Getting the knack of changing a nappy is one of the first things a new father will need to do. While it’s not the most pleasant of jobs, with a little practice, it will become a very simple task to complete.
Before each nappy change, it is important for the father to wash his hands in order to prevent the spread of bacteria. Make sure that there is a clean, uncluttered surface upon which to work. Ideally, that will be a changing table, though it may be necessary to get creative away from home. There should be easy access to such supplies as wipes, cloths and ointment so that any of these can be used during the process.
Open the dirty nappy and use the front portion to clean up any messes on the back end. Because boys are prone to squirting at changing time, it’s a good idea to quickly place a cloth over the penis as soon as it is exposed to minimize the possibility of getting sprayed. Never leave the baby unattended during this process, and if possible keep one hand on the infant at all times.
Lift the baby up by the feet so that the bottom is off the table, and wipe underneath until every part of the buttocks is clean. It’s best to move from front to back in order to minimize the risk of infection. Leave the nappy underneath, folded so that the clean side is facing up.
If rashes are a problem, this is the time to apply ointment or cream. After carefully spreading the cream around the area, remove the dirty nappy and put a clean one down in its place. Spread it out evenly underneath the baby, then bring the front up to meet the back, taking care not to have any bunching around the middle. Fasten the nappy tightly, dress the baby and do one more round of handwashing.
In time, the process will come to feel natural. Every father can become an expert nappy changer with just a little practice.