How to Dadda
How to Dadda
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Skills

Change a nappy

Five minutes the first time. Under two once the kit lives in one place. Difficulty: easy

What this is for

Dadda does this more than anything else. It is only quick when the kit is in reach.

Before Dadda starts

Within reach before bub goes down:

  • A clean nappy.
  • Wipes, or cotton wool and water.
  • Cream, if he uses it.
  • A spare cloth, for the mid-change wee.
  • A bin or a bag.

Cloth fastens its own way. Its instructions beat this page.

A midwife will show him one before he goes home.

The steps

  1. Lay bub on their back. Keep a hand on bub.
  2. Undress the bottom half. Undo the nappy.
  3. Wipe the worst off with the nappy's front. Fold it in.
  4. Lift the legs. Clean the skin front to back.
  5. Clean the genitals gently. No pulling a foreskin back, no spreading labia. Come on, what do you expect to learn?
  6. Cream on, if he uses it. Old cream can stay.
  7. Slide the clean nappy under, legs still up.
  8. Point the penis down, if bub is a boy.
  9. Fasten the tabs, clear of a newborn's belly button.
  10. Dress bub, put them somewhere safe, bin the nappy, wash your hands.

What goes wrong

  • Stepping away. Babies roll off change tables in seconds. Bub comes too.
  • Wiping back to front. Always front to back.
  • Penis pointing up. Point it down before the tabs.
  • Leaving a wet one on. Every 3 to 6 hours, or after a poo.

Dadda's note

What did you expect to learn here?! It's not rocket science :D

— Josh, on HOW-160.

Also look at

  • Nappies to buy
  • Change mat