Is Your Baby Happy In A Nappy?

Baby’s skin is very soft and sensitive. Being so, it gets irritated very easily and thus requires proper care. Diaper rash is the term related to skin rash in the diaper area caused by some irritants.

When a baby develops a diaper rash, his skin becomes red, itchy and sometimes even painful to touch.

Diaper rash is caused due to long exposure of wet diapers with the skin of the baby. Babies on antibiotic course can develop rashes due to the diarrhoea caused by these medications. Similarly, breastfed babies can develop a rash, if his mother is on antibiotics.

Crawling babies may develop nappy rash due to the friction developed between the nappy and skin. It is usual for babies to develop diaper rash when introduced to new or solid food as it changes the composition of the stool (as the change in the diet increases the bowel movement). Dampness in the nappy area is also an important reason of developing a rash.

Diaper rash can easily be prevented if parents are more attentive. Change the diaper of your baby at frequent intervals; baby should not be kept wet. Wash the area with an antiseptic and let the skin dry before you put on another diaper. Also, applying some anti-rash cream on the affected area can be helpful. The fresh diaper should be loose enough to let the air pass through it. Do not use scented wipes on the skin.

Let your baby sleep with no cloth on the butt and put a plastic sheet under to prevent the mattress. Also, if the weather is good let the baby play on the floor without a diaper; try to keep him without diaper as long as possible.

Normal nappy rash disappears within 2-3 days. If the baby develops fever along with the rash (due to yeast infection), you must consult the doctor immediately. The condition is then treated with antifungal medication and avoiding sweet food and fruit juices from baby’s diet.

Let your baby be happy in a nappy!