Nappy Rash - what to do? Some hints and tips for dealing with it

What is Nappy Rash?

Nappy Rash happens when a babys skin is exposed to wet or dirty nappies for too long (regarldess of whether you are using cloth nappies or disposable nappies). 

There is a misconception out there that using cloth nappies causes nappy rash.  THIS IS NOT TRUE.  Babies can get nappy rash no matter what type of nappies they use.  I personally find that my babies got a nappy rash everytime they used disposables (at kindy) but were fine when they were at home using cloth nappies.

Even though urine is sterile, germs on your baby’s skin and in the nappy can change harmless chemicals in the urine, into skin irritating chemicals like ammonia (and cause skin burning - ouch!)

But having a nappy on for too long isn’t the only cause of nappy rash. Nappy Rash can be also caused by:

• irritations on bubba’s bums by the skin rubbing against the nappy (cloth or disposable), 
• fragranced wipes, 
• powders and soaps, 
• sensitivity to wetness,
• sensitivity or allergies to certain fabrics (or plastic in the case of disposables), or
• fungal infections (like thrush).

Working out which one is your problem will be a matter of trial and error.  If you are concerned that your bubba may have thrush, you should seek medical advice ASAP to ensure it is treated promptly and to make sure that is the problem.  

With the other problems, see our comments below about how to help.

Treaing true Nappy Rash

If your bubba does have nappy rash (and not something else), there is not need to ditch the cloth nappies (as disposables wont really help much more).

You will need to:

• Creams - Get a good cloth nappy safe nappy rash cream that is safe to use with cloth nappies and start using it (we sell CJs Butter and GroVia’s Magic Stick - both miracle creams that also smell divine (and are relatively inexpensive));
• Change Nappies Often - Keep your baby’s bum dry - change your nappies regularly (more regularly than usual);
• Use Staydry Nappies - If you have nappies that are designed to keep your bubba’s bum dry - use those (e.g. any nappy topped with Suedcloth or similar stay dry materials - contact us if you are not sure).

Remember, you must see your doctor if the rash persists (to ensure it is not something else that needs treatment).

How can you tell if your Baby is allergic to certain Fabrics (or wipes)?

The easiest way to work out if your baby is allergic to certain fabrics (or wipes) is to take them out of the equation.   

If you think they may be allergic to the chemcials in the wipes, try using cloth wipes and an all natural wipes solution (like the Cushie Tushies Wipes Solution or the Bubblebubs Wipes Solution).

If you think they may be allergic to a certain fabric, try using a nappy liner made of a different fabric or try an insert that is made of a different fabric.  For example, if you think your bubba is allergic to your Itti Bitti Tutto (that is topped with Suedecloth) try another nappy that is not topped with Suedcloth, like the Pikapu AIO, GroVia Hybrid (with Staydry soakers) or the Tots Bots Easyfit or try a Tots Bots Booster.

How can you tell if your Baby has a sensitivity to wetness?

Try changing your baby’s nappy much more frequently (like every hour) to see if that helps. You obviously will not be able to maintain this forever, but it might help you diagnose the problem.  

Some cloth nappies are designed specifically to keep baby’s bum dryer than others (like GroVia’s Hybrid stay dry soakers or nappies that are topped with Suedcloth like Bubblebubs Candies, all of the Bonnibuns nappies, Bumcheeks Pocket nappies, all of the Designer Bums nappies or any of the Green Kids nappies.  Only use these types of nappies to see if that helps.

Fungal Infections - what do you need to do?

See your doctor and make sure your bubba gets the proper treatment.

DO NOT use cloth nappies that have been used when your baby has the infection.  They may contain the bacteria or fungal spores and re-using them may cause the rash to re-occur.

We recommend that you wash all affected nappies with Canesten Hygiene Laundry Rinse (after running a hot - not too hot - rinse through your washing machine).  You can get it at most pharmacies and supermarkets, but you can request a free sample on the Canesten Website. 

Always make sure that using the Canesten Hygeine Laundry Rinse will not void your nappy warranty (if your nappies are still in warranty).  If you are unsure, we can check for you.  However, most nappy manufacturers do not warn against it, but they do recommend minimal useage.  Despite this, we recommend checking this before you do it (if your warranty is still valid).

Note: only use the Laundry Rinse (not the cream).  The cream could clog up fibres in most cloth nappies.

Please come and visit our stall at Mathilda’s Market at the Brisbane Racecourse at Eagle Farm, Ascot on Saturday 9^th March, from 9am to 1pm. Entry and parking is free. With over 70 stall holders, yummy food and kids’ entertainment on offer, Mathilda’s Market is undoubtedly Brisbane’s finest shopping destination for our littlies.

