Parents have the choice of using cloth or disposable nappies. There are advantages to both types. Many parents use both, depending on their activities. Your baby will need around 6-9 nappy changes every 24 hours in the first weeks of life.
Disposable nappies are easy to use, convenient and have advantages to baby’s skin care as they are more absorbent than a cloth nappy and keep baby’s skin drier.
The first nappy change can feel daunting. But be reassured, you will become an expert, very quickly. Babies normally pass small amounts of urine in the first 24 hours. This changes to at least 6 really wet nappies a day by a week. If your baby has not passed their first bowel motion in the first 24 hours after birth they need to see their midwife.
Breastfed babies usually pooh at least once a day in the first weeks, and often after every feed. After a few weeks some babies do poohs at every feed, others only every 7-10 days. It is normal for babies to suddenly change their pattern. Motions are often runny with small white lumps.
Usually do poohs every day or every second day. Tend to have firmer formed motions.
The first motions after birth consist of a greenish-black substance (meconium), which changes gradually to yellow. The colour can vary from yellow to green to brown. Green poohs are common in a well baby. If you are concerned, consult your midwife, or other health professional.
A baby’s motions should be soft. When a baby is constipated, her motions are hard and difficult to pass.
At some point, most babies get a touch of nappy rash, a red, sore area around the bottom. To help prevent this:
Thrush is an infection caused by candida yeast (fungus). It looks like tiny raised red spots on your baby’s bottom. The skin can become dry and peel, leaving red patches. Your midwife, other health professional, or pharmacist can discuss anti-fungal treatments.
Washing your hands after changing nappies can prevent infections from spreading
This is caused by candida yeast (fungus) and it looks like white patches on the inside of the cheeks and on the tongue which cannot be rubbed off. Babies often have milk left on the tongue after feeding, but this is rubbed off easily and is not thrush. Your midwife or other health professional can suggest different anti-fungal treatments.
If you are breastfeeding, the thrush can be passed to your nipples. They will need treatment by applying some of the baby’s oral anti-fungal medication on them after feeds.