
How to survive a poonami
Content editor
Jayne Cherrington-Cook
If you haven't yet experienced the joy of a poonami (consider yourself lucky), it's basically a nappy blowout of epic proportions. We're talking a messy explosion that completely overwhelms the nappy, leaving your little one covered in... well, you get the picture.
While you can't completely prevent these little surprises, there are ways to make them less of a hassle and more bearable.
Why do poonamis happen?
This, let's say, ‘memorable’ parenting milestone can happen for all sorts of reasons: maybe the nappy isn't fitting quite right, your little one is under the weather or they're dealing with constipation.
The good news is that as your baby's tummy grows and their poo gets more solid, these messy explosions will become less frequent.

What to do when it happens at home
Dealing with a poonami at home is definitely less stressful. Just scoop up your little one and head straight to the bathroom. Strip off their clothes and toss them aside to deal with later.
If you have a handheld showerhead, give baby a quick rinse to get rid of the worst of it. Then, give them a good old wash with a gentle bubble bath and warm water, just like you normally would.
Got a messy outfit? Remember, those envelope necklines on baby vests are a lifesaver. Pull the vest down instead of up to avoid a bigger mess. To clean any soiled clothes, scrape off what you can and soak them in warm water for half an hour. Then wash as usual, maybe with a little extra stain remover.
And this is exactly why a changing mat is a must-have. Mamas & Papas PVC changing mats are super easy to wipe clean after any poonami disaster.
Nappy-changing essentials

What to do when you’re out and about
Things can get a bit trickier when a poonami strikes on the go. That's why it's smart to have an ‘explosion kit’ on hand. Pack some muslins (lots of them), baby wipes, a disposable changing mat and a spare outfit for your little one. And for those truly epic blowouts, you might want to toss in a change of clothes for yourself, too. Don't forget extra nappy bags – they're perfect for storing soiled clothes.
A pack of antibacterial wipes in your changing bag is also a must. They'll help you clean up any surfaces affected by the explosion. If it happens in the car seat or pram, give it a quick wipe-down, then line it with muslin cloths for your baby's comfort.
Those muslins can also double as mini aprons for you – just tuck one into your trousers before changing to protect your own clothes.
The ultimate explosion kit

Tips to prevent it happening
While poonamis can be unpredictable, there are a few tricks you can try to minimise the mess:
Get the right fit: Make sure baby is wearing the correct size nappy. Too small and leaks are inevitable. Also, don't forget to pull out those frilly bits around the leg holes to create a better seal.
Consider cloth nappies: If blowouts are a regular occurrence, switching to cloth nappies might help. They tend to have better containment due to their snug fit.
Try a nappy cover: If you're not ready to commit to full-time cloth nappies, try adding a waterproof nappy cover over your disposable nappy for extra protection.
Less is more at home: When you're at home, let your little one go nappy-only or just in a onesie. Less clothing means less laundry if a blowout happens.
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Published 8.15.2024
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