Doing the dirty

Read this to avoid your baby falling off the change table or hurting your back changing your baby on a public toilet floor.

Doing the dirty. Changing the nappy I mean. We acquired a fantastic nappy change table. Some are a bit lower than others so make sure when purchasing you get one that is the right height for you so you are not inclined to bend over. Ours is made of wood rather than a sling top so the change mat sits nice and firmly.

If you can afford it I would advise the firm top because if you have a wriggly baby that does not like nappy change time, then you want the least moving variables possible to save your back and arms.

Ours had a strap to lock her down which was also extremely handy and would highly advise. I also have a permanent collection of toys that stay at the clean head end of the table and a mobile to try and keep her still long enough to change her nappy. This also stops her putting her hands where you definitely don’t want them.

I have always been very conscious of always being by her side when she is on the mat as my poor friend’s first baby fell on to the floor after she turned her head for a second! Thankfully the baby is fine but how guilty would you feel?!

So for that reason it pays to be organised when changing your baby. Before putting her down make sure that you already have a change of clothes ready if necessary. Try to get a change table that has a shelf underneath to store your wipes, nappies, creams etc or have another table nearby. Put the more used items close to the front and on the higher shelf if you have multiple. Make sure you squat to get to the shelf and don’t twist to reach items.

“my poor friend’s baby fell on to the floor...”

My husband is the most super organised person. Many would call him a geek but I am absolutely in love with this geek. Simple idea but it works; he put hooks on the front of the change table so that I could put the opened nappy bag somewhere to quickly dispose of the nappy and wipes. This saved me trying to fumble with a nappy bag, dirty nappy and wriggly dirty baby. Just an idea.

Make sure when putting your baby on the table you get as close to the table as possible. Make sure that you squat to lower and raise them from the table (if required) and when investigating if you have cleaned all the nooks and crannies.

In regards to the nappy bin, we initially had a normal pedestal bin that would allow me to press the pedestal with my foot and drop in the nappy without having to bend over or put my dirty hands on the bin spreading the pooey germs. We then thought we should keep up with the Jones' and get one of those supposedly odour eliminating bins.

But frankly I have been disappointed and returned to our old bin. These fancy bins go through so much plastic individually wrapping the nappies for you which is an economical and environmental concern. Ergonomically I had to get in an awkward manual handling position to put the nappy in the bin; having to get one hand down to the bin on the floor whilst keeping one hand on Misaki so she doesn't jump off, and lastly hygienically I am having to lift the bin lid with my hand spreading germs. And to top it off it doesn't eliminate the smell. So now I just take the pooey nappies directly outside and keep the normal pedestal bin for the less nasty ones. See what works for you but I recommend to save your money and get a normal foot operated bin.

We tried to maintain our social life in the early days of parenthood and took our infant out to fancy restaurants. It was the time when she was not on solids so the poos didn't contain themselves well if you know what I mean!

Cue hot meal has arrived and the #$% hits the fan (well almost). So I go to change her nappy and there is no change table or vanity cabinet big enough in the bathroom so I have to do the dirty on the floor.

Not pleasant by any means and a manual handling risk; being in a tight space and on the floor with an unrestrained baby that is likely to wriggle away.

If you are in this situation make sure that you get as low to the floor as possible, facing your baby kneeling with your legs out to the side so that your bottom can sit on the floor and not twist your back (see right). Keep your back straight and try to avoid bending over too much or for prolonged periods. Hold your core on especially if you have a wriggly baby. What a romantic evening we had.

“Cue hot meal has arrived and the #$% hits the fan...”

Good luck if you have a prudish wriggly worm that finds the whole nappy change ordeal far beneath her.

Summary

If possible get a table that is firm, the right height for you, has raised edges, a safety belt and shelving underneath. Get a foot operated nappy bin.

Be organised so that you never have to leave your baby unattended on the change table.

Maintain good manual handling wherever you are changing your babies nappy, keep a straight upright back and don't twist.

Melli Tilbrook is a Physiotherapist based at Adelaide Physiotherapy and Pilates Studio, Beulah Park.