How To Prevent Diaper Rash In 5 Easy Steps
Nappy rash is common in babies – red, sore and very tender this skin rash happens when the area covered by the diaper becomes inflamed.
It can flare up when the skin is in contact with a wet or dirty diaper for too long, or if your baby has diarrhea or when babies starts eating solid foods or change to formula from breast milk, because their stool may change and irritate the area.
Some cases of diaper rash can be severe, where the skin blisters, bleeds or oozes fluid. This may be due to a secondary infection and should be looked at by your doctor.
Luckily, most cases of diaper rash are easy to treat at home and can be prevented.
Here are 5 easy steps to prevent diaper rash.
- Change the nappy or diaper often
Diaper rash generally happens when the skin covered by the diaper is wet or soiled for too long. The easiest way to prevent it is to change your baby’s diaper often. That way, any wetness won’t rub up against your baby’s skin and irritate it. A good rule is to check the nappy every couple of hours during the day and at night when you are checking or feeding your baby.
- Keep Skin Clean
It’s really important to keep the skin around the diaper area clean to prevent bacteria from spreading. At every change you should clean the skin with warm water with either a soft cloth or cotton balls. I found having a pump bottle of Sorbolene cream worked really well with a cloth or cotton balls and only used a mild soap if the bottom was really dirty. I used baby wipes occasionally when away from home. Do take a look at the baby wipes you’re using and try to avoid any with alcohol, propylene glycol and heavy fragrances
Always pat your baby’s skin dry with a soft, clean towel.
3. Keep it dry
Nappy rash happens when your baby is exposed to prolonged wetness, so it’s really important to keep the diaper area dry. A great way is to go diaper-free. Let your child spend some time naked (supervised, of course), which will allow air to flow around the diaper area and dry it out.
Whatever you do, skip the talcum powder. Our Moms used it to keep a baby’s skin dry, but if your baby inhales the powder, it can irritate his lungs. Also, never use a blow dryer to dry a baby’s bottom, because the heat may burn babies’ tender skin.
- Avoid irritation and keep nappies loose
Baby skin is soft and fragile and irritates easily. It is much easier to eliminate any potential causes of diaper rash such as fragrances than deal with the end result so use unscented gentle wipes and super absorbent disposable diapers which draw moisture away or if you’re using cloth nappies check and change frequently. Adding half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle in your washing machine also helps.
Fasten nappies loose enough so that there’s room for air to circulate round your baby’s bottom.
- Use a barrier cream
Barrier creams are wonderful in protecting the skin against diaper rash. Look for diaper creams preferably with zinc oxide, such as Desitin. Apply a thin layer at each change but make sure your baby’s skin is dry before applying it otherwise moisture can be trapped below the cream!
Follow these 5 easy steps and you’ll have a very happy baby!
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