How to change a nappy in 5 steps

Changing a nappy might feel intimidating at first, especially if you are new to it, but it quickly becomes second nature with a simple routine. Knowing exactly what to do and in what order helps you stay calm, keeps your baby comfortable, and makes the whole process faster and cleaner.

In this guide, you will learn how to change a nappy in 5 clear steps, from getting everything ready to making sure your baby is clean, dry, and happy. Whether you are at home or on the go, these steps will help you handle nappy changes with confidence.

1. Gather and prepare

Keep supplies within arm's reach

• Nappys (appropriate size for your baby)

• Wipes (unscented for sensitive skin)

• Nappy cream or ointment

• Changing pad with washable cover

• Extra outfit for unexpected messes

• Nappy bin

Having all supplies within reach will help keep one hand on your baby at all times.

Choose a clean and safe surface

• Changing table with safety straps (ideal height to prevent back strain)

• Stable bed with guardrails or against a wall

• Floor space with clean towel or mat (safest option to avoid falls)

• Portable changing pad for travel situations

The changing area should be flat and stable. Make sure you have enough space to work. Wash the surface after each use when possible to maintain cleanliness.

Clean hands for cleanliness

You should wash your hands with warm water and soap before starting the nappy change. Your baby's hands need attention too, as they often touch the nappy area during changes. After completing the change, clean your hands again to help prevent spreading germs. Good hand cleanliness is a simple yet effective way to show care for your little one.

2. Open and remove the dirty nappy

Unfasten tabs carefully

Changing your baby's nappy can be quick once you get the hang of it. Start by carefully peeling back the adhesive tabs on each side of the nappy. Pull them outward and release them from the front panel. This process might take extra time, so maintain a firm yet gentle hold on your little one throughout.

Keep the dirty nappy positioned under your baby while you clean them, this helps catch any unexpected messes. Never leave the soiled nappy on surfaces that can't be easily sanitised. You'll want to keep one hand lightly on your baby's tummy for safety during this step.

The tabs sometimes stick together if they've been fastened too tightly, so open them slowly to avoid tearing the nappy. Many parents find that talking softly to their baby during this step helps keep them calm and distracted.

Clean front to back

Always wipe your baby from front to back, never the reverse direction. This technique prevents bacteria from the bottom area moving toward more sensitive regions, which can cause infections.

Use gentle baby wipes or moistened cotton wool for cleaning. Hold your baby's legs apart slightly to reach all soiled areas. Pay attention to skin folds where waste can hide, especially around the legs and genital areas.

For heavily soiled nappys, you may need multiple wipes. Continue cleaning until the wipes or cloth come away clean. Remember that thorough wiping can help prevent rashes later.

Lift and wipe gently

Carefully lift your baby by the ankles to access their bottom completely. For newborn babies, support their legs and bottom with extra care as their muscles aren't fully developed yet.

Your baby might protest during this part, but gentle lifting helps you clean thoroughly between skin folds and creases. Use fresh wipes or clean wash cloth for each swipe to avoid spreading waste around.

Fold the used wipes and place them inside the dirty nappy to make disposal easier. For babies using cloth nappys, deposit soiled cloth wipes in your designated cloth pail. Check that all areas are properly cleaned before moving on. Newborn babies with sensitive skin might need additional gentle cleaning. You can use warm water on a soft washcloth to help remove persistent residue without irritating delicate skin.

Once your baby is completely clean, you're ready for the next step in the nappy change process.

3. Protect baby's skin

Apply a gentle cream

Nappy cream can help serve as your first defense against skin irritation for your little one. You should apply a thin layer of gentle cream during each nappy change if you notice any redness beginning to form. Focus on covering areas most prone to irritation. Typically, the folds and creases where moisture can collect.

Use cream preventatively, especially overnight or during long car rides when changes might be less frequent. The barrier created helps prevent rash development by keeping wetness away from baby's delicate skin.

Quick tips for cream application:

• Less is more. A thin layer works better than thick coverage

• Pat (don't rub) cream onto clean, dry skin

• Choose fragrance-free options to avoid potential irritants

• Keep cream handy at your changing station for easy access

Maintain proper ventilation

Giving your baby's skin some "air time" creates a huge difference in preventing and healing nappy rash. Try to leave the nappy off for 5-10 minutes before putting on a fresh one. This brief airing out period allows the skin to breathe and dry completely.

Some parents practice nappy-free time for 15-30 minutes each day by placing their baby on a waterproof mat with a soft towel. The exposure to fresh air helps reduce moisture that can lead to irritation.

During warmer months, this becomes easier as babies can enjoy supervised naked time outdoors in shaded areas. Your consistency with this practice will likely result in fewer rash occurrences over time.

