Nappy changing and dressing

Nappy changing

This can present problems, particularly if you try to bend down.

Here are some suggestions for avoiding difficulties:

• Have everything within reach before you start.

• Make sure you use a surface at the correct height, e.g. waist height. 

• Changing mats are available which clip on to the top of your cot for an accessible surface at a good height. 

• Have a routine so your baby knows what you are going to do, when you need to do it. 

• You can do it on your lap using your elbow to pin your baby down. 

• If you have a family member or friend visiting, ask them to do it for you. 

• If you are comfortable kneeling, you can use a table at kneeling level or use a low table with a changing mat. This will reduce the number of times you pick up your baby. 

• There are now mats available onto which you can strap your child to prevent them falling off (contact Disability, Pregnancy & Parenthood (DPP) for details). 

• Keep a supply of nappies etc both upstairs and downstairs, and remember to refill it when planning your daily trips.

Dressing

• It is easiest to sit down to get dressed and undressed so as to avoid standing on one leg.

• Put pants, trousers and socks over your feet and then you only have to stand up once to pull them all up at the same time. 

• Use a ‘helping hand’ (provided by an occupational therapist (OT)) to help put clothes over your feet. 

• Socks and tights aids (provided by an OT) can be used to help put on socks and tights if you cannot bend. 

• Slip-on shoes and using a long-handled shoe horn (provided by an OT) can help to avoid you having to bend.

Content reviewed and updated in 2016.