Babies use up to ten nappies a day. If you don't keep your baby dry, she might get diaper rash. Most babies get a little rash once in a while. This usually happens if the baby's skin stays wet when in a diaper. The rash usually looks red and pimply and lasts for only a few days. Nappy rash can also be caused by strong washing powders or softeners, so if keeping baby clean and dry isn't helping, try changing your laundry products.
Not selecting the best diapers to lead to most cases nappy rash and discomfort due to friction, skin over-hydration and PH change and bacteria from urine and feces irritating the skin.
Moreover, some diapers used often increase heat, encouraging bacteria to thrive on the warmer surface. More so, when diapers aren't changed frequently, they tend to attract bacteria and germs. Yet, more than 107 types of bacteria can reside on the surface of a common pad or diaper attracted by heat and airtight conditions.
Nappy rash has also been attributed to the diet of moms and babies and also a lack of breastfeeding. Studies say that kids who don't breastfeed, have a higher risk of developing a nappy rash than those breastfed. The reason behind this, according to Atherton DJ Mills a researcher is that those who don't breastfeed have a higher acidity that allows bacteria to spread on the baby's skin. More so, he adds that whenever an infant’s diet undergoes a significant change such as weaning which includes switching from breast milk to formula or to solids, there appears to be an increased likelihood of diaper rash.
Nevertheless, a few measures moms are using to tackle the measures include using simple products such as petroleum jelly and baby powders.
Taking care of diaper rash:
- When you change your baby, leave the diaper off for at least 10 minutes to let your baby's bottom air out.
- Soak your baby's bottom in warm water, and then dry it gently.
- Try using cloth nappies for a while. Or, if you're using cloth nappies, change to disposables.
- Don't use waterproof pants if possible as they keep the moisture in the diaper.
- Use creams like Fissan Paste® on the rash. Don't use powders and lotions on the rash.