Baby bottoms

The delicate skin on your baby’s bottom has a tough time encased in a nappy 24 hours a day. To help prevent nappy rash change nappies frequently, keep their bottom as dry as possible and give them plenty of nappy free time

• Never leave them in a wet nappy, especially a soiled one.
• At every nappy change wipe or wash their bottom clean using cotton wool pads (unbleached if you can find them) and  warm water. Or wipe over skin gently with a vegetable carrier oil such as peach, apricot or jojoba oil (jojoba is especially good) anything dry will drag and irritate the skin.
• Make sure their bottom is really dry before putting on fresh nappy –always pat the skin dry, never rub as this can cause irritation. Baby powder (talc) is not advisable as  the fine 'dust' it makes can irritate their lungs.
• For those really messy  nappies, remove as much faecal matter as you can with the nappy you are taking off and wash their bottom with warm water. If  nessessery (and for babies older than one month),wash bottom using a little soap, or very mild baby wash. Rinse off really well and pat skin dry.
  Although soaps are alkaline, a good soap containing such ingredients as olive oil ,shea butter can be better for delicate skins as it is washed off.  Surfactant cleansers can cause irritation. If however your baby has eczema it is best to take advice from your doctor or nurse who may advice that you use an emollient wash.
• Baby-wipes can irritate sensitive skin and constant use may cause future skin problems. Instead of wipes try using oils such as jojoba, peach or apricot on baby soft  cotton wool pads. These will help condition delicate skin as they wipe clean . Floral waters too, such as camomile or rose water make perfect cleansers for baby bottoms. Their soothing properties are kind to the skin and do not contain chemicals such as parabens and propylene glycol.
• If the skin  is not dry or chapped there is no need to to use either a barrier cream or baby moisturiser. If skin is dry, apply an emollient oil such as jojoba or a  non mineral oil protective  barrier cream containing natural ingredients such as Shea butter or calendula.
• Talcum powder has its own concerns for both babies and toddlers,as the tiny particles of  talcum dust are easily inhaled into the lungs, and can cause breathing problems.

Nappy Rash

All babies can get a sore bottom from time to time. Nappy rash is caused by wetness and chemical reactions from urine and faeces. Treated promptly most rashes and sore skin should clear up within  three or four days

• The best treatment is prevention. Keep skin clean and dry and change nappies very frequently. Let them have as much nappy free time as possible, as sore and chapped skin needs fresh air. Make sure they are warm and  place a cloth nappy or towel underneath to catch those inevitable leaks.  Older babies should have plenty of nappy free play time too. Invest in a large play mat that can be easily cleaned.  
• To help ease soreness and soothe skin apply a waterproof barrier cream or an emollient cream containing camomile, lavender or calendula, chosen for  their anti-inflammatory properties. Use all creams sparingly. To be extra safe try on a small test area first before using all over nappy area. Also babies’ skins vary and some sore bottoms should just be kept clean and well aired.
• For older babies and toddlers a camomile or lavender bath (suitably diluted) can be comforting and help soothe sore delicate skin.

What else can cause nappy rash?

Other possibilities for a sore bottom

• If using towelling nappies use non bio washing following powder and unfragranced fabric conditioner.
• If using disposable nappies Check  that your baby isn’t sensitive to the chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Try different brands 
• Sore bottoms can appear overnight during Teething or following immunisation, -this is quite common
• If they are unwell or  have diarrhoea be extra vigilant as loose motions can make skin sore very quickly.
• Change in diet for example, weaning from breast to bottle. If breastfeeding it may coincide with something you have eaten ,or are eating a large amounts of-this is trial and error keep a diary of what you have eaten
• Starting solid food can sometimes cause nappy rash. Introducing  foods one at a time can help spot something  that maybe doesn’t agree with them-introduce again at a later date-but talk to you clinic nurse for advice if worried.
• Following a course of antibiotics babies can get  a rash that's caused by a fungal infection (Candida albicans). The rash is here is very red and sore.
• Consult your doctor if any nappy rash won’t clear up. The rash and surrounding  skin  is swollen, hot and red. They appear unwell,  fretful or have a temperature.
• Sore inflamed skin is very uncomfortable for your baby

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