Changing Nappies, Changing Times
A new survey of UK parents suggests that there is growing equality in parenting roles with almost a quarter of respondents admitting that they share nappy changing equally.The survey, carried out by Bepanthen nappy care ointment, looked at parent’s attitudes towards nappy changing as one indication of the way that parenting roles have changed over the generations.
However, the statistics suggest that there is some way to go in the rise of the much-reported ‘new dad’ – with only 1% taking on the role as ‘chief nappy changer’. Overall, mums still do the lion’s share of the work – with 75% of mums taking on the task at nearly every ‘change’ (no mean feat with a teething 3 month old!).
|
| |
| Article continues below advertisement |
|
| |
The good news is that the majority of parents seem happy with their roles, with only 16% of people saying that they argue about whose turn it is to change their baby’s nappy.
With the advent of disposable nappies, going ‘out and about’ with baby is now much easier. And, today’s parents are well-equipped to care for their baby outside of the nursery, admitting that they would never leave home without nappies (91%), wipes (90%), a clean change of baby clothes (51%) and nappy rash ointment (17%). However, parents are not happy with all aspects of our changing times, with the vast majority (85%) of people admitting that they do not think there are enough safe and clean nappy changing facilities in public places in the UK.
Dr Miriam Stoppard, baby and childcare expert, comments:
“From mums in the 1950’s hanging the terry-towelling nappies on the line to dry, to modern day mums packing the changing bag with disposables for a trip to Starbucks – nappy changing is a fact of life for millions of parents in the UK. While the survey shows that mums are still taking on the traditional role of main nappy changer, it’s encouraging to see that many couples share the job equally. Having a small baby can be all-consuming and tiring and it’s helpful to share the load with a partner if possible. While some men might turn their noses up at changing nappies, it’s a great opportunity for bonding – suggest your partner tries tickling your baby’s tummy, singing a song to keep her happy or trying to make him smile through the change.”
Up to half of all babies will experience nappy rash at some stage during these early years. Nappy rash is caused when a baby’s delicate skin comes into contact with the irritants in urine and faeces. Spending most of the day wrapped up in a nappy can make the skin even more vulnerable, so it’s not surprising that it has a tendency to become red and sore.
But the good news is there are many tried and tested ways of treating this condition quickly when it shows signs of flaring. Clinically proven Bepanthen nappy care ointment is so gentle it can be used at every nappy change. It works in two ways to care and protect for your baby’s delicate skin:
1. provides long-lasting protection from the causes of nappy rash by forming a transparent layer, protecting the most delicate skin from irritants and rubbing
2. supports the skin’s natural recovery process using the ingredient Pro Vitamin B5 to help keep baby’s skin soft, smooth and moisturised
Parents will be reassured to know that, as Bepanthen is so gentle, it can even be used on the highly sensitive skin of premature babies. It contains no fragrances, colours or antiseptics
Dr Miriam Stoppard adds; “Caring for your baby’s skin is a fundamental role that you’ll undertake in your child’s early years. Nappy rash is quite common, particularly in babies under a year old and it can cause them discomfort and anxiety to parents! A baby’s skin is much thinner than an adult’s and has a higher pH level – making it vulnerable to damage and infection. So finding an ointment that can care for and protect your baby’s skin brings you peace of mind.”
August 2007
To see how Bepanthen could help to aid the natural skin recovery and protect your baby’s delicate skin, why not log online at www.bepanthen.co.uk to register for your free ‘out and about’ nappy changing wallet and Bepanthen sample
|
| |
| |
|
