5 Tips for preventing nappy rash - What Katy Said

5 Tips for preventing nappy rash

I can clearly remember the first time I dealt with nappy rash – and I am talking full-on burn style rash. Blisters, redness and hot to the touch.

Awful.

I didn’t know what had happened to my poor, poor baby. What on earth had caused such awful burns on her precious little bottom?

I have always believed that teething is a major cause of nappy rash, it certainly seems to happen around that time, but apparently, it isn’t one of the documented causes! Who knew?!

What are the common causes of nappy rash?

  • Soiled nappies combined with friction
  • Tight nappies – preventing air circulation
  • Baby wipes & other cleaning products

Your baby will be more likely to suffer from nappy rash if they:

  • were premature
  • are unwell
  • have had vaccinations
  • have diarrhoea
  • have a change in diet i.e. weaning
  • suffer from eczema

In a nutshell, they are sensitive to lots of external factors and so it is up to us as parents to look after their delicate skin.

I had always tried to make sure I change Will’s nappy regularly and used creams as soon as I’d spot any redness, but there are so many more things that can be done to prevent that dreaded rash.

5 tips for preventing nappy rash

Here are 5 different ways that can help stop that redness and ways that can help clear it up if it should appear.

1. Change your baby’s nappy as soon as it becomes soiled. Seems simple but with modern absorbent nappies, babies can be left longer without anyone realising they are wet. Aim for 5 – 7 times a day.

2. Allow nappy-free time each day – even 5 minutes would allow their skin to breathe.

3. Use the correct nappy size. If they are too tight then air cannot circulate and friction can irritate their skin.

4. Avoid perfumed wipes and products. 

5. Use a gentle nappy ointment at every change. We now use Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment and it is brilliant. It forms a protective barrier, letting the skin breathe and also protect it from any irritants. It’s also free from any nasty chemicals that could irritate your baby’s skin.

Now that I have been using protective cream before anything happens, as a preventative measure, he hasn’t suffered from any nappy rash at all – including through the dreaded teething stage!

If you have a little one then follow these simple tips and hopefully your little one will be rash free from now on too!

And guess what? I have a giveaway to win:

  • £50 JoJo Maman Bebe/John Lewis voucher

  • A 6-month supply of Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment

  • A Bepanthen cuddly toy (either an elephant or a dragonfly)

To be in with a chance of winning, simply enter the widget below. Good luck!

bepanthen

This post is sponsored by Bepanthen but all words and thoughts are my own. 

151 Comments

  • Reply
    Jade - Raising the Rings
    April 8, 2018 at 6:04 pm

    Lots of bare bottom time; give them five minutes to ‘air’ during nappy changes – that worked for us! x

  • Reply
    Emma Ellison
    April 8, 2018 at 6:26 pm

    Lot’s of nappy free time x

  • Reply
    Rachel Bradford
    April 8, 2018 at 6:32 pm

    We try to have lots of nappy off time and change them often, and very quickly!

  • Reply
    Leila Benhamida
    April 8, 2018 at 6:42 pm

    Change nappy often and sudocream if needed.

  • Reply
    Caroline Blaza
    April 9, 2018 at 10:16 am

    Sudocream x

  • Reply
    iain maciver
    April 9, 2018 at 10:16 am

    change nappies often

  • Reply
    Catherine Stewart
    April 9, 2018 at 10:19 am

    Bare bums wherever possible to let the skin breathe!

  • Reply
    S Edwards
    April 9, 2018 at 10:27 am

    We use SudoCrem we find it the best for nappy rash and preventing it

  • Reply
    DAWN WINSKILL
    April 9, 2018 at 10:28 am

    Change nappies often

  • Reply
    Nicola Marshall
    April 9, 2018 at 10:31 am

    Lots of free nappy time and vasaline.

  • Reply
    Sue McCarthy
    April 9, 2018 at 11:33 am

    I don’t have any children but would love to win this prize to donate to charity, to go to Romania.

