• By Emily Amelia Inglis
• Published 06/28/2012

You’ll do a fair amount of nappy changing before it’s time for potty training, so get set! Your baby’s first dirty nappy will contain a very sticky, tar-like poo known as meconium, which he will probably pass within the first few hours of being born. Here’s our step-by-step guide to changing that first nappy:

1. Make sure you have everything you need for nappy changing to hand before you begin, including a clean nappy (such as Huggies Newborn nappies), Huggies Cotton Soft sheets and lukewarm water, barrier cream and a change of clothes if necessary.

2. Lay your baby on a mat on a stable surface such as a nappy changing table, bed or even on the floor. Never leave your baby unattended on a change mat; even from a very young age babies are capable of a surprising amount of movement.

3. Making sure your hands are warm, gently undo his sleep suit and vest. You might find that talking or singing to him will sooth him if he becomes restless.

4. Undo the nappy tabs and use the front of the nappy to remove as much of the poo as possible. Then dip the Cotton Soft sheet into the water and give him a thorough but gentle clean.

5. It’s a good idea to give your baby a bit of nappy free time at every nappy change to allow his skin to dry naturally.

6. You may choose to apply a barrier cream to protect his delicate skin once it’s dry.

7. Fold out a clean nappy and slide it under his bum by gently lifting him by the ankles. At the back, line the top of the nappy up with his waist, and then bring the front of the nappy up in between his legs.

8. Bring the sides of the nappy around and attach to the front panel using the Velcro tabs. Make sure boys are tucked in pointing downwards.

9. The nappy should fit snugly around your baby’s thighs, and you should be able to fit one finger between his tummy and the waistband.

10. Once baby is dressed and back in his cot, dispose of the dirty nappy appropriately and wash your hands thoroughly.

Congratulations! You’ve just changed your first nappy. It gets a lot easier from now on…

About the Author : Emily Amelia Inglis is writing about nappy changing.