Why Does My Baby Only Poop in a Fresh Nappy? (Seriously, WHY?!)

You’ve just wrestled your wriggly little cherub into a clean nappy. You’re proud. You’ve survived another mid-change explosion, maybe even avoided getting wee’d on this time. You seal the tabs, slide their little legs back into their onesie, and before you even have time to put the dirty one in the bin… ppppprrrrrtttttt.

The unmistakable sound of betrayal.

Again?!

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if your baby has a personal vendetta against your laundry pile or your sanity, you’re not alone. This is a universal baby phenomenon. So let’s break it down – with a bit of humour, some real talk, and the comfort of knowing it’s not just your bub.

It’s Not Just You (or Your Baby)

First things first: this isn’t a weird one-off thing. Babies everywhere — from Auckland to Adelaide — are burning through nappies like it’s their side hustle. In fact, it’s so common that there’s even a name for it among parents online: the “Fresh Nappy Curse”.

So… Why Do They Do It?

Here are the most likely (and mildly infuriating) reasons:

1. The Change Gets Things Moving

Changing nappies often involves a bit of leg movement, gentle wiping, and general stimulation of the area. Basically, you’re giving your baby a mini massage. And guess what that does? Yep, it can trigger their digestive system into gear.

(You thought you were just cleaning a bum, but turns out you were also performing a poop-inducing ritual.)

2. Warm + Dry = Relaxed

That fresh, warm nappy is like a luxury spa for your baby’s bum. It’s soft, it’s comfy, and suddenly… their little body decides it’s the perfect time to let loose. Think of it as the baby equivalent of someone needing to wee the second they walk in the front door.

3. They’re Still Learning Their Signals

Babies don’t quite have the hang of their bodily cues yet. Sometimes they don’t know they need to go until they’re mid-wee, or mid-oops-wasn’t-done. It’s not sabotage — just an adorable lack of bowel coordination.

What Can You Do?

Short answer: not a whole lot. But here are a few cheeky survival tips from parents who’ve been there, cleaned that:

🕒 Wait a Minute

If your baby has a habit of dropping a second surprise right after a change, try waiting a few minutes before sealing up that new nappy. Give them some nappy-free time on a towel or waterproof mat to see if the second act is coming.

💩 The Double-Wipe Trick

Wipe gently but thoroughly — sometimes a leftover tingle down there can make them feel like they still need to go.

😂 Just Embrace It

Sometimes, no amount of strategy will outsmart your baby’s bowels. Laugh it off, take the extra washing in stride, and know that someday — believe it or not — you’ll miss these cheeky little moments.

Final Thought

So next time you hear that familiar squelch just seconds after a fresh nappy goes on, don’t despair. Pop on the kettle, pat yourself on the back, and remember: you’re not alone in the poop loop. It’s a rite of passage in the parenthood journey.

And hey, at least they’re regular, right?