The right way to treat your baby's bum: quick tips on prevention of diaper rash

 By: Aishat Idowu R.N.

Image Source: Webmed.com

Caring for babies is one of the most tedious tasks ever...

However, it is emotionally-satisfying, amazing and rewarding for mums and other care givers. Especially when the baby smiles, plays and is comfortable most of the time all because of the care and attention he/she receives— feeding, dressing, rocking...

Surely, these kinds of babies will be happy most of the time and even sleep well!

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But there's this body part in your baby that if not well cared for, will make him very fussy and aggressive most of the time. 

Started to guess already?

Well...

It's not too hard to know...

...it's the bum, your baby's buttocks.

And this is because it is particularly prone to a type  of rash or irritation called 'diaper rash' or 'nappy rash'. 

Ever heard of it?

Whether or not, just read on, increase your child care knowledge and boost your confidence💪🏻💪🏻

Now, let's get right into it.

What is diaper rash?

It is a common skin condition in infants causing soreness, redness, scales or tenderness in the nappy area.

It is so common that almost every child will experience it during their first three years of life.

The occurrence is higher in babies 9-12 months.

Don't you wonder why?

This is because babies sit most of the time at this stage and also start to eat new foods that change the frequency and constituent of their poo. Many other factors can make a baby develop nappy rash. 

Let's have a quick look into other possible causes:

🔺The commonest cause is contact with a soiled diaper (with poo or urine or both) for a long time.

🔺 Allergies: Some babies may have sensitive skins and can develop reactions in form of peeling, redness, and itching when certain things have been used on them such diapers, wipes, ointment and creams, including detergents used in washing their clothings.

 

🔺Friction from rubbing on babies skin roughly.

🔺Use of antibiotics by the baby or by the mother may cause a drop in the normal protective skin  microbes and increase the chance of skin breakdown in the nappy area, especially in babies exposed to two or more other possible causes.

What does diaper rash look like?

Diaper rash tends to affect the skin in the areas covered by diaper (buttocks, thigh and genitals), usually presenting with redness, blisters, peeling/scaling of the skin and pain or discomfort. Fever is a sign of infection that requires a visit to the paediatrician.

Babies experiencing nappy rash  may cry a lot due to discomfort and pain from the nappy area, especially during diaper change.

What will be more satisfying for you as a mother or caregiver is to ensure that you do everything possible to make your baby free from the discomforts, pain and other undesirable experiences associated with nappy rash.

Yes, it is very common as mentioned ealier but it can be prevented with the following simple but effective tips:

▶ Checking your baby's diaper often and replacing once it is soiled or wet. To prevent prolonged contact with soiled diaper, establish a routine nighttime diaper change before your baby sleeps, for more enjoyable sleep for you both and a pleasantly looking baby skin.

Ideally, diaper should be changed every two hours or after every poo 

▶Watching out for your child's allergies (to diaper, wipes, detergents, creams/ointments etc)

▶After every diaper change, wash buttocks, thigh and genital area gently with soap and water and pat dry with a soft clothe/towel.

When wipes are used, be sure it is not one your baby is allergic to and you also ensure that all necessary areas are properly cleaned.

▶Coat your baby's skin with barrier cream (such as sudocream), sheabutter or other diaper creams your baby is not sensitive to. Apply all these but not powder.

Powders absorbs moisture and may cause dryness, increasing the chance of developing skin breakdown in the diaper areas. Also, it is better avoided for its negative impact on baby's breathing and airway.

▶ Sometimes, between diaper change, run warm water over your baby's buttocks. This increases blood circulation to the area, keeping it intact while  also removing dirts.

▶ At intervals, allow your baby's buttocks to 'breathe' i.e leaving the buttocks off diapers at some periods to allow air on the skin. This can strongly reduce the chance of a rash.

▶ Avoid using strong detergents on your baby's clothings

▶  Apply diapers loosely, not tightly around your baby's buttocks and waist 

▶ Feed your baby well (improves skin and overall health).

▶ Avoid use of unprescribed medications for self and  baby (antibiotics can increase the chance of diaper rash by destroying some normal protective skin bacteria).

Note that your tender loving baby care is incomplete if diaper care is not given a special attention.

Cheerful babies aren't just so! It's because it's pretty good down there in the nappy area.

Begin a diaper care routine so much so that your baby's bum will thank you...

...by remaining very much intact, all day...all night...