Newborn babies will generally need dressing and undressing on a daily basis, sometimes 2 to 4 changes in a 24 hour period.
Reasons for a change of clothes
Baby can need a change of clothes for many reasons, including:
- When bathing.
- If they become excessively wet or soiled from leaking nappies.
- Regurgitation (or vomiting) of milk after feeding. (Having a spare cloth nappy or hand towel handy may help to avoid the need to change.)
- Adding or taking off layers of clothing due to weather changes.
- Going on a day’s outing and dressing up for the occasion.
Most babies hate being undressed and will cry in protest when you take all their clothes off. After a while they will adjust to this 'changing' routine. Make sure you change your baby on a soft surface and keep the period of time they are naked to a minimum, so they don't become too cold. The room should be a pleasant temperature and the doors and windows closed to stop droughts.
Have all the clothes you need within arm's reach, with the items you'll need first on top of the pile. Stretch any neck holes open wide and gently guide them over your baby's head, taking care over your baby's nose and eyes. Then gently guide their arms into any armholes. Talk to your baby and maintain eye contact while you're changing to keep baby distracted and happy.
You should change your baby on something at a comfortable height. If changing them on your bed, kneel on the floor. It is important that you avoid overstretching and twisting your body, especially for the woman in the early weeks after the birth. Never leave your baby unsupervised on anything that is off the ground. If you need to get something, answer the door or telephone, or rescue a toddler, always take your baby with you.
