Get the top best tips and advice on keeping your little one nappy rash free.

Babies skin can be sensitive and its easy for their precious little bottoms to become irritated from nappy rash. No matter if your using cloth or disposables nappies and even if you're hyper vigilant with change routines, at some point nappy rash can set in. Luckily we've gathered some information together for the best tips and advice on keeping your little one nappy rash free.

What causes nappy rash?

There could be many reasons why the rash has started, always seek the advice of a doctor or call 0800healthline if you have concerns for a rash on your baby.

• Irritation from stool and urine. Sometimes it's just exposure to urine or stool that can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin. Diarrhoea easily causes nappy rash because faeces are more irritating than urine.
• Reaction to the products. Your baby’s skin may react to the type of baby wipes, disposable diapers, detergent, bleach, fabric softener, lotions, powders or oils you’re using. Take note of any new contact items if a rash occurs just in case it is a reaction.
• Bacterial or yeast (fungal) infection. The area covered by a diaper — buttocks, thighs and genitals — is especially vulnerable to a bacterial, yeast or fungal infection because it’s warm and moist. These rashes can be found within the creases of the skin, with red dots around the creases.
• New foods. Changes in diet such as starting solids or trying new foods can also lead to diaper rash. If you’re breastfeeding, your baby might develop diaper rash in response to something in your diet.
• Sensitive skin. Babies with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis (eczema) may be more likely to develop diaper rash. However, the irritated skin of atopic dermatitis and eczema primarily affects areas other than the diaper area.
• Yeast infection. When a baby is given antibiotics, “good” bacteria that keep yeast growth in check may be erased, resulting in diaper rash due to yeast infection. Antibiotics also increase the possibility of diarrhoea. Breastfed babies whose mothers take antibiotics are also at increased risk of diaper rash.

Nappy rash can be very hard to get rid of, so we want to focus on preventative methods that are proven to be most effective at keeping the rash at bay. No one wants to have their little one fussy and upset especially when trying to keep their bottoms clean, we don't need any more wriggly baby legs than usual!

Top Tips for preventing nappy rash before it even starts.

Here are some simple things you can do to help decrease the likelihood of your baby developing a rash:

1. Change your baby’s nappy often

Change wet or dirty diapers promptly. If your baby is with a babysitter or in child care, make sure they do the same.

2. Use a hypoallergenic and gentle wipe such as Purely Baby Aqua Baby Wipes at each diaper change

Purely Baby Aqua Baby Wipes are hypoallergenic, they won’t irritate the skin; instead, they help to avoid diaper rash and other skin conditions. Do not use wipes with alcohol or fragrance. If you use soap, make sure it’s for sensitive skin and fragrance-free.

Having a pack of Aqua+ 20’s in your car and another in your handbag means they’re on hand when you need them. You can even pop one in your older childrens school bag they are that handy. So economical, you can even reuse these wpes, just by rinsing them off, drying them and then reusing.

3. Gently pat your baby’s skin dry with a clean towel. Better yet, let it air dry or use our NEW Thinkwise biodegradable dry wipes.

Protect and cleanse your baby’s sensitive skin with Thinkwise Skinsafe Biodegradable Baby Wipes and look after the environment. These premium wipes are soft, absorbent & 100% natural. Skinsafe dry wipes are used in Birthcare and Hospitals nationwide. They are super soft and absorbent and created without parabens, alcohol, detergents, preservatives and chlorine. The gentlest options for your babies sensitive skin.

Top tip - the large dry wipes can be cut up into smaller wipes and used as face flannels!

Always pat, never scrub, your baby’s bottom. This can irritate the skin and possibly invite infection. When possible, let the skin air dry before re-diapering. Using warm water on cool days for a more pleasant nappy change.

4. Don’t fasten your little ones nappy too tightly

Tight nappies prevent air from getting into the diaper region, which sets up a moist environment that encourages diaper rashes. Tight diapers can also cause chafing at the waist or thighs.

5. Give your baby’s bottom time without a nappy - they love it!

When possible, let your baby go without a nappy. Exposing the skin to air is actually the best way to let it dry. To avoid accidents, try laying your baby on a large towel or sheet while he/she is bare-bottomed (outdoors if it’s warm enough), or use a Purely Baby Disposable Change Mat.

6. Use ointment or cream with each nappy change

Pastes, ointments or barrier creams such as booty balm, botty balm and nappy balm are all specially designed to soothe the skin and protect it from urine, faeces and other irritants coming into direct contact with your baby’s skin.

7. After each nappy change, wash your hands thoroughly

Hand-washing can prevent the spread of bacteria or yeast to other parts of your baby’s body, your body or other children. If you don't have hot water and soap at your disposal try our Purely Baby® Alcohol Free Hand Sanitising Foam which is a simple and effective way of reducing the transmission of infection without the need for soap, water and towels. Follow up with some Purely Baby® Alcohol Free Hand Sanitising Spraywhich is in a small pen like tube you can pop into your nappy bag or handbag.

Dispose of all dirty nappies in our “Purely Baby Disposable Nappy Bags” which are designed for the hygienic disposal of nappies and wipes.  They are convenient for when you’re on the go, scented to neutralise odour and coloured to disguise the contents.

We hope this information can help you and your little one with overcoming this very common problem. Tap the image below to see our entire range of Purely Baby and Thinkwise all natural products.