If this hasn’t already happened to you, it’s sure to happen soon: you open your baby’s nappy and are confronted with a red, angry rash. You likely feel upset and guilty that your baby is uncomfortable. However, Nappy rash is normal and is one of the most common skin conditions babies face. To best combat Nappy rash, you’ll want to know what it is, its causes, how to protect against it, how to understand its severity, and when to call the doctor.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Nappy rash to help keep your little one’s bottom dry and protected – from what type of Nappy you use to what you can to do help your little one when rash pops up.
What is Nappy rash?
Nappy rash is extremely common and usually not a cause for concern. Most babies will get nappy rash at least once, if not several times, during their nappy-wearing years. Babies, especially newborns, have sensitive skin which can be easily irritated, resulting in nappy rash.
You’ll know right away if your baby has a rash, and you may also learn to identify Nappy rash. Nappy rash may be red and raw, or flaky. There might be bumps, and your baby might be fussy. The three main causes of Nappy rash are friction, moisture and irritation from mess (pee and poo). Huggies® Newborn & Infant nappies offer protection from irritants in urine and poop, comfort, breathability, and absorbency to help protect against Nappy rash.
Protecting against Nappy rash with proper Nappies
There are several ways to protect against nappy rash, including changing a nappy frequently and immediately after it is soiled, fully cleaning with properly formulated baby wipes at each change, and making sure you have the right size and type of Nappies for your child’s height and weight.
How to change a Nappy?
To change a Nappy:
- Check the wetness indicator. If you use Huggies®, there’s a line down the front of your baby’s Nappy called the wetness indicator. If it’s blue, that means the Nappy is wet. Newborns have up to 12 wet Nappies a day, so check frequently.
- Remove a soiled Nappy carefully. Undo the tabs on the Nappy and then gently hold your baby’s ankles in one hand. While holding onto your baby with one hand, consolidate the Nappy with the other.
- Clean. Wipe baby clean with a baby wipe, wiping from front to back for girls to ensure you’re not spreading bacteria around.
- Check the skin for rash. If there is a Nappy rash, pat the skin dry completely and apply a Nappy cream, or treat it as directed by your medical practitioner.
- Put on a clean Nappy. Slide a clean, right-sized Nappy under your baby with the fasteners in the back, and make sure all sides are even before securing the tabs.
Right size Nappies
Having the right size Nappy will go a long way in striking the balance between containing your child’s mess and giving their skin room to breathe. Nappies come in six sizes, and baby’s height and weight will give you the best estimate of what sized Nappy will fit them.
Nappies should:
- Fit snuggly below the belly button and fit around the legs without being too tight. You’ll know they’re too tight if you see a ring where the Nappy has clung to the skin. Run your finger along the leg holes to flare out the Nappy for the most comfortable fit and to help protect from leaks and blowouts.
- Cover your baby’s bottom completely and have about a two-finger gap between the skin and the Nappy. You can check this by sliding two fingers down between the Nappy and your baby. If you can’t fit two fingers inside the Nappy, it’s too tight; if you can fit three fingers, it’s too loose.
- Fit around the waist. The tabs that come around to fasten in the front of the Nappy are a good indicator of tightness. If the tabs are meeting in the middle, the Nappy might be too big.
By using the right size Nappies, you can help prevent the dreaded blowout. While accidents will happen—it’s just a fact in parenting—right-sized Nappies do their part in keeping your baby comfortable and keeping you free of messes. Additional special features, such as the Drytouch® layer will help quickly absorb and lock away runny poos and Wide pocketed back waistband will help further contain mess from escaping out the back on Huggies® Newborn Nappies.
The Huggies® Nappies Difference
Huggies® Nappies are made using the latest in skin science with your baby’s comfort in mind.
A happy baby is a comfortable baby. Huggies® are soft on your baby’s skin and have a variety of features across the range that help maximize fit and comfort, such as Drytouch® layer, pocketed back waistbands, and a Breathe Dry® outer cover to name a few.
Huggies® Nappies promote breathability to help keep your baby comfortable, and dry by drawing irritants like poop and pee away from the skin. Huggies® products are made of soft and absorbent materials that are safe for your baby’s skin. They have no added fragrances, elemental chlorine, or parabens. Scientifically tested features like a wetness indicator and absorbent core are included in all Huggies® Nappies.
Protecting against Nappy rash with proper wipes
Using the right baby wipe product and technique is as important as using the right Nappy when it comes to protecting against Nappy rash. You’ll want a wipe that is gentle enough for a baby’s sensitive skin that will also effectively remove urine and poop to keep baby fresh and clean.
When cleaning your baby, pat the skin instead of rubbing it as rubbing could lead to irritation. Wipe genitals from front to back, especially if you have a baby girl, to prevent the spread of bacteria.
The Huggies® Wipes Difference
Huggies® wipes are designed with your baby’s safety and skin in mind. Perfect for your baby’s most delicate areas, Huggies® Thick Baby Wipes are gentle enough to use on your baby’s face and hands. Made with a thick sheet, Huggies® Thick Baby Wipes are thick enough to sweep up any mess, and pliable enough to get a maximum clean. Huggies Thick Baby Wipes are also pH balanced.
When to call the doctor
Sometimes, you need professional help. Your parenting instinct will tell you when something is off, particularly if your baby has other symptoms like if your baby has a fever or is fussy. If you are worried about your baby’s health or are unsure of anything, please consult your healthcare provider.
Last Published* July, 2023
*Please note that the published date may not be the same as the date that the content was created and that information above may have changed since.
