Navigating newborn nappies in the first month

*Changing nappies is one of the most frequent and fragrant jobs of life with a newborn, especially in the first month. It might seem like your baby’s main hobbies are eating, sleeping, and producing dirty nappies. Here’s some advice on navigating the world of newborn nappies with confidence.*

### **How many nappies should you expect to change?**

Newborns go through a lot of nappies! In the first month, expect to change around **8 to 12 nappies a day**. This is because newborns have small stomachs and feed frequently, leading to more frequent wet and dirty nappies.

### **What is normal for wet nappies?**

A good way to gauge your baby’s hydration is by monitoring their wet nappies.

- In the first few days, expect 1–2 wet nappies per day, as your baby adjusts to feeding.

- By day 4 or 5, this should increase to at least 6 wet nappies per day. Wet nappies should feel heavy, and the urine should be pale yellow. If you notice dark or infrequent urine, speak with your healthcare provider, as it could indicate dehydration.

### **What about dirty nappies?**

Your baby’s bowel movements will change during the first month:

- Days 1–2: Your baby will pass meconium, a thick, sticky, dark green or black substance.

- Days 3–5: Stools transition to a lighter green or yellow colour as milk intake increases.

- Day 5 onward: Breastfed babies typically have loose, mustard-yellow stools with a seedy texture, while formula-fed babies may have firmer, brownish stools.

The frequency of dirty nappies varies; some babies have several bowel movements daily, while others may only go once every few days. Both can be normal.

### **What should you remember about changing nappies?**

- **Be Prepared:** Keep supplies like nappies, wipes, and a changing mat within reach.

- **Clean Thoroughly:** Use gentle wipes or warm water and cotton wool to clean your baby’s skin, paying attention to folds and creases.

### **How can you prevent nappy rash?**

Nappy rash is a common concern for new parents, but there are some simple preventable steps that you can take to minimize this irritation.

- **Cleaning:** Gently clean your baby’s nappy area with each change. Use warm water and a soft cloth or cotton wool for newborns, or opt for fragrance-free and alcohol-free baby wipes. Ensure you clean all the folds and creases where moisture might linger

- **Pat dry:** After cleaning, pat your baby’s skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing, which can cause further irritation. Allow their skin to air-dry for a few moments before putting on a new nappy.

- **Nappy free time:** Let your baby spend some time without a nappy each day. This allows their skin to breathe and reduces the risk of irritation.

- **Which nappies:** Opt for super-absorbent disposable nappies or cloth nappies that take moisture away from the skin. If using cloth nappies, wash them with a gentle, baby-safe detergent and avoid fabric softeners.

- **Applying barrier creams:** Speak to the GP or pharmacist about creams that may be advised to help with irritation.

### **When should you seek medical advice?**

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice unusual changes, such as very hard stools, blood in the nappy, or a lack of wet nappies. Also, if your baby has a high temperature, appears generally unwell or uncomfortable.

With patience and practice, nappy changes will become second nature, helping you care for your baby with confidence during this precious first month.