11 Parents Share Their Advice For Changing A Baby’s Nappy, Stress-Free

Poo-splosions, poo-namis, poo-canos…lucky babies are cute.

It all seems so simple when you’re just changing nappies on a doll at a baby shower — but nothing (and I mean nothing) can really prepare you for the absolute carnage of dealing with your baby’s first poo-splosion.

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So to help make the whole process run smoother, we’ve collected some very handy tips and tricks from real mums and dads who've survived it all and lived to tell the tale.

1. Always have a vast array of distractions on hand.

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“Nobody tells you that when your baby becomes mobile, nappy changes become an Olympic sport! ALWAYS have a distraction close by, you will need it!”

— Olivia, mum-of-one (13 months old).

2. And be prepared for a poo-related disaster at all times.

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“Don’t go anywhere without at least four spare nappies, especially in those early months! Enjoy the beginning when they aren’t doing crocodile rolls and trying to wriggle off the change table. Yeah, those were the days…”

— Jessica, mum-of-one (13 months old).

3. Whoever smelt it, should deal with it...right?

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“The basic nappy change isn't so bad, just entertain your child & move quickly. If you can smell something, handball them to mum.”

— Cam, dad-of-one (16 months old).

4. Learn to work on-the-go.

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"Well, he is a bit of a wild child and has always been big and strong for his age — so I’ve been applying nappies on-the-move since he was 8 months old. Nowadays, he understands a bit more, so is more cooperative, but there was no secret to that — just time and patience.”

— Alex, mum-of-one (18 months old).

5. Once they're mobile, it really does require much skill.

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“Between kicking, back arches and trying to escape you, you need to be able to change a nappy in 0.5 seconds.”

— Jess, mum-of-one (16 months old).

6. You can never have enough nappies and nappy wipes on hand.

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“Always make sure you have a bulk supply of nappies and baby wipes in the house or in your car (think at least one bag, plus packet surplus). As there’s nothing worse than smelling a funky odour coming from your baby, only to realise you have run out of nappies.”

— Laura, mum-of-one (13 months old).

7. It's all fun and games until your baby starts solids.

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“It’s really honestly not as bad as you think. At least until they start solids anyway…”

— Jake, dad-of-one (13 months old).

8. Get ready to bust a move and sing your baby's favourite nappy changing song — Broadway style.

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“I've always found that singing is a useful tool when changing my daughter's nappy. She will cry, crocodile roll and kick, but sing a song and her concerns melt away...Regardless of whether I can actually carry a tune!"

— Emma, mum-of-one (13 months old).

9. Really, you can never be overprepared.

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“If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”

— Sarah, mum-of-one (6 months old).

10. Get nifty and teach your baby "nappy" in sign language.

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“We have taught her sign language for 'nappy'…so we do that when we remember. I’ve heard of people singing the same song every nappy change to keep bub happy. I can’t say I’ve tried that though, I generally let her play with the [nappy rash cream] or something.”

— Georgia, mum-of-one (16 months old).

11. And finally, just do the best you can.

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“I usually have a favourite toy on hand, whilst I wrestle the infant’s nappy on, sometimes a toothbrush for the teething days! I try to use a nappy table/bench as it is much better for my back and have everything on hand ready to go; nappy ready to lay under bub, wipes open, nappy bag open and toy on hand.”

— Emma, mum-of-two (13 months and 3 years old).

Woolies have just refreshed their Little One’s Nappies! Still the super absorbent nappy you know and love, but now proudly Australian made, with up to 12 hours absorbency* and a super soft breathable lining to help your baby stay comfy and dry. They're big on quality, low on cost.

*Individual usage may vary as every baby is unique. Nappy changes are recommended at appropriate intervals throughout the day or night to suit your baby’s needs (including their health, diet & developmental milestones).