How do I make sure I keep everything hygienic when I'm changing my baby's nappy?.

A Before you start to change your baby, make sure you have everything you will need. If you need to collect something you have forgotten always take your baby with you to be safe.

• Use a washable baby changing mat and clean it after each use with a mild bleach solution
• Always make sure you wash your hands before and after the nappy change to prevent germs spreading
• If you chose terry nappies you will need to have a special lidded container to keep the soiled nappies in.
• With disposable nappies put the dirty nappy straight into a nappy bag that you can seal and put in the bin. Do not flush nappies down the toilet.
• Use baby wipes or the cotton wool with water to wipe your baby clean, even if you baby has not had a dirty nappy, it helps to remove the urine from the skin and prevent nappy rash.
• Expose your baby’s bottom to air whenever possible in between changes, this so that the skin can breathe this will help prevent nappy rash.
• When cleaning a baby girl always wipe gently from front to back so you do not pass germs into the vagina.
• When cleaning a baby boy don’t try to retract the foreskin or skin over the penis as this can be painful and may cause damage.
• Change wet nappies as soon as you can to reduce the amount of time baby’s skin is exposed to urine.

health visitor

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