Additional ventilation tips:

• Use slightly looser nappy fits when at home

• Dress baby in breathable fabrics that don't trap heat

• Change wet swimwear or sweaty clothes promptly

The combination of proper cleaning, protective cream, and good ventilation forms your complete strategy for keeping baby's skin healthy and rash-free throughout the day.

4. Secure the fresh nappy

Place the nappy correctly

Getting the fresh nappy positioned right sets you up for success. Start by lifting your baby's legs gently with one hand, then lay the clean nappy underneath with the other hand. Make sure the back part of the nappy sits higher on your baby's back than the front section that will fold up.

Align the tabs

After you've positioned the nappy underneath your baby, pull the front section up between their legs and against their tummy. Hold this front panel in place with one hand while you work on securing the tabs with your other hand.

For disposable nappys, grab the tabs (especially the stretchy ones) and fasten them to the front panel. Try to make them symmetrical, this creates a balanced fit around your baby's waist. Two tabs that are evenly secured will provide better protection against leaks.

If you're using cloth nappys, you might need to fasten snaps or use pins to secure them. Whatever type you choose, the goal is to create a comfortable hold that isn't too loose or too tight.

Confirm a snug fit

The final step before you put clothes back on your baby is checking that the nappy fits properly. Run your finger around the leg cuffs to ensure they're properly positioned, these elastic barriers help prevent wet messes from escaping.

You should be able to fit one or two fingers between the nappy and your baby's waist. If needed, adjust the tabs to find the perfect balance between security and comfort. The nappy may feel too tight if you can't fit any fingers, or too loose if you can fit more than two.

A properly fitted nappy will help keep your baby dry and comfortable. This first check can save you from having to change clothes later due to preventable leaks. Every parent learns through practice what works best for their baby's unique shape!

5. Tidy up and dispose properly

Roll and seal the nappy

After you've changed your baby, the next critical step involves proper disposal. Take the used nappy and roll it up tightly from the bottom up. The tabs should wrap around the rolled nappy, creating a secure package that contains both odour and mess. Before you seal everything up, place dirty wipes inside the nappy. This keeps everything in one package.

Use Diaper Genie® pail for odour control

Proper disposal makes a huge difference in keeping your nursery fresh. Here are your best options:

• A Diaper Genie® pail creates an airtight lock after  each deposit, helping to prevent smells from escaping

• Regular lidded trash cans work  but won’t keep smells locked away and you’ll need to empty frequentlyCloth nappy users need a dedicated pail with a tight-fitting lid

• Wet bags offer a portable solution for temporary storage when out

The disposal step might not seem exciting, but it starts to feel much more important once you're dealing with multiple nappy changes daily. Having everything ready and within reach will make this process go smoothly. You don't want lingering odours in your baby's room!

Sanitise the changing area

The final part of the process involves cleaning up:

• Wipe down the changing surface with a disinfectant spray or wipe

• Let the area air dry completely before the next use

• Put away all supplies within arm's reach for next time

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water

• Check whether you need to restock wipes, nappys or cream

Cleaning up around the changing area might seem like extra work, but this part protects your baby from germs. The used changing pad can harbor bacteria if not properly sanitised between changes. Your baby will thank you for maintaining a clean environment, even if they don't yet know how to express gratitude!

Make every change easier with Diaper Genie®

Tired of wrestling with dirty nappys and unpleasant nursery odours? We understand the challenges you face during countless nappy changes. Our nappy bins help  keep your nursery fresh while our hands-free design with foot pedal makes disposal quick and mess-free.

You deserve a reliable partner in maintaining a fresh environment for your baby. Diaper Genie® is the trusted solution parents count on for convenience and proven performance day after day.

Frequently asked questions about changing a nappy

How often should I change my baby's nappy?

Newborns need fresh nappys frequently, typically after each feeding or 8-10 times daily. Always change poopy nappys right away to prevent rash and irritation. Many disposable options feature wetness indicators that change color when wet. You don't need to wake your sleeping baby for changes unless the nappy feels extremely wet or contains stool. Make sure the nappy fits properly around the legs and waist to avoid uncomfortable leaks.

What if my baby cries during a nappy change?

Crying during changes happens with most babies, it's completely normal! Keep one hand on your little one at all times for safety. Try distracting your baby with a special toy reserved just for changing time or singing a favorite song. Quick, efficient changes help minimize fuss, so have all supplies ready beforehand. Your calm matters greatly; babies pick up on your emotions, so take deep breaths and speak soothingly throughout the process.

Do I need special wipes for newborns?

Newborn skin requires gentle care, so consider using soft cloths with warm water for the first weeks. Plain water works well initially, adding mild cleanser only if necessary. For girls, always wipe front-to-back to prevent infections. With boys, place a cloth over the penis during changes to avoid surprise sprays. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after every change. If using commercial wipes, look for unscented, hypoallergenic options specifically made for sensitive baby skin.