Hello, new parents and soon-to-be parents! Welcome to the world where tiny toes, soft wails, and yes, numerous diaper changes become part of your daily life. The thought of changing your baby’s diapers might make you squirm now, but trust us, you'll soon be doing it with your eyes closed (figuratively, of course).
Understanding the Frequency of Diaper Changes
First off, let's tackle a question most new parents ask: How often do newborns need diaper changes?
Newborns urinate approximately every one to three hours and have about two to five bowel movements a day. This frequency means you'll be changing diapers around 10 to 12 times a day. Yes, that's a lot! And get this: most of the times, your newborn will not poop or pee on a dirty nappy, so even if you changed them already, you can still do the same thing after five minutes.
A wet or soiled nappy adds significantly to a baby's discomfort. It can lead to rashes and irritation, making your little one fussy. So, keeping them dry and comfortable is key to a happy baby and, by extension, happy parents.
Becoming a Pro at Changing Diapers
It's normal to feel worried about diaper duties, especially if you're a first-time parent. But remember, confidence comes with experience. Every parent has been through the learning curve and survived to tell the tale.
Here are some seasoned tips to make the process smoother, safer, and maybe even enjoyable for you and your baby:
1. Know when it’s time
The first step into becoming a nappy-changing pro, and being a parent, really, is being in tune with your child’s needs. It may not come naturally at first, but spend more time with your newborn and you’ll be able to interpret their cues and tell whether they’re crying about being hungry, sleepy, or complaining about a dirty diaper.
Meanwhile, here are some signs to look out for that indicate it’s time to change your baby’s nappy:
- The diaper looks swollen or plump.
- Baby seems uncomfortable or fussy.
- The wetness indicator strip has changed colour (every good diaper has one).
- Baby wakes up crying (wet diapers can disturb their sleep).
And for hygienic reasons, it’s best to change your newborn’s diapers if it’s been two to three hours since you last did to prevent skin irritation.
Trust your instincts as a parent; as you get to know your baby, you'll better anticipate and react to their needs, whether it's during a late-night diaper blowout or recognizing signs that something is amiss.
2. Set your station up for success
Have a designated changing area equipped with all essentials: diapers (make sure you never run out of this!), baby wipes, a changing mat, rash cream and a garbage bin. Some parents find it helpful to have multiple stations in different parts of the home. Make sure everything is within arm's reach to avoid leaving your baby unattended.
3. Master the technique
Lay your baby down safely on their back on the changing pad. Gently lift their legs by the ankles to remove the dirty diaper.
Then, clean your baby thoroughly with baby wipes, front to back, especially for girls, to avoid any infection. Once clean, slide a fresh diaper under them, pull the front up, and secure the tabs snugly but not too tight. Remember, practice makes perfect!
4. Connect with your baby
Diaper changing can be a great bonding time. Talk, sing, or make funny faces to keep your baby entertained. This interaction not only soothes your baby but also turns a routine task into a loving exchange.
Be prepared for surprises with newborns, who can be unpredictable, like unexpected peeing or pooping during diaper changes. Staying calm is crucial because babies sense your emotions, and maintaining a positive demeanour helps both of you.
5. Go for high-quality newborn diapers
Not all diapers are created equal. Look for ones that are soft and gentle to your baby's skin, and offer a good fit to prevent leaks. Diapers designed specifically for newborns often have a cut-out notch to avoid irritating the umbilical cord stump.
MamyPoko Air Fit: Our Softest to skin diaper for your Baby's Delicate Skin Comfort
If you’re still on the hunt for the best brand of diapers for your newborn, or you’re still building your stash to welcome your little one, here’s a pro recommendation that you’ll surely love.
Try MamyPoko Air Fit Diapers, the brand’s softest to-skin diaper, made with Airy soft material that provides maximum comfort while preventing skin irritation.
Worried about your baby’s sensitive skin? These diapers contain three plant oils - Olive, Rice bran, and Jojoba oils - known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They’re also allergy tested and OEKO TEX Certified, which only means that they are certified with the World’s highest level of safety from harmful substances. Definitely something you want for any product for your newborn.
Made with Japan-patented technology, MamyPoko Air Fit Newborn Diapers feature a loose stool stopper that fits snugly around the baby’s back and thigh, preventing leaks (it’s common for newborns to have loose and watery stools).
Aside from being soft and gentle on the skin, its breathable design allows airflow, keeping your baby cool and comfortable.
Plus, the navel waistline protects your baby's unhealed navel, while the wetness indicator lets you know when it's time for a change.
Helpful Feature for New Parents
MamyPoko Air Fit Newborn Diapers are also the first in the market to have the bottom mark indication which provides a baby's bottom placement guide.
This lets you know where to place the baby in the diaper so that you don't have to adjust and readjust the diaper back and forth. Cool, right?
Remember, every parent was once a beginner. With a bit of preparation and a lot of love, and with the right tools and products, you'll be managing newborn diaper changes like a pro in no time.
What did we tell you? MamyPoko’s got your back, and your baby’s bottom too.
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