Frequency of nappy changing is an important skill that every new parent needs to master. Changing your baby’s nappy on time can not only keep your baby dry and comfortable, but can also effectively prevent skin problems such as nappy rash. So how often should you change your baby’s nappy? Here are some detailed suggestions and guidelines.
1. Adapt the frequency of changing to the baby’s age
Neonatal stage:
Newborn babies have small bladders, frequent urination and very sensitive skin. Therefore, it is recommended to change the nappy every 2-3 hours to prevent the urine from irritating the skin for a long time and causing nappy rash.
When the newborn has a bowel movement, the nappy should be changed immediately to avoid skin irritation from faeces.
3-6 months:
As the baby grows and the amount of urine increases, the frequency of nappy changes can be reduced accordingly. However, it is recommended that you maintain the frequency of changing every 3-4 hours or decide according to the amount of urine in the nappy.
If the baby has a lot of urine, the nappy should be changed on time, even if it is not time for a nappy change.
6 months and older:
Babies over 6 months may need to be changed every 4-5 hours during the day. However, if the baby is sleeping well at night and the nappy is not leaking or the baby is not uncomfortable, the interval may be extended.
However, to avoid discomfort and skin problems caused by long periods without a nappy change, it is advisable to change the nappy at least once at night.
2. tips to keep your baby dry and comfortable
Choose the right nappy:
Choose nappies that are soft, breathable and absorbent to reduce irritation from urine and faeces on your baby’s skin.
Choose the right nappy size for your baby’s body shape and activity level, and make sure the nappy fits snugly against your baby’s body to prevent urine leakage.
Change your nappy on time:
Change your baby’s nappy immediately after he or she has urinated or defecated to keep his or her skin dry and clean.
When changing a nappy, check the baby’s skin carefully for signs of redness, swelling, damage or nappy rash so that it can be treated in time.
Keep the skin clean:
Before each nappy change, gently wipe baby’s bottom, thighs and perineum with warm water and a soft cotton towel or baby wipes to make sure the skin is clean and free of residue.
After wiping, gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel and avoid wiping with rough paper towels to avoid damaging the skin.
Use nappy cream:
After each nappy change, you can apply a thin layer of nappy cream to your baby’s bottom to help create a protective barrier and reduce irritation from urine and faeces on the skin.
Nappy cream should be mild and non-irritating, and avoid using nappy cream with fragrances or chemical ingredients.
Pay attention to your baby’s diet and daily routine:
Your baby’s diet and routine will also affect the frequency of nappy changes. For example, breastfed babies urinate more and may need to be changed more often.
If the baby sleeps well at night, you can change the nappy less often, but you also need to make sure that the nappy is not too wet and uncomfortable for the baby.
In summary, the frequency of nappy changes should be based on the baby’s age, the amount of urine and bowel movements. At the same time, choosing the right nappy, keeping the skin clean, using nappy cream and paying attention to the baby’s diet and daily routine are also important tips for keeping the baby dry and comfortable.