dad's home alone

In his first year a baby’s nappy will need changing a staggering 2 to 3,000 times, but who takes responsibility for making all these changes? We are constantly told that dads are doing their fair share, but how do they feel about these new responsibilities especially when it comes to the dirty work? We spoke to a number of new dads to find out how they cope when it comes to changing time.

The first few times you change a nappy can be a fairly daunting and usually messy experience! To make these changing times a little easier we have some hints and tips for new dads when changing baby’s nappy for the first time. If these don’t make you feel better about changing, keep this thought in your mind - don’t worry, you will certainly be getting plenty of practice. Only 2,999 to go, phew!

brand new baby

When Justin became a dad for the first time, to begin with he left the job of changing his baby’s nappy to his wife. “Kirsty quickly learnt how to change a nappy with as little fuss as possible. I put it off for a while, I can’t say I really relished the prospect of changing a nappy but eventually I had a go.” After a month, Justin is improving his parental skills but still looks on with amazement as his wife carries out the change. “I still can’t understand how she manages to do it so easily and quickly, especially when Ben is wriggling around. Then you add the incredible mess and smell. I’m afraid to admit that it does seem to be quicker and easier to leave it to Kirsty, but I will keep practicing, I may even time myself! My advice would be to get involved from the start, learn with your partner and you’ll both soon be doing it in record breaking time.”

single dad

Charlie has an eleven month old daughter, Heather and a four year old son, Adam, with his ex-wife and he likes to make the most of their time together by going out at the weekend. With this in mind though he can have a difficult time getting that important job done. “I always used to have to go to the mother’s changing room with Adam which was generally in the ladies,” I would get a lot of support and sympathy from other mums, but still often had to resort to changing him in the car. Now with Heather it’s much easier with plenty of unisex changing rooms. I think this pleases mums too, as at least their partners can share in the changing when shopping. There are still some places that don’t recognise that dads may be on their own with kids and put the changing facilities in the ladies, so it’s all back to the car again.” Make sure that you pack plenty of wipes, cotton wool and Nappy Sacks™ when out with baby so you don’t get caught out like Charlie.

the modern dad

Neil and his wife both work full time so he felt that he should take equal responsibility for the care of his baby. “I know it may sound strange but I really enjoy doing the more practical things like changing Lucy’s nappy or giving her, her nightly feed. It’s knowing that this little person is totally dependent on you.” He has a stress-free approach to nappy changing and adds, “Even if you don’t like changing your baby’s nappy, there are loads of products and things you can do to make it easier. Changing mats with blow up sides for safety, Nappy Sacks™ to stop the smells and baby wipes to stop your hands getting mucky all help, but mucking in from the start is the best thing to do, it will soon become second nature to you.”

it takes two

David is father to twins Zack and Molly, he explains, “It wasn’t until I was left alone with the twins that I fully realised how much work two babies are. I mean I’ve heard of twins feeling each other’s pain, being good at the same subjects at school, but synchronised peeing is something else! If you think the smell of one nappy is bad enough try thinking double.” Make sure you have all your changing equipment well organised and easy to reach. Don’t take the risk of your babies getting germs from the contents of nappies, make sure that you securely wrap any waste and rubbish away as quickly as possible in a Nappy sack.

The Children's Project says…

• It is important for dad to get involved from the very start. Babies are drawn to faces from the moment of birth, and baby will love gazing at his father’s face. Baby may even imitate dad’s facial movements like poking his tongue or opening his mouth.*

• As well as faces, baby will enjoy looking at high contrast images. Using the ‘BabyShapes’ from The Children’s Project can help you understand your baby’s abilities as he looks at or follows the high contrast images. For more information on ‘BabyShapes’ please visit our Baby Talk section.*

*Text from The Social Baby