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!