Caring for your newborn can be overwhelming, and priceless, particularly for first-time parents. For many parents, diaper changing is not among the most delightful of experiences. However, with a little practice and patience, every nappy change can become a special bonding moment between mother and child.
A child typically spends 25,000 hours in diapers during their first few years, and this translates to about 15,000 diaper changes made by the parents.
As a result, many infants suffer from nappy rash at some time, whether in cloth or disposable diapers. This is because your baby’s skin is much thinner than an adult’s, making it very sensitive and vulnerable to infection and irritation.
Nappy rash is caused by your baby’s delicate skin being wrapped in a hot and damp nappy all day and night, and being in constant contact with chemicals in urine and faeces. A soiled nappy is also perfect breeding ground for bacteria, especially the diarrhoea-causing E.coli.
There are three major types of nappy rash:
Irritant diaper dermatitis: Redness on genital areas and bottom but not in the skin folds. Baby will feel a stinging sensation only when he is soaked or soiled. It is usually not infected by bacteria or fungi, therefore a mild nappy rash preparation with protective and regenerative properties will suffice.
Fungal infection: Redness which not only appears on the surface of the skin, but also in the skin folds which can cause extreme grumpiness for the baby during nappy-changing times. It is best to seek medical advice for fungal infections.
Bacterial infection: Bright redness which is swollen and accompanied by a warm sensation. Your baby might be down with a fever and rash may be as severe as becoming pus-filled spots. Medical attention is required.
Even the best cared-for babies can develop nappy rash, so don’t feel that you are an inadequate parent if your baby happens to fall victim! Having said that, much can be done to prevent and reduce it.
Ideas that help to treat nappy rash will also help in prevention:
- Frequent nappy changes (and this can be up to 12 or 14 times a day!)
- Experimenting with different types of nappies (or disposable diapers) to see which ones suit your baby best.
- Do not secure your baby’s nappy too tightly as this will cut off air circulation, causing great friction on skin.
- Give your baby plenty of water to drink as this will lower his urine concentration, posing lesser irritation on sensitive skin.
- Avoid baby wipes as much as possible, especially scented ones, as chemicals found in these products could also pose irritation to your baby’s skin.
- A cotton flannel and lukewarm water is all you need to give your baby a wipe down during each change, and make sure it is completely dry.
- Do not wash the affected area with soap.
With each change, it is also advisable to apply a thin layer of barrier ointment. A preparation which is gentle on the skin and free from colourants, fragrances and preservatives would be ideal. This barrier forms a protective layer on the baby’s skin, soothing irritation and at the same time allowing your baby’s skin to breathe. Selecting a product with the dexpanthenol ingredient might also be helpful as it accelerates the healing process.
If you are using cloth nappies, extra attention and care is also needed when you are laundering the fabrics.
- Soiled nappies should be rinsed first before washing.
- Ensure that you do not use too much detergent as residues left behind from harsh washing powders and detergents will also add irritation.
- Rinse thoroughly (over and over again if you have to!)
- Hang nappies out to dry on the line. Fresh air and sunshine will help kill bacteria.
Nappy rash usually clears in a few days, but if irritation is still present after a week, you may want to seek medical advice as it could be thrush infection or even infantile eczema.
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