Red, irritated and sore around the diaper area. Diaper rash affects most babies at some point, and it can be hard to watch your little one go through it. But with the right know-how and the right diaper, you can both soothe it and help prevent it.
What is diaper rash?
Diaper rash is irritation of the skin under and around the diaper. It can show up as redness, small spots, dryness or tenderness. In mild cases the skin may just look a little red. In more severe cases, painful, stinging sores can develop.
It's very common — up to a third of all babies get diaper rash at some point during their first years. So it's not a sign you're doing anything wrong, but there are things you can do to lower the risk.
Common causes
The most common cause is prolonged contact with moisture. Urine and stool change the skin's pH and make it more vulnerable to irritation. When the diaper also rubs against the skin, the friction makes things worse.
Chemicals in conventional diapers, such as fragrances, chlorine dioxide bleaching and synthetic additives, can trigger reactions in sensitive babies. Babies whose skin tends to react to outside influences are at even higher risk.
A diaper that isn't changed often enough, sweating in warm weather or diarrhea are other common triggers.
How to prevent diaper rash
Change diapers often — ideally every three hours, and always right after a dirty diaper. Dry the skin gently but thoroughly. And give the skin some diaper-free air time every day.
Choose a diaper without fragrance, without chlorine bleaching and without synthetic top layers. Bamboo and organic cotton are naturally soft, breathable materials that give skin a better chance of staying healthy.
Bammies diapers are made from bamboo and organic materials, with no unnecessary chemicals. That makes them a smart choice for babies with sensitive skin — and for you, if you want to keep the risks to a minimum.
When should you seek medical advice?
Most cases of diaper rash clear up on their own with the right care. But if the skin starts to bleed, blisters appear or the rash spreads beyond the diaper area, contact your child health nurse or pediatrician. It could be a sign of a fungal infection that needs treatment.
Try Bammies — the diaper without unnecessary chemicals, for parents who want to give their baby's skin the best start.