy before fully disengaging said nappy.from the bottom. Keep offending nappy well away from feet of baby!

if you don't want it to leak, don't get Dad to do it!!

At 21 months my son is now almost impossible at nappy changes.
What I've found works best is allowing him to hold something he wouldn't normally play with, a pair of socks to try to undo, for example. Something safe to distract them for a couple of minutes is all you need.

Have everything organised before changing a nappy!

carry a good strong bag to put the smelly one in while out - this of course only applies to cloth nappies!

I made sure that all the nappy changing things that could be required at any given time were all in one place, so DH could do the honours without shouting the house down because he couldn't find anything! One box upstairs and one downstairs so it wouldn't be a mad dash upstairs for bappy changes. Also with my DS - it was important to have something to cover his bits, in case he decided to wee mid-nappy change!
I normally keep the nappy sacks in the nappy, so it isn't a faff to get them out of the packet.

Keep everything together in one place - the last thing you want to do is to leave baby whilst you track down a nappy and some wipes!

ALWAYS use nappy cream - even when there is no rash. It leads to a nice, healthy bottom!

First things first ... get everything prepared before the actual nappy change i.e. fresh nappy out of the packet and unfolded, and bag open ready to dispose of the old one. Then strategically slide the new nappy partially underneath before the old one is removed .... that way a quick change can ensure before the little rascal has a chance to do a 'do-do'.
Plus, as they get older, it's an idea to keep their hands occupied with a lego brick or soft toy (easily washable, just in case) ... that way they will be dissuaded from feeling down there and get there hands covered in the aforementioned do-do!!

Best advice I can give - buy, beg, borrow but somehow get hold of a nappy changing table or trolley. They save bending (and backache) and provide storage so nappies, cream and everything you need is at hand.

do it quick and get it over with

My tips would be to have everything ready and start singing as you're changing the nappy or read a book aloud, anything that distracts them from wriggling and crawling/running off is fantastic, oh and be quick :)

I agree, distraction is key for those older babies who are not keen on the nappy changing thing! Singing is good (even though I can't sing).

Have everything ready before you start including the nappy folded out ready to go straight on!!

Hand them a little toy to play with if they are old enough to old to take mind of wriggling!!

I always have 2 books for DS to 'read' while having his nappy changed. As soon as I get everything ready and I show him a story he'll come and lie down for me (well, usually). The 2nd book is incase he finishes one before I've finished.

When changing your baby don't lift her leg too high, it stimulates their bowels and makes them need the loo again. I lifted her leg really high once so I can clean her bottom properly, my head was bent down so I can see more clearly, as I lifted my head up & away from her (luckily) she suddenly decided she needs to poop mid change & it shot out at me & went all over my trousers. Lesson learnt & I never done that again.

Look at the picture on the front! It really helps me to decipher front from back in the gloom of the 3am nappy change so i dont have to light up the room really brightly and wake either myself or the baby any more than needed!

Having a DS 15weeks old who just loves to fire pee from his little water cannon right at the moment I blink or reach to the side for the clean nappy, I decided to just place a piece of cotton wool over the little weapon, this will just be enough to soak up the average pee.