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    April 9, 2018 at 12:06 pm

    Sudocrem and at least 30 mins per day without a nappy

  • Reply
    Ursula Hunt
    April 9, 2018 at 12:07 pm

    Sudocrem and at least 30 mins [er day without a nappy on

  • Reply
    samj
    April 9, 2018 at 1:06 pm

    Sudocrem and having a barebottom a couple of times a day

  • Reply
    neha
    April 9, 2018 at 2:40 pm

    Change nappy often, keep baby nude for a while to air out and a good barrier cream. Im due my first baby in 2 weeks and all this advice is really handy! Thank you x

  • Reply
    sarah rees
    April 9, 2018 at 5:50 pm

    keeping fresh and clean, nappies changed when necessary, air time after baths, good creams if necessary

  • Reply
    Shaun Tutt
    April 9, 2018 at 6:42 pm

    Changing nappies often

  • Reply
    Michelle Ferguson
    April 9, 2018 at 6:49 pm

    I find sudocrem always works

  • Reply
    becci cleary
    April 9, 2018 at 7:42 pm

    Raw Egg Whites – something that my Nan taught me – works wonders

  • Reply
    andrea tinkler
    April 9, 2018 at 7:49 pm

    regularly change nappy and i use sudocrem

  • Reply
    Alice Dixon
    April 9, 2018 at 8:01 pm

    Sudocrem and lots of nappy free time

  • Reply
    David Taylor
    April 9, 2018 at 8:19 pm

    We are expecting our 1st child this September so cannot offer any advice, however it would be perfect timing to win this amazing prize!

  • Reply
    Sarah Walford
    April 9, 2018 at 9:29 pm

    Nappy Free time and Sudocrem when Nappy is back on!!

  • Reply
    Sadiyya Maryam
    April 9, 2018 at 9:46 pm

    To change a dirty nappy as soon as possible.

  • Reply
    Jennifer Toal
    April 9, 2018 at 10:01 pm

    Sudocrem

  • Reply
    natalie crossan
    April 9, 2018 at 10:26 pm

    I like a protective barrier (either sudocrem or bepanthen) and then a fresh nappy regularly x

  • Reply
    Hayley Colburn
    April 9, 2018 at 10:57 pm

    regular nappy changes, patting dray after changing and barrier cream at the first sign of pink/redness

  • Reply
    Sarah Roberts
    April 10, 2018 at 12:38 am

    Make sure they are totally dry and give them little buns some air too. Regular nappy changes and always use a cream like sudocrem for a barrier .

  • Reply
    Fellina judson
    April 10, 2018 at 8:29 am

    Lots of air to the bum and cream when nappy is on

  • Reply
    Dale Dow
    April 10, 2018 at 10:06 am

    lots of nappy off time so the skin can breathe x

  • Reply
    chelsey hollings
    April 10, 2018 at 11:09 am

    Lots of nappy off time

  • Reply
    Kirsty Ward
    April 10, 2018 at 11:57 am

    Regular nappy changes & I use nappy cream regularly

  • Reply
    Lindsey stuart
    April 10, 2018 at 12:33 pm

    I let my little boy lye on his changing mat with a towel underneath for warmth and comfort and let him get as much air as possible whilst at home 🙂 i change nappies often and always use a nappy cream.

  • Reply
    Gillian McClelland
    April 10, 2018 at 12:54 pm

    Sudocrem and lots of nappy free time

  • Reply
    Lesley Bambridge
    April 10, 2018 at 1:18 pm

    No nappy time and let the air get to the skin : )

  • Reply
    Sheena Batey
    April 10, 2018 at 2:01 pm

    I frequently changed her nappy and used cream

  • Reply
    Sophie Foulds
    April 10, 2018 at 2:54 pm

    Change her often and use sudocream!

  • Reply
    Lyndsey Cooksey
    April 10, 2018 at 5:17 pm

    Changing nappies often and having lots of bare bum time when possible and always keep a tub of nappy cream at hand

  • Reply
    Fay
    April 10, 2018 at 7:46 pm

    I don’t have a little one but I would love to enter for my best friend, who was ‘expecting’ her first baby last Thursday!! (He’s not made an appearance yet though!)

