Most babies will have nappy rash at some stage in their early months. It isn't always a sign of ill health, it's simply part of the process of their skin getting used to the world and their tummies learning to cope with milk, new foods and even the symptoms of teething.

What is nappy rash?
Nappy rash refers to a skin irritation found under the area covered by a nappy. For some babies it might just be a little redness, for others it can flare up to be raised, sore and sometimes even weeping.
If the sore has pimple-ish sores, is itching and might be found in the creases of the skin, it might be candida. If this does not clear up using the tips below after a day or two, it might require a course of medication from your GP.
Boys and girls are both prone to nappy rash, though it is generally thought that girls are more likely to get it regularly.

Five ways to beat nappy rash
Even the most 'angry' looking bottom can clear up quickly if you follow a few steps.

  • Change those nappies more regularly There are probably days when you're so hectic you forget you haven't changed her nappy for hours. Overexposure to urine can cause a reaction in the skin, and the digestive enzymes in poo can make it harsh on the skin, too.

  • Change from wipes to water - All baby wipes these days are gentle on the skin and there are some great 'extra sensitive' ones on the market. However, until a baby is on solids, you really don't need anything other than water and cotton wool to clean your baby's bottom. (Dab dry gently afterwards, with a clean and non-abrasive cloth.)
    If your child is already onto the 'nappies from hell' that arrive once she is eating solids, then use wipes to clean away the seriously pooey stuff and afterwards rinse with water and cotton wool, and dab dry.

  • Try a new nappy - If your baby isn't going through a teething phase (when acids in the stomach affect the poo, causing temporary phases of nappy rash, which should be treated as above), but keeps getting a rash, try changing nappies. If you use disposables, try terry nappies, or vice versa. All babies are different and some may suit one thing better than the other.
    If you use real nappies, try rinsing them in a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water after each wash. This helps neutralise the residue left on the fabric after they've been through the laundry.

  • Reach for the cream - There are some great nappy creams on the market. Try a gentle, organic one first as these are the more soothing to put on your baby's skin. These may well contain calendula. However, if the rash is pretty bad, you can try some of the more heavy-duty creams found in any chemist, which contain zinc. This is not at all bad for the skin and will help to create a barrier between the healing skin and the wee and poo in your baby's nappy.

  • Go commando! - Obviously it's not easy to leave a baby's nappy off for long periods of the day, but after a bath or a nappy change, if you're not going anywhere, try leaving the nappy off. Lay your baby on a folded towel if you're worried about leakage. Babies love it!
    When you do put a nappy back on, try not to secure it too tightly. (If you use rubber pants over a real nappy, try to leave them off when the rash is apparent.)