10 Simple But Effective Ways To Prevent Nappy Rash

There are three major causes of nappy rash, the first being the nappy itself. Baby’s nappy area is kept covered for most of her baby-life – no wonder irritation occurs!

The second cause is the urine and faeces which often burn Baby’s sensitive skin. What Baby eats will also affect this, because what goes in must come out…

Although it’s meant to help, medication is the third major cause. Often antibiotics deplete the healthy bacteria on the body, leaving Baby’s skin vulnerable to irritation. Antibiotics can also cause diarrhoea, which is the prime trigger of nappy rash.

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With all this in mind, here are Sister Lilian Centre’s top ten tips for preventing nappy rash:

  1. Choose Baby’s barrier creams and gels carefully, as these can sometimes cause rashes or other adverse effects – I have also written a blog about petroleum jelly used in baby skin care.
  2. Use good quality diapers/disposable nappies, or organic cotton or bamboo cloth nappies to help ensure fewer problems with rash and irritations.
  3. Opt for disposable nappies specially designed to draw moisture and runny poo away from the skin, giving further preventive protection.
  4. Be careful about what detergents and softeners you use on fabric or terry nappies, as they can irritate sensitive skin.
  5. Change soiled nappies as soon as possible. The longer Baby’s skin is exposed to urine and faeces, the more irritation is likely to occur because of the ammonia which is produced by urine – and accelerated by faeces.
  6. Wash Baby’s buttocks thoroughly after each nappy change where possible. It’s best to use soap and water: dunk Baby’s buttocks in a basin of warm water and wash thoroughly with gentle soap as part of your nappy-changing routine. Simply wiping Baby with a damp cloth or using oil and cotton wool doesn’t clean as effectively.
  7. Use soaped or perfumed cleansing wipes only for convenience when you’re away from home, and preferably choose sensitive care ones.
  8. Let Baby’s nappy area dry completely after each nappy change by letting her play without a nappy for ten minutes after you’ve cleaned her up.
  9. Expose Baby’s buttocks to direct non-midday sun for ten minutes each day if she has sensitive skin.
  10. Wait until Baby is at least six months old before introducing solids, and then start with fresh seasonal fruit (not cooked) and yellow veggies.