Smooth as a baby’s bum: how to look after the delicate skin on your little one’s behind

There is nothing as pure and unblemished as the delicate skin of a baby. Here’s how to keep it that way …

Ever wondered why your baby’s skin is so, so smooth? The simple fact is that it’s just, well … new. That doesn’t mean it’s perfect though, not quite yet.  

Your baby’s skin is still developing and is thinner, more fragile and more sensitive than an adult’s skin, which means it requires a little extra attention, particularly in areas prone to rashes, such as their little behinds.

Sore, irritated baby bottoms are usually caused by one thing: nappy rash.

What is nappy rash?

Nappy rash is a skin irritation that appears on the sensitive skin around your baby’s nappy area.

It’s a common occurrence in babies and toddlers, so don’t be immediately alarmed. While there are certain common triggers this pesky rash may sometimes appear quite quickly and for no clear reason.

Nappy rash may be quite mild or quite severe which all depends on the initial cause and the subsequent treatment. In some cases, medical intervention may be required, however nappy rash almost always improves with more frequent nappy changing using quality nappy products, carefully cleaning skin using suitable wipes and by using a simple barrier cream.

Parents and carers can approach change time with confidence by using quality products like CUB Wipes and award-winning CUB Nappies, available exclusively at Coles.

What causes nappy rash?

When faeces and urine break down they release ammonia, which can irritate your baby’s delicate skin, causing it to become sore and inflamed.

Nappy rash can develop when your:

• baby’s skin is wet (with urine)
• baby’s skin is dirty (with faeces)
• baby’s nappy or clothing rubs against their skin (friction)

It makes sense that babies who do lots of bowel movements are more likely to get nappy rash, as are babies with eczema or other sensitive skin conditions, such as cradle cap. When a baby has sensitive skin, it can sometimes react quickly to any moisture or friction.

How to identify nappy rash

First appearing on your baby’s bottom or in and around the skin folds in the nappy area, nappy rash will present as small red, often irritating dots. Nappy rash may be isolated to just a small area, or it could spread widely across their whole nappy area.

You may also notice:

• white pimples around your baby’s bottom and skin folds
• swollen skin in their nappy area
• that your baby is irritated, uncomfortable or is having trouble sleeping

Can nappy rash be prevented?

Ultimately, the best way to ward off the next round of nappy rash is to ensure that your child’s bottom is kept clean and dry.

You can do this by:

• Use disposable nappies: Disposable nappies help as they draw moisture away from the skin. Award-winning CUB Nappies, available exclusively at Coles, has advanced leakage protection with 3D superabsorbent core that quickly draws liquid away from skin, keeping bub comfortable and dry.
• Change your baby’s nappy frequently: Changing wet nappies frequently is important. CUB Nappies makes this easy with the time-to-change wetness indicator line which changes from yellow to blue when wet.
• Change soiled nappies immediately: Ammonia is the root cause of nappy rash, and you want that away from your baby’s sensitive bottom skin as soon as possible.
• Wipe and dry baby’s bottom at each change: Use cotton wool dampened with lukewarm water, or a trusted dermatologically tested baby wipe such as the CUB 99% water biodegradable baby wipes to clean your baby. CUB 99% water wipes are fragrance free, made with 99% water, *biodegradable, dermatologically tested and alcohol and paraben free, perfect for delicate skin. Pat your baby dry rather than wiping. This causes less friction and will be less irritating for them.
• Use a barrier cream: Apply a barrier cream such as zinc cream at every change to give sensitive bottoms extra protection.
• Check that the nappy is the right size for their weight: If your nappy product is leaking, your child may need to go up or down a size. CUB Nappies offer a contoured fit shaped for freedom of movement and come in 6 different sizes, Newborn through to Junior.

How to treat nappy rash

While it can be an alarming sight for a concerned parent or carer, nappy rash almost always improves with more frequent nappy changing, careful cleansing and using a barrier cream.

Parents and carers can approach change time with confidence by using quality products like award-winning CUB Nappies, and the CUB Wipes, available exclusively at Coles.

Treating nappy rash employs many of the same strategies as preventing it in the first place.

• If a rash has appeared wash your baby’s nappy area thoroughly with warm water and cotton wool, or a dermatologically tested baby wipe. CUB *biodegradable wipes are made with soothing chamomile and aloe vera extract, dermatologically tested, paraben free and pH balanced, and perfect for delicate skin.
• Pat the affected area to dry gently but thoroughly and apply a nappy cream containing zinc to soothe the affected area and to create a barrier for your bub’s skin.
• Allow your bub’s bottom to get as much nappy-free air time as possible and when ready to pop a nappy on again, ensure that you don’t put their nappy on too tightly. CUB offer 6 different sizes from Newborn through to Junior and they have a stretchy waistband for comfort and a snug fit. Air flow around the affected area will help it to get better quickly. CUB Nappies have a super soft breathable cover to help protect your cub’s delicate skin and award-winning quality, rated Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers Disposable Nappies 2023

When should I see a doctor about my baby’s nappy rash?

If your baby’s nappy rash does not improve satisfactorily after trying the strategies above, you may need to visit your health care provider.

You may also want to seek medical intervention if:

• You suspect the rash is getting worse or infected
• your baby seems irritated by the rash, displays a fever or has general irritability or discomfort at change time or seems sick
• you notice a change in your baby’s feeding or settling behaviours
• the nappy rash develops blisters, sores or the skin is breaking open

*CUB fragrance free, lightly scented, 99% water and Thick & Soft baby wipes are biodegradable. Tested according to ASTM D5511 to biodegradable in standard landfill condition.

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