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    April 10, 2018 at 7:52 pm

    With a new baby expected to join the family after quite a gap we shall have to take note of new products and ideas but nappy free time and frequent changes using a barrier cream still seem to be most important.

  • Reply
    Susan Greer
    April 10, 2018 at 8:57 pm

    Sudocrem is excellent

  • Reply
    G Keegan
    April 10, 2018 at 9:25 pm

    Some nappy free time and regular changes.

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    April 10, 2018 at 9:50 pm

    I don’t leave her in a damp nappy too long so there is less chance of her getting sore.

  • Reply
    lisa dolatowski
    April 10, 2018 at 10:21 pm

    regular changes of the nappy and letting them run around without one on when possible

  • Reply
    Jessica Powell
    April 10, 2018 at 10:40 pm

    Regular changing and barrier cream.

  • Reply
    Julir
    April 10, 2018 at 11:01 pm

    Lots of nappy off time and a good barrier cream.

  • Reply
    Zoey P
    April 11, 2018 at 5:39 am

    Sudocream and barebottom time

  • Reply
    Lindsey Jones
    April 11, 2018 at 7:05 am

    Regular changes and sudocrem

  • Reply
    Lorna Ledger
    April 11, 2018 at 1:14 pm

    Let them be naked! Great before bathtime!

  • Reply
    Nicola Farrel
    April 11, 2018 at 4:10 pm

    We make sure she’s changed regularly a little nappy free time helps as well. Barrier cream if it starts to get red seems to keep it at bay.

  • Reply
    Jules Eley
    April 11, 2018 at 6:34 pm

    I change them often and onl use water on their bums,

  • Reply
    Hannah Wallington
    April 11, 2018 at 8:43 pm

    Regular changes and plenty of cream

  • Reply
    Kim Carberry
    April 11, 2018 at 9:20 pm

    Have lots of nappy free time x

  • Reply
    Courtney Kemal
    April 12, 2018 at 1:15 am

    Change nappies often! NEVER keep them in a wet nappy. Let them go free sometimes (naked) to get air to their bums! be generous with cream, always! thanks for the blog it helped me! Great prize as its my sons first birthday son and I saw some lovely bits in JL! Thanks for the chance! Courtney x

  • Reply
    Clare Hubbard
    April 12, 2018 at 9:32 am

    Sudocream has proven to be a godsend, we haven’t tried any other creams though

  • Reply
    laura banks
    April 12, 2018 at 10:18 am

    have nappy free time

  • Reply
    Sinead ORourke
    April 12, 2018 at 1:51 pm

    If possible use cotton nappies rather than disposable.

  • Reply
    Louise Fairweather
    April 12, 2018 at 5:06 pm

    Nappy free time

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    April 12, 2018 at 10:20 pm

    I use metanium, for when they get a little rash, and obviously change nappies when requires and clean the skin thoroughly and dry well when changing, I know that is when urine and faeces come together the ph changes this is particularly irritating to the skin if left in contact

  • Reply
    Marie Elvin
    April 12, 2018 at 11:02 pm

    Lots of nappy free time!

  • Reply
    melanie stirling
    April 13, 2018 at 12:22 am

    Cleaning the urine off at every nappy change and applying barrier cream.

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    April 13, 2018 at 6:45 am

    nappy off as often as possible! changing frequently and lots of barrier cream to prevent it.

  • Reply
    Claire Croft
    April 13, 2018 at 6:46 am

    lots of nappy off time, changing as regularly as possible and using a good protective cream

  • Reply
    Solange
    April 14, 2018 at 6:29 am

    Change your baby’s nappy regularly, clean them thoroughly, apply barrier cream after each nappy change and give your baby as much nappy-free time as possible.

  • Reply
    Kathy Cakebread
    April 14, 2018 at 1:13 pm

    regular nappy changes

  • Reply
    Elzbieta Znyk
    April 14, 2018 at 7:33 pm

    Change nappy quite often, use cream.

