You and your family can be involved in caring for your baby on the neonatal unit, and you should be supported by the unit staff to do this. This is called Family Integrated Care (FICare).
Tips for changing nappies on the neonatal unit
Ask the neonatal unit staff about the best way to change your baby’s nappy. They should show you what to do and help you get everything you need ready. They will support you until you feel confident doing it yourself.
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need to hand, so you won’t need to break contact with your baby.
- Approach your baby quietly, speaking softly.
- Keep lighting, noise, and activity levels low.
- Take time and respond to your baby’s signals.
- If they signal distress cues, take small pauses to help keep them calm.
- Hold their feet sole to sole and gently flex their legs towards their body. Do not lift them up by their legs.
- Stay close to your baby for up to 20 minutes after a nappy change to give continued support.
Some babies prefer to be on their side when their nappy is changed. Ask the unit staff to show you how.
Pampers Preemie Protection nappies
Pampers make nappies for babies who weigh less than 1.1lb (500g). They are called Pampers Preemie Protection nappies. These nappies were developed in close collaboration with neonatal experts.
These nappies have been specially designed to be gentle on premature babies’ delicate skin. They also fit around any tubes or wires your baby needs for their medical care.
We have partnered with Pampers to make sure neonatal units across the UK have free access to Preemie Protection nappies.
If your neonatal unit does not have Pampers Preemie Protection nappies, you can ask the staff to order them. Or you can collect free Pampers Preemie Protection Nappies from Tesco pharmacies at more than 350 locations across England, Scotland and Wales (in-store only, subject to availability)
Simply ask at the pharmacy counter for your free packs. You can find your nearest Tesco pharmacy on the Tesco website.
