The underlying principle to preventing nappy rash is to change the nappy frequently. Prolonged skin contact with soiled nappies causes nappy rash.

However, nappy rash could also be a symptom of teething; a reaction to new food that the baby’s digestive system isn’t ready for; or prolonged contact with perfumes, detergents and other chemicals that are used on the baby’s skin.

This is backed up by the study ‘Getting to the Bottom of Nappy Rash’ by J. Golding, which was part of The 1997 Avon Longitudinal study of Pregnancy and Childhood published by the British Journal of General Practice, which found that nappy rash is no more likely when using Real Nappies.

A nappy rash causes the area of your baby's skin, around the nappy, to become sore and irritated. It will also be covered in spots, or blotches, which are either pink or red in colour.

Preventing nappy rash requires a good skincare routine and regular nappy changes. If your baby does get nappy rash there are several things you can do to help:

• Bare all! Leaving your baby’s nappy off as often as possible can help. Often easiest to do when your baby is asleep as you can put a towel under them and they won’t crawl off!

• Leave the soap behind. Stick to water when cleaning your baby’s bottom and use cotton wool or a flannel instead of wet wipes. Using our wet wipe solution of cooled chamomile tea with 1 drop of lavender oil is soothing and smells delicious!

• Regular nappy changes, especially as soon as it gets soiled.

• Using fleece nappy liners is kinder to the skin and they are simple to make yourself as fleece doesn’t fray; just cut out a rectangle and use in the nappy!

• Barrier Cream. There are many on the market – ask your pharmacist or health food shop for advice on choosing one which is right for you.

• Careful nappy washing.  We don’t recommend soaking your nappies – storing them in a lidded bucket is fine.  Make sure you only use non-biological detergent as biological detergent can cause skin irritation.  Don’t use excessive amounts of washing powder in your wash, and don’t add fabric conditioner.

Mild nappy rash shouldn’t give your baby any serious discomfort. However, if it gets worse, covers more than 10% of their nappy area or forms blisters contact your health visitor or GP for further advice.

Sometimes, babies can get a fungal infection in their nappy area, or a rash which is caused by eczema, an infection or an allergy – all of these rashes need treatment from your GP in the form of topical creams.

No More Nappy Rash

Simple steps to avoiding nappy rash by Go Real

• Change nappies regularly, especially when soiled.  8 – 12 times a day for newborns and as many as 6 times a day for older babies.

• Clean the nappy area well, wiping from front to back; water and a cloth wipe work as well as any pre-made products.

• Pat dry.

• Replace with a clean dry nappy washed with a non-biological product.

• Leave the nappy off as much as possible allowing fresh air to parts not usually reached.

Tell us what works best for you and your baby, any comments are welcomed, you might introduce someone to a completely new idea!