  • Reply
    Simone Griffin
    April 14, 2018 at 9:15 pm

    I try and keep a nappy off for short periods of time per day and change them regularly

  • Reply
    Sarah Addey
    April 14, 2018 at 11:08 pm

    Change often to keep fresh

  • Reply
    Helen Stratton
    April 15, 2018 at 10:19 am

    Regular nappy changes, free kicking time and keep the area clean. I’ve started using reusable wipes and they seem great.

  • Reply
    Ana Nowell
    April 15, 2018 at 3:53 pm

    Using cotton wool instead of wipes and bepanthen which seems to be the only thing that works

  • Reply
    Elizabeth chew
    April 16, 2018 at 9:00 am

    A bath every night. We use cream every now and again but she rarely gets red.

  • Reply
    Emma Davenport
    April 16, 2018 at 12:24 pm

    Happy nappy free time…

  • Reply
    Jade
    April 16, 2018 at 2:02 pm

    Sudocrem and nappy off time

  • Reply
    Caroline Cordery
    April 17, 2018 at 12:01 am

    Luckily it’s not been much of a problem, but leaving the nappy off, and using metanium cream.

  • Reply
    Kelly B
    April 17, 2018 at 9:40 am

    I didn’t realise how bad nappy rash could be but my little boy experienced it badly once when he was teething. I would always allow some nappy free time and make sure he was dry after being cleaned and before applying a really small amount of barrier cream.

  • Reply
    Katy Hacket
    April 17, 2018 at 2:42 pm

    Lots of time with her bottom to the air! I also have a little balm for when she starts to look sore, but it’s never got too bad thankfully.

  • Reply
    Pauline Burroughs
    April 17, 2018 at 8:38 pm

    Make sure nappies are changed frequently and use Sudocrem every time

  • Reply
    Rebecca roberts
    April 18, 2018 at 6:07 pm

    I change her nappy often and smother in sudocream

  • Reply
    Emma h
    April 19, 2018 at 6:39 am

    Change nappy frequently and use a good barrier cream

  • Reply
    Rebecca Phillips
    April 19, 2018 at 8:22 am

    We never really had a bad nappy rash. I just always made sure to wipe properly, change often and use a barrier cream.

  • Reply
    Susan Trubey
    April 19, 2018 at 9:04 pm

    vaseline

  • Reply
    Nikki Hayes
    April 19, 2018 at 10:18 pm

    Sudocrem and as much nappy free time as possible :o)

  • Reply
    john prendergast
    April 19, 2018 at 11:09 pm

    Sudocrem and nappy free time

  • Reply
    Jess Armstrong
    April 20, 2018 at 7:36 am

    Sudocream works a treat!

  • Reply
    Jessi
    April 20, 2018 at 5:51 pm

    We have lots of nappy free time, I also found one brand of wipes which work perfectly for me and my children, also at the slightest sign of redness I use cream and it’s typically gone by the next nappy change.

  • Reply
    Kerryn Johnson
    April 20, 2018 at 7:59 pm

    Leave nappies off for as long as possible

  • Reply
    Emma Thackery
    April 20, 2018 at 8:45 pm

    Nappy free time and a barrier cream if needed

  • Reply
    Jessica Barber
    April 20, 2018 at 8:50 pm

    Nappy free time and regular changes!

  • Reply
    JULIE WARD
    April 20, 2018 at 8:52 pm

    Left my lads with no nappy on quite a lot, they never really suffered from any rashes, maybe they were lucky ones

  • Reply
    astrid c
    April 21, 2018 at 6:44 am

    lots of nappy free time!! x

  • Reply
    Mary Baldwin
    April 21, 2018 at 9:43 am

    Lots of nappy changes, and a wipe over with a simple damp cloth after wipes to remove any chemical residue.

  • Reply
    Lauren Main
    April 21, 2018 at 9:45 am

    Sudocrem and a little while in the day without wearing a nappy!

