Nappy Rash - natural solutions

Nappy rash is a common condition thought to affect between a quarter and a  third of nappy (diaper)-wearing babies at any given time. It causes your baby's skin to become sore and irritated in the area around the nappy, and covered in pink or red spots or blotches.
Nappy rash is usually caused by your baby's skin coming into contact with urine and faeces in their nappy.
Typically the rash usually develops when your baby is between 9 and 12 months old although it can happen at any time.

How serious is it?

Most nappy rashes are mild and can be treated with a simple skin care routine. Your baby will usually feel no pain or discomfort. However, some nappy rashes are more severe and can be caused by an underlying condition or bacterial infection. A severe rash is painful and distressing for your baby.  

If your baby has only a mild mild nappy rash, it usually can be treated without any specialist treatment. Instead, there are steps you can take to safely treat the rash at home.

Let air at the babies bum.  


Not putting a nappy on your baby will help them to stay dry.  This is not without its little risks and you may have to be ready for a quick clean up!.  For this reason it may be useful to leave your baby's nappy off when they are having a daytime snooze and you know they will not be on the move.   You can lay them on an absorbent towel or somewhere where you can easily manage any soiling or wetting.

Try not to use soaps.

Use water to clean your baby's nappy area in between changes. Also, you can use a natural gentle oil for cleaning.  We recommend organic oils of Jojoba or Sunflower oil.  Use a soft material, such as cotton wool or a soft towel. Dab the affected area carefully and avoid rubbing their skin vigorously.
Avoid bathing your baby more than once a day as this may dry out their skin and cause a more severe nappy rash.

Apply a natural barrier at each diaper change.
Using a barrier cream or balm after each diaper change will reduce the contact that your baby's skin has with faeces and urine.  There are lots on the market but we recommend a natural balm as many of the products on the market, such as petroleum jelly, may actually further dry out your babies skin.   Remember, to lower the risk of your baby getting nappy rash, change your baby's diaper as soon as they wet or soil it. If your baby has nappy rash, make sure you change their nappy more frequently than you normally would.

Severe Rash

If your baby has a severe nappy rash it may be best to contact your GP.  Once your GP is satisfied that the correct skin care routines are being followed, they may prescribe some medicines to treat the rash. 

Prevention is better than cure.

As with all things it is much better if we can avoid nappy rash in the first instance.  While nothing is full-proof, as explained above, regular nappy changes followed by the use of a good natural barrier is best.  There are lots of natural products on the market.  Our own Mil Brand offers Tóin Teolaí, Baby Bum Balm, a Beeswax Balm with Chamomile and Sunflower Oil.  Beeswax is one of natures oldest and most natural skin care products and Chamomile is well know for soothing and cooling skin.  It works great with regular use and smells wonderful.  Remember, you only need a tiny amount at each nappy change. The most important thing is that baby is happy,  that is what we all want!

From bee to you

The Mil Team

www.milallnaturalbalms.com