For a sneak preview of what’s in store, head to www.mathildasmarket.com.au, or check out their blog at www.mathildasmarket.blogspot.com. We really hope to see you there! (Oh, and if it’s a little too far to travel, you might be happy to hear that Mathilda’s Markets are held regularly in seven cities around Australia). More info at: www.mathildasmarket.com.au.

If you would like to order something now and pick it up from our stall at the market, please feel free to do that, just make sure you leave a comment at checkout saying you are picking up at Mathildas.

CJ’s Butter - a miracle cream for red bums (and cloth nappy safe)

We have been testing our this new product for us, CJS Butter (at the recommendation of a customer) and the verdict: OMG its great and smells fantastic!

This all natural product is made from Butter and is so safe on little bums and you can eat it (although we dont recommend you do that - just use it on sore little bums).

It is a nappy rash cream that is safe for use with cloth nappies but a lot of people also use it to:

• treat eczema
• clear up rashes
• repair dry/chapped skin
• soothe rug burns (sore ‘crawler’ knees)
• moisturise mechanics’ hands and cuticles
• clear up lacerations and abrasions from rock climbing
• condition curls (as a leave-in conditioner) 
• shine up and soften black/mixed hair
• soak in the bath (by melting a dollop under running bath water) - relaxing, soothing and anti-inflammatory (especially great for post-partum soreness and heamorrhoids
• protect against windburned cheeks/face and helps to relieve windburn
• to promote healing and provide a non-stick barrier when used after a circumcision.

Give it a try…we’re sure you’ll love it!

It comes in a variety of tubs and tubes and even sprays.  Check out the:

• 1/2 oz (28g) sample tubs
• 8 oz (226g) tubs
• 12 oz (340g) tubs
• 0.75oz (21g) and 2 oz (56g) sticks
• Squeeze tube
• spritz (spray)

They come scented or unscented.  If you are not sure whether you will like a particular scent, try one of the sample tubs first. We recommend unscented for sensitive skin.

For full details of each scent, click here for the descriptions of each scent.

Please note: we dont always have every scent in stock in every type of butter (because it has an expiry date).  If we dont have what you are after, please let us know and we can add it to our next order. In the meantime, the sample pots are a generous size and will keep you going until we can get your butter in.

Are you finding that you are washing your nappies and they still come out stinky or dirty? Have you thought about whether Hard Water could be an issue for you?  If you have hard water, you might not be using enough detergent or the right type of detergent.

Click on the above link to read my article on stinky nappies and Hard Water.

Have you check out the new Bubblebubs range yet?

Thanks to high recommendations from you guys, we are now stocking the Bubblebubs range.

I would like to thank everyone that recommended them - they are FANTASTIC.  I have been using my Candie on my Tom for a week now and it is fast becoming my favorite minky nappy.

If there is anything in the Bubblebubs range that we dont have yet, please let me know becuase I can easily get more stuff in (given that our supplier only lives 10 minutes away! YAY!)

See below for short details on each and click on the photos for full details.

Bamboo Delights (OSFM fitted Bamboo velour nappies)

Bam Bams (Newborn fitted Nappies)

Cotton Prefolds

Mould and nappies do NOT go well together.  Once you get a little on one nappy, if you dont remove that nappy from your stash, it could spread.

Prevention

Prevention is the key to mould. 

If you live in a warm climate and you leave your nappies in a warm moist bucket for long periods of time, you may attract mould.  To avoid this, leave the lid of your nappy bucket open (or completely off if you can) to allow air to flow in and out.

We also recommend rinsing out your nappy bucket after each use with white vinegar to ensure any mould spores are completely removed. 

Make sure your nappies are completely dry when they are taken off the clothes line.  Dont store wet nappies for long periods of time!

Always dry your nappies on the line so they get full sun.

Treatment

So if you have mould, what can you do about it?

We do not recommend that you bleach or soak your nappies in mould removers!  This could void your nappy warranty.  It might work, but it might also break down the PUL in the nappy.  You might use these harsh treatments as a last alternative, however, we recommend trying natural alternatives first.

There are a number of things you can try to get rid of mould including:

• putting a little bit of clove oil directly on the mould spots (using a cotton tip).  Once the spots have faded, rinse nappies fully.
• wash your nappies by hand in a bucket with white vinegar.  You must make sure you give your nappies a good rinse afterwards.  We don’t recommend you using vinegar in your washing machine too often (use a bucket and wash by hand).  
• soaking your mould affected nappies in the nappy soaker of your choice until the spots are gone.  However, we dont recommend that you soak for longer than 12 hours at a time. 
• trying small quantities of mould removers/bleach.  This should be a last resort and as stated above, check your warranty before you do this (to avoid breaching your warranty).  if you do try bleach or other mould treatments, never soak your all in one nappies or nappy shells in the harsh chemicals.  You dont want the chemicals in these treatments touching the PUL part of the nappy.  Only soak your boosters.  