  • Reply
    Emma Fox
    April 21, 2018 at 11:14 am

    Lots of nappy free time 🙂

  • Reply
    Angela W
    April 21, 2018 at 11:55 am

    I make sure his nappy is regularly cleaned and that his bum is dry before putting on the fresh nappy x

  • Reply
    Lucinda Beckett
    April 21, 2018 at 12:49 pm

    I am entering for my friend who is due in august! I know that she is very eco minded and will use reusable nappies and most likely will go for lots of nappy free time!

  • Reply
    Allan Fullarton
    April 21, 2018 at 3:42 pm

    Sudocream is a life saver.

  • Reply
    Rebecca Powell
    April 21, 2018 at 4:30 pm

    I always change nappies often and use Sudocrem at every nappy change

  • Reply
    Ruth Lee
    April 21, 2018 at 5:07 pm

    sudocrem and change nappies often

  • Reply
    christine westlake
    April 21, 2018 at 5:49 pm

    sudocream and dry nappies

  • Reply
    Hazel Murphy
    April 21, 2018 at 6:15 pm

    Change nappies regularly and use sudocrem.

  • Reply
    Amy Denney
    April 21, 2018 at 6:16 pm

    Sudocrem and nappy free time

  • Reply
    Rebecca lis
    April 21, 2018 at 6:43 pm

    Nappy free time and lots of it!!

  • Reply
    chloe brill
    April 21, 2018 at 6:57 pm

    use sudocreme

  • Reply
    C Whitlow
    April 21, 2018 at 7:26 pm

    Air and sudocrem!

  • Reply
    Victoria Worthington
    April 21, 2018 at 8:39 pm

    I spray La Roche-Posay thermal spring water at every nappy change

  • Reply
    Cerys John
    April 21, 2018 at 9:14 pm

    Regular nappy changes and sudocrem!

  • Reply
    Karen Howden
    April 21, 2018 at 10:35 pm

    sudocrem

  • Reply
    Jan
    April 21, 2018 at 10:41 pm

    Lots of nappy free time.

  • Reply
    Carol Cliffe
    April 21, 2018 at 11:06 pm

    Regular changes and nappy free time, plus I always found Bepanthen was the best treatment if nappy rash did occur.

  • Reply
    Rachel Craig
    April 22, 2018 at 1:23 am

    Regular nappy changes, and some nappy free time daily are some aspects we have used as a family. Addition to the family due later this year, so prize if won :- Would be welcome, useful and appreciated.

    Some risk factors for nappy rash are not easily avoided, so it seems best to be prepared. Thanks for all the up to date information.

  • Reply
    Julie Wilson
    April 22, 2018 at 6:07 am

    Plenty of nappy free time and I used Sudocrem for my children.

  • Reply
    jacqui rushton
    April 22, 2018 at 6:42 am

    By using cotton wool

  • Reply
    Martina Deeley
    April 22, 2018 at 7:49 am

    Nappy free time. Is good to get some air to the area

  • Reply
    Ali Fanstone
    April 22, 2018 at 8:08 am

    my grandson has lots of free nappy time, which I also think helps with potty training

  • Reply
    Jo Hutchings
    April 22, 2018 at 9:22 am

    Regular nappy changes seems to do the trick for us.

  • Reply
    adrian prtice
    April 22, 2018 at 9:56 am

    nappy free time—is happy time

  • Reply
    Lauren Stebbings
    April 22, 2018 at 10:21 am

    Nappy free time helps a lot

  • Reply
    Jacqueline Roberts
    April 22, 2018 at 11:00 am

    I treated with sudocrem if looked red but didn’t use if not needed. I always had nappy off time and regular changes with wipes with water and cotton wool.

  • Reply
    Elaine Stokes
    April 22, 2018 at 11:23 am

    nappy free time and always use the creams when they are in nappies

  • Reply
    Diane Tait
    April 22, 2018 at 11:33 am

    Regular changes, loads of nappy free time and Sudocrem when in nappies

  • Reply
    Jayne Kelsall
    April 22, 2018 at 11:47 am

    I discovered Metanium ointment with my first and find it really good .x

  • Reply
    Liv Lee
    April 22, 2018 at 11:57 am

    Change them asap

  • Reply
    paula cheadle
    April 22, 2018 at 11:59 am

    change nappies often, and use a good barrier cream

  • Reply
    Jeanette Leighton
    April 22, 2018 at 12:16 pm

    Changing as soon as done a number 2 ?

