Top 10 tips for washing and changing your baby

By Nicola Conville.

As a new parent, changing nappies and giving your baby a bath are some of the first skills you’ll learn. It can be tricky handling those wriggly little bodies, though, so we asked mums to share their best advice for keeping baby happy and clean.

"At home, instead of using baby wipes for nappy changes, keep a small container of water at the change table and use water and make-up removal pads to clean baby’s bottom. It’s cost effective and more natural for baby." - Heidi Moodey, mum to Thomas, 8 months.

“If your baby tends to squirm a lot during change time keep some small toys next to the nappies that you can give her to hold, or hang a mobile above the change table. It will distract her and allow you to get on with the task at hand!” – Jane Lawless, mum to Frankie, age 13 months.

“From the time my son was a few weeks old, my husband used to take him into the shower in the mornings before he went to work. It was much quicker than filling a bath and it was a great way for them to bond together. My son still loves the shower and doesn’t mind when the water runs over his face as he got used to it so early on.” - Denise McGrath, mum to Cedar, 3.

“When changing your baby’s nappy in the middle of the night, do it halfway between a feed. So if you are breastfeeding, for example, feed bub on one side, then do the nappy change and feed on the other side. That way they’ll be nice and sleepy and ready to go back down to bed, rather than being roused awake at the end of a feed by being changed.” - – Geraldine Beauman, mum to Robbie, 14, and Liam, 7.

“Let your baby have nappy-free time every day if you can. A good time to do this is just after a bath. They love to wriggle free and getting some fresh air on that little tush helps prevent nappy rash. Just place a clean towel under bub if you’re worried about tinkles.” – Zoe Smith, mum to Annabelle, 9 months.

“When you’re changing your baby’s nappy, explain to them what you’re doing each step of the way. You might feel a bit silly saying ‘now I’m going to change your nappy, now I’m wiping your bottom, now we’re putting on some balm… and so on, but babies like to know what to expect and it’s also a way of showing your baby consideration and respect.” – Bec Chadwick, mum to Daniel, 7, and Poppy, 3.

“Nappy bags are great but can be a bit cumbersome at times. Whenever you leave home, pack a slim clear plastic pouch with a couple of nappies, some nappy bags, wipes and balm and take it with you in your handbag. That way, if you just need to do a quick change, you won’t be carting a big bag into the loo with you. This works very well on airplanes as the bathrooms there are so small.” – Yvette Doyle, mum to Sebastian, 20 months.

“To avoid nappy rash, change your baby’s nappy regularly and ensure their bottom is dry after cleaning it. You can let it air dry or pat it dry with a soft, clean, dry cloth. Apply some balm, then put on the fresh nappy and you’re good to go.” – Vicky Hall, mum to Gemma, 8, and Alexandra, 3.

“When bathing your baby, place one hand behind his head and neck for support, and with the other, hold his leg gently, circling one thigh with your thumb and index finger. Once you feel he’s secure, remove the hand that’s on his leg and scoop water gently over his body. Most babies love baths as it reminds them of being in the womb, so bathing your baby before bed is a good way to relax them.” – Carole Seidlitz, mum to Gillian, 9.

“It’s a good idea to have a few nappy-changing areas in your home. If your baby has their own room, their change table or station will most likely be in there, but keep a change mat, nappies and wipes in a bedside drawer in your room too, and some in your living room. Or use a portable nappy carrier to take from room to room with you. It saves a lot of running around.” – Amy Rollins, mum to Zara, 5 and Zia, 15 months.