If you do choose to do any of the above, we strongly recommend you strip wash after that and rinse so there is no caustic residue left in the fabric. 

To Strip Wash or Not to Strip Wash

Strip washing is a method of washing your nappies that you can use when your nappies have (or are starting to) lose their absorbency and you think the reason might be a result of too much washing powder or some other product building up in your nappies.  

But - before you take the leap and start strip washing all your nappies - is it really going to help?

Do your nappies really need strip washing?

Strip washing should be used sparingly (no more frequently than every 6 months).  We only recommend doing it where your nappies have started to loose their absorbency.

If your nappies are just a little stinky (but they are still quite absorbent), it could just be that you have a build up of Amonia and you could use some Amonia buster cleaner on your nappies to get the smell out.  You could try Rockin Green’s Funk Rock (which is $17.95 for a bag). Funk Rock is a great product that is designed to remove the amonia smell (without masking it with unnecessary fragrances).  It really works!

How to Strip Wash

If you do need to strip wash, It is easy (although time consuming).   First clean your dry nappies in hot water (no more than 60 degrees) without any clothes washing detergent. 

After the first wash, wash again with a very small amount of dishwashing detergent or shampoo (no more than a teaspoon) and then wash as many times as needed to remove all the bubbles from the water coming out of your washing machine. 

Check out the new adorable Tots Bots nappies - now available ($36.95 each).  Get them at Piggy Tails nappies now.

Caring for Wool Soakers

If you are lucky enough to buy or own a wool soaker, you will need to care for it to make sure it doesnt shrink!

Here are some tips on looking after your wool soaker:

• Before using it for the first time, treat it with Lanolin.  You can use pure Lanolin (which you can buy from any pharmacy or the skin care section of your grocery store) or Lanolin treatment.  If you are using pure Lanolin you will need to emulsify it in water first (by adding a small amount of wool wash detergent to very hot water and a teaspoon of water).  You need to then stir the mixture together well to dissolve the Lanolin.  When the water has cooled to luke warm, put the wool soaker in the water and leave to soak overnight (with enough water just to cover the soaker).  If you are using Lanolin treatment, follow the instructions on the bottle.
• Wash your soaker every 2 - 3 weeks (or more often if the soaker gets soiled or wet).
• Hand wash in luke warm water.
• NEVER use hot water or put the soaker in the dryer.  It will shrink.
• Use a small amount of wool wash when wasing. 
• You can spin dry your soaker but do not wring or twist to drain the excess water off (as this will stretch out the wool fibres).
• For drying - roll the soaker in a clean dry towel and gently squeeze out the excess water.  Then lay it flat in the shade to dry.  DO NOT put it in direct sunlight or dry in a dryer or have it dry cleaned.

Check out the Wool soakers we stock at: http://www.piggytails.com.au/cushie-tushies-wool-nappy-cover-yellow-and-blue-stripes-p-371.html.

Itti Bitti’s Bitti Boo - LOVE IT TO BITS!

After seeing so many positive comments and feedback about Itti Bitti’s Bitti Boo Night Nappy, I thought I would try it out and see how it went.   I bought the divine Seafoam colour (the green colour) in large.  My baby is 5 months but weighs 8.5 kg, but still fit the large quite easily (which is good because I have a 2 year old that can use the same nappy as well - which will save me $$$).  

The Bitti Boo retails at $29.95 but requires the use of a waterproof nappy cover.  I used one of my many Tots Bots nappy covers, but if you don’t have any nappy covers and you want to save dollars, you could use the outer of one of your better quality pocket or Hybrid nappies (i.e. the shell of a Cushie Tushie, GroVia Hybrid, Greenkids Anytimes or Minkytimes or a Designer Bum’s Neon Minky shell).  As long as you use something with PUL in it, you should be ok.  Alternatively, you could use a wool or fleece soaker.  

The nappy itself worked really well.  My bub was dry in the morning (although he had really wet the nappy quite a lot overnight).  

I also loved the fact that the nappy was fitted and wasn’t as large as some night nappies can sometimes be.  It is also a lot cheaper than some of the night nappies and it looked really comfortable on my baby. 

The inner of the nappy is super soft (as it the outside) so I assume my baby slept in bliss!

The only fault I have in this nappy is that it needs a cover so you can’t see the adorable soft nappy once the cover is on.   But that is it (and most night nappies do require a cover)!!

I am loving this nappy and will buy some more for my 2 year old as well and see how it goes.

If you are interested in purchasing one of these nappies, check them out at: http://www.piggytails.com.au/itti-bitti-fitted-nappies-bitti-boo-fitted-nappy-c-3_24_157.html.  If we are out of stock, please email me at: contactus@piggytails.com.au and I will add the nappy to my next stock order.

If anyone has any questions about how these nappies work, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Thanks, Angie.