David Beckham says it’s one of his passions, Channing Tatum is apparently “solid” at it, but change time isn’t always all sunshine and rainbows.
In fact, it can leave you feeling all sorts of frazzled, wondering “how did that get all the way up there” and if you’re really unlucky, getting an unexpected ‘splash’ to the face.
Here are seven expert hacks that will make change time a more pleasant experience for both you and your little one.
1. Keep everything you need as close as possible
Take a few minutes to gather everything (clean nappies, a warm cloth or gentle wipes, rash cream, baby powder and a spare change of clothes) within arm’s reach before starting to change, so that you don’t get stranded mid-way through.
If you need to look away to find something, always keep one hand on their belly. It can also help to have a couple of change stations around the house, especially if yours has two levels, so that you can contain ‘explosions’ quickly.
2. Change your baby at a height that suits you
Ensure the surface is at a comfortable height, ideally at your elbows. You’re going to be spending time here every few hours and you don’t want to be reaching up or bending over.
3. Minimise all distractions
Reducing the risk of any interruptions on either side of the table means your baby won’t turn or try to wriggle to one side during changing.
It is good to have something to keep them entertained, though, so place a toy or mobile directly above their head so they’re more likely to stay centred (or use a toy such as a Snuggwugg, which sits across their tummy), with fun things for them to play with attached.
4. Don’t move a dirty nappy unless you’re 100% ready to
Leave the dirty nappy in place until you have your cloth/wipe and a new nappy ready to go. If you have a little boy, place a soft cloth over his penis until you have his nappy positioned to avoid any dreaded splashes!
5. Undress your little one from the top, down
If you’re anticipating a bit more of a mess than usual, undo their onesie/undress them from the top down, so that if at all, it spreads downward rather than upward.
6. Check that your baby’s nappy isn’t too tight
If you notice impression marks on your baby’s skin, it might mean your nappies are going on too tight (many brands, such as Little One’s nappies, now have stretchy waist- and leg-bands to help prevent this). Be sure not to cover the umbilical stump on a newborn until it’s fallen off, either.
7. Mix up your change-time location
If your little one is resisting change time, try a new location or use a different surface, such as a bed or the floor, so that they can’t associate the two and become upset. If that doesn’t work, start to reward them with something they enjoy after changing, so that they have something to look forward to.
Brought to you by Little One’s, only at Woolworths
