This is a document of information I have collated from my experience, about nappy rash. Some of the suggestions may not apply to you and your baby but it may be helpful to keep for reference as your baby gets bigger.
ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR HEALTH ADVISOR if you are unsure on any nappy rash on your child before attempting to treat yourself.
ALWAYS use a paper or fleece liner when using any method of cream treatment so as not to clog the fabric of your nappies and affect absorbancy.
Checklist
The nappies
• Frequency of changing - always change directly after a poo and otherwise regularly. Aim for every 3-4 hours in the day and more regularly when your baby has nappy rash.
• Half the amount of washing powder or use wash balls. Make sure nappies are well rinsed.
• Make sure the washing powder being used is good quality non bio with no conditioner.
• Some parents (myself included) prefer to use liquid rather than powder to wash nappies as they feel it leaves less residue.
• Strip wash nappies (no powder) and give extra rinse – this helps remove any powder build up and can make older nappies more absorbent as a result.
• Ensure water is running clear in the drum on the rinse cycle.
• Have you used bio detergent in the machine at other times as this can get into nappies, or have they been washed in someone else’s machine such as while you are on holiday.
• White vinegar to clean nappies – a splash of white wine vinegar in the rinse cycle will remove any fungal spores from your nappies. This does not leave a smell!
• Have you been swapping between disposables and real nappies? This can make it harder for your babies skin as it needs to frequently adjust to different ‘environments’.
• I would always suggest a fleece liner (See http://www.burtonrealnappies.info/accessories.htm#liners) in a real nappy as a extra layer of protection and try using the real nappies 24 hours a day – do ask your advisor if you need extra boosters for overnight.
Nappy Liners
• Use fleece liners (some nappies have fleece liners as an integral part of the nappy). They help wick away moisture from sensitive skin.
• Silk liners. They help wick away moisture from sensitive skin.
• Silver liners can really help with healing
• Chamomile liners can aid with soothing a sore bottom
again see http://www.burtonrealnappies.info/accessories.htm#liners
Wipes
What baby wipes are you using? The most natural method is either cotton wool and water or washable wipes (these are also more economical). When using washable wipes you can use either water or one of the following solutions.
• Chamomile water – can this be made with a chamomile tea bag
• Cooled Redbush tea Creams and other solutions
• Manuka honey
• If you know your baby is not allergic to egg (e.g. it is weaned and eats egg happily) raw egg white can be very effective when applied to nappy rash.
• Consider a balm (See http://www.burtonrealnappies.info/bottomcare.htm) to prevent further rash or soreness especially when teething or unwell.
Other
• Lots and lots and lots of nappy free time
• Bath every day
• Check with the health visitor it is not thrush – this will need alternative treatment
• Has there been a change in diet or is your baby teething?
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