The nappy-changing learning curve: why it feels hard at first but gets easier (we promise)!

The nappy-changing learning curve: why it feels hard at first but gets easier (we promise)!

There is a lot of uncertainty involved in parenthood. But one thing is certain for every new parent – nappy changes are going to become part of daily life for the foreseeable future.

If changing your little one’s nappy feels chaotic at the moment, don’t worry – it’s completely normal. And we’d like to reassure you that within a few months you’ll be able to change a nappy one-handed, with your eyes closed (though we don’t recommend that)!

In the meantime, here are a few nappy-changing tips to help you replace chaos with calm.

No one is born knowing how to change a nappy

When it comes to newborn nappy changes, no one prepares you for the surprise wees (parents of boys beware), the awkward angles, the poonami explosions, or even just the amount tiny babies need changing! It’s normal to change a newborn’s nappy 10 to 12 times a day, or every 2–3 hours. You’ll need to change them at night too, often around a feed. Luckily, this phase doesn’t last long, and changes become less frequent as they grow.

Babies always choose the worst moment

You’re ready to go out. You’ve got this. Your little one is fed, happy, and dressed in that cute new outfit you bought. You grab your car keys and bingo – a poonami erupts…

Whether it’s a coffee catch-up or a baby massage class, tiny babies always seem to choose the worst possible moment to have a poo explosion. While you can’t predict their bowel habits, you can minimise disruption by always carrying spare vests and outfits in your change bag – especially in the early months. Also look for nappies that offer super absorbency and poo pouches that help capture leaks.

Mess doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong

Speaking of mess, if it does happen, remember blowouts are a rite of passage, not a personal failure. Small babies poos tend to be less solid before they start solids, and sometimes a poonami up the back just happens. Follow the advice above to help minimise mess.

Finding your rhythm (it happens faster than you think)

Practice makes perfect – and when it comes to nappy changing, you’ll get plenty of that. Muscle memory kicks in, and suddenly you’re doing changes one-handed and can’t remember the time you were a nappy novice.

Find your nappy brand

Choosing nappies and wipes that are gentle, toxin-free, super absorbent, and fit well will be your best ally while you’re on the nappy-changing learning curve. A newborn’s skin is super sensitive, so it’s important to find nappies and wipes that don’t contain toxins and are designed for newborn, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin to help minimise nappy rash and discomfort. Getting the perfect fit is also key: nappies that are too tight can cause discomfort, while those that are too big may lead to leaks.

Make a pure choice

Not all nappies are made equal. Pura’s Allergy UK–certified, toxin-free nappies are enhanced with soft organic cotton in the backsheet to keep tiny bottoms cosy and are thoughtfully designed to keep your baby’s bottom dry day and night. They also have a super-absorbent core with plant-based materials and stay-dry channels that lock liquid away, keeping bottoms drier for longer. A breathable, plant-based layer with tiny micropores allows air to circulate, helping to ward off nappy rash and irritation.

Keep it light-hearted

Our final advice is to keep a sense of humour. Laughing helps more than you might expect. Because sometimes – especially when you’re late and your baby has had a volcanic poo eruption – all you can do is laugh, clean up, and carry on.