  • Reply
    Lorna Wils
    April 22, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    Chnage the nappy frequently, air the bottom and apply Bepanthen cream.

  • Reply
    zoe d
    April 22, 2018 at 3:07 pm

    Sudocream

  • Reply
    Deborah Clarke
    April 22, 2018 at 3:48 pm

    Frequent nappy changes are a must along with regular nappy free time. Thanks for the chance to be your lucky winner

  • Reply
    gaynor Vincent
    April 22, 2018 at 3:48 pm

    In the summer let them run around the garden without a nappy – but apply sun cream first!

  • Reply
    Karla Gold
    April 22, 2018 at 4:05 pm

    Sudacrem is everything

  • Reply
    Joanna Kasznicki
    April 22, 2018 at 4:16 pm

    we enjoy lots of bare bum time lol

  • Reply
    Ioana Cristina Popescu
    April 22, 2018 at 4:36 pm

    Sudocream and try not to use nappies all the time.

  • Reply
    Lauren
    April 22, 2018 at 5:12 pm

    Changing nappy regularly and applying cream each change. We also use wipes that only contain water.

  • Reply
    Tiffeny Brown
    April 22, 2018 at 5:32 pm

    My 9 month old has never suffered with nappy rash thank goodness and I just change his nappy regularly and apply cream 🙂

  • Reply
    Sarah Holder
    April 22, 2018 at 5:49 pm

    Bare bum time lots of it!!

  • Reply
    Amy Fox
    April 22, 2018 at 6:59 pm

    Poor Eli had horrendous nappy rash when he was only a few days old. Bepanthen and lots of nappy free time worked. It did mean I got wee’d on more times than I’d have liked though! x

  • Reply
    Tammy Neal
    April 22, 2018 at 8:03 pm

    Sudocrem x

  • Reply
    Emma Gough
    April 22, 2018 at 8:09 pm

    I always make sure she’s changed as soon as she poops and regular changes in between

  • Reply
    Jenna Parrington
    April 22, 2018 at 8:13 pm

    By changing frequently and giving her nappy free time xx

  • Reply
    Michelle Wild
    April 22, 2018 at 8:14 pm

    Never mix pee with poop if you smell a smell change immediately. It’s the chemical reaction which causes the rash!

  • Reply
    Kyomi Johnson
    April 22, 2018 at 8:15 pm

    By changing frequently and plenty of nappy free time

  • Reply
    Nikki Hunter-Pike
    April 22, 2018 at 8:16 pm

    Change frequently – also make sure you clean the entire area where the nappy has been touching as that helps keep it at bay!

  • Reply
    Laura Findlay
    April 22, 2018 at 8:22 pm

    Nappy free time and bepanthen x

  • Reply
    stephanie
    April 22, 2018 at 9:11 pm

    nappy free time

  • Reply
    Jodi hill
    April 22, 2018 at 9:32 pm

    Nappie free time for my daughter & nappie changes often!

  • Reply
    Tasha
    April 22, 2018 at 9:53 pm

    Bepanthen!

  • Reply
    Robyn Clarke
    April 22, 2018 at 10:07 pm

    Nappy free time, we had a lovely conservatory in our old house and it got lovely and warm, perfect for nappy free time.

  • Reply
    Caroline
    April 22, 2018 at 10:15 pm

    Leaving a nappy off as much as possible!!

  • Reply
    Laura Khomutova
    April 22, 2018 at 10:20 pm

    I change her more often

  • Reply
    Melissa Mahon
    April 22, 2018 at 11:17 pm

    Lots of nappy free time!

  • Reply
    Lia Burns
    April 22, 2018 at 11:35 pm

    We have 1 hour of nappy free time a day, I find fresh air helps a lot keeping her bum smooth!

  • Reply
    Andrea Johnson
    April 22, 2018 at 11:44 pm

    Nappy free time!

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