No matter what nappy you use at some point your baby will probably experience nappy rash. Poop, pee in the nappy, and your baby's sensitive skin exposed to it for long hours; the worst nightmare ever! Nappy rash or diaper rash can be horrible. It can not only make your baby uncomfortable, but it can also turn ugly and sometimes painful. Nappy rashes are caused by urine, faeces, excessive moisture and heat, friction between the nappy and the skin, and chemicals in baby wipes, soap, cream, and detergents. Well, that covers everything, right?
Most babies experience a nappy rash at some point or the other. It is usually mild and goes away on its own. But, what if it is severe? If creams, soaps and detergents, moisturizing and everything you use can cause nappy rash, then how can you prevent it from harming your child? Here are some simple ways to minimize or prevent nappy rash.
Change their nappy often: The best way to prevent or minimize nappy rash is to change the nappy as soon as the baby soils it. The aim is to prevent the skin from being affected by urine and feces, and it is done best by changing the nappy often. It is especially vital if your baby has runny poop.
Leave the nappy off: While it is true that you cannot completely avoid using nappies, you can try letting your baby sleep on a reusable change mat or a towel. Make sure to change the towel or the change mat once soiled. Leaving the nappy off for a while allows fresh air to touch the skin. Remember, the more fresh air, the better.
Choose the right wipes: Did you know, that using baby wipes is as effective as cotton pads and water? Baby wipes can be very helpful, but the chemicals in the wipes can cause skin irritation and lead to nappy rashes. Make sure to use fragrance-free and alcohol-free wipes. It would be best to use water and reusable cloth if you cannot find wipes that are alcohol and fragrance-free.
Avoid talcum: Most parents follow a routine wherein they clean the baby's bottom with wipes or water after they poop, pat it dry, moisturize it, and apply talcum powder thinking it would keep the skin dry and safe from irritants. While it is considered 'Best Practice', it is not. Avoid using talcum powder as it can clump if used in excess, or can react with the nappy pad and cause skin irritation. Instead, just wash and pat dry your baby with a towel. In addition to talcum, it is best to avoid bubble baths and lotions.
Barrier creams can help: There are various barrier creams or ointments available in the market that can be used to protect your child from experiencing a nappy rash. They are easily available from a pharmacist. Barrier creams protect the baby's skin by acting as a barrier against pee and poop. Applying a thin layer of this cream before putting it on the nappy is considered ideal. Remember, it is best to apply a thin layer only. Excessive use of barrier ointment can reduce the breathability of the nappy. And if you are using reusable nappies, check that the cream is compatible with cloth nappies.
Avoid tight plastic pants: Unfortunately, many parents believe in using tight-fitting plastic pants that keep the pee and poop from leaking. While it does make you think of its convenience, tight plastic pants are the worst to use. They keep in moisture and are the main cause of severe diaper rashes. While it is recommended to avoid tight plastic pants, it would be ideal to avoid any tight-fitting diapers and nappies. Use breathable and reusable nappies instead.
Potty train: Potty training your baby might seem to be an impossible task; but it is the best solution to follow once your baby starts to walk. You can find various training materials to use in addition to baby training nappies and pants that can help.
While the above measures help to avoid or minimize the occurrence of rashes, every child will most likely experience nappy rash at least once in their life. If these rashes become severe, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.