Baby changing

The safest place to change a baby’s nappy is on the floor. You can use a special mat or an old towel on top of a waterproof sheet. If you use a changing unit or change your baby on another high surface, make sure you have everything to hand before you start. Never leave a baby unattended on a raised surface even if baby is held on the mat by a strap. If you have to move away, take the baby with you. Babies can roll off the mat from a very early age.

Nappy Hygiene

Wash the baby’s bottom with water, babywipes or baby lotion.
Always wipe girls from front to back to keep germs away from the vagina and bladder.
Do not use talcum powder as it can cause choking if it is breathed in and can enter the baby’s body through any orifice and could cause medical problems
Roll up disposable nappies carefully and wrap them in a plastic bag. Put the dirty nappies outside every day. Make sure that dirty nappies in particularly are well wrapped.
Polio vaccine can put live polio viruses in dirty nappies. So be especially careful after immunisations
Soak terry nappies in a bucket made up with nappy sanitising powder. Wash the nappies at the hottest machine wash every day.
Wash your hands carefully and change the drying towel you are using regularly.

Nappy Safety

Store disposable nappies carefully. They are highly flammable, and children can choke on the wadding or the plastic tabs.
Keep full nappy buckets away from children as they can drown in them. Use a bucket with a lid. Stand the buckets in the bath.