Nappy-Free Time for Babies: Why and How to Do It?

Parenting 101 basically starts on day one with changing a baby's nappy. In some capacity, changing a baby's nappy is a must for all babies. It takes some sort of ceremony whether you're using disposable nappies, cloth nappies, or a big leaf in the middle of the jungle. It is crucial to make sure your infant is both clean and at ease in this area.  

During antenatal visits, your healthcare professional might discuss a few fundamental procedures. It can also come up if you enroll in a parenthood preparation course. Several of these include: 

• Make sure the nappy you're using fits your child properly. If not, it will leak or will be uncomfortable for your infant. 

• Put nappies in the proper disposal. A soiled nappy cannot be recycled. For this reason, a lot of people opt to use cloth nappies. 

• Change your baby's nappy frequently. Many maternity hospitals may advise you to replace them following each and every feed. 

• Never leave your child unattended on a changing station or surface to ensure safety. 

• Give your baby nappy free time as often as possible. 

There are many reasons why nappy-free time is frequently advised. The main goals are to prevent nappy rash and to make sure that your baby's body is adequately ventilated in that area. Your baby's skin has to be clean and dry, to help avoid nappy rash. 

• Helps to minimise nappy rash 

Despite your best efforts, some babies will always experience more nappy rash than others. It mostly happens when a moist or dirty nappy is worn for an extended period of time and is brought on by bacteria on the baby's skin. Nappies can irritate their delicate skin and make it worse, so removing them for a while gives them a chance to let the area air dry. 

• Can potentially have a calming effect 

Assuming your infant is agitated or restless, take off their clothes and nappy (if it's not freezing), and you might be able to calm them down quickly if nothing else seems to work. For even more relaxation, use a little massage and some relaxing music. At any age, humans are typically rather content when they are naked! 

• Provides an opportunity to get ‘back to nature’ 

It makes sense for babies to occasionally be how nature intended them to be, since they are born nude. Apart from the minute or so between nappy changes, bath-time is really the only time during the day when they are truly nappy free. 

• Gives them greater freedom of movement 

When a baby is not wearing nappies, it is simpler and more comfortable for them to exercise gross motor tasks like rolling, crawling, stretching, and placing their little tootsies in their mouths. They have the chance to learn new sensations and view the world in a fresh, advantageous way for their development. 

5 tips to give your baby nappy free time: 

1. Find a time during the day when your baby isn’t ready for a feed or a sleep. If they're hungry or exhausted, they won't enjoy it as much. It's probably not the greatest time if they frequently poop at a particular hour of the day. 

2. Place your baby on either a plastic mat, waterproof picnic blanket outdoors (remember the sunscreen), or some towels. Because accidents are difficult to avoid, use clothing that is simple to clean and disinfect. 

3. Remove their nappy for 5-10 minutes, and, aim for some nappy free time at least once a day during playtime. You could also combine it with tummy time for an added benefit, and to allow for even more little bottom airing time. Make it a part of your daily routine. 

4. Make sure your kid is not getting cold by keeping an eye on them. If they are, you could always dress them and try again later, or just put a blouse and some socks on them. To lessen the mess, keep an eye out for any indications that they are about to have an accident. 

5. Give your child a bath , then pat them dry with a towel if they have an accident (or three!).  Apply our  Mustela Vitamin Barrier Cream before, or after each nappy change to prevent nappy skin discomfort and irritations, and soothe and recover baby's skin effectively. 

If you don’t want or don’t have time to give your baby a bath, you can use Mustela No Rinse-cleansing Water. Our micellar water gently cleanse your baby's nappy area in just one step, leaving their skin soft with a trail of our unique baby scent.