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"Smooth as a baby's bottom," unless that bottom has nappy rash. Nappies, because they are warm and often wet, are a good place for bacteria and yeast to grow. Those germs, along with wetness, can create a red, raw rash on the skin of your baby's bottom. Nappy rash is usually not a serious condition, but it can hurt.
HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO PREVENT IT: - Change the baby's nappy when you know it is wet or soiled. In a newborn, this could be 15 times or more every day!
- Give baby's bottom some "air time" each day. Dress him or her in a cloth nappy with no plastic or nylon cover. Cotton allows some air circulation. Leave the nappy off entirely for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This could be done before the baby's bath.
- Rinse the baby's bottom with clear water at each nappy change. Use mild soap if needed.
- Avoid using baby powder. It can clump and cake, and give bacteria a place to grow.
- If you are using cloth nappies, try to find nappy covers that allow air circulation such as wool or waterproofed cotton.
- If you wash your own cloth nappies, use a mild soap or detergent and double rinse them to get out any soap residue. Adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle often helps.
- If you are using disposables, change them often. Disposables can hold an amazing amount of urine before they leak. Change them every two hours or so.
- Babies older than six months who eat solid foods may develop allergies to new foods. Food allergies can cause nappy rash. Try only one new food a week.
IF YOUR BABY DOES GET NAPPY RASH, YOU CAN DO THE FOLLOWING: - increase daily "air time"
- use a nappy rash cream that contains zinc oxide, such as Zinc cream to protect the skin from further irritation
If the rash develops into sores, or does not get better in one or two days, check with your baby's doctor. Sometimes a more serious skin infection can develop, and will need further treatment. Article #4803 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
