Nappies & nappy rash

Parents have the choice of using cloth or disposable nappies. There are advantages to both types. Many parents use both, depending on their activities. Your baby should have at least 6 very wet nappies as day.

Cloth nappies

You will need at least 24 fabric cloth nappies as well as nappy pins. Cloth nappies are reusable so they need to be cleaned, washed, dried and folded. You may wish to use a nappy liner: they can make washing nappies easier. Using ‘over nappies’ will help keep clothes dry. Some cloth nappies are shaped to fit your baby, and have Velcro or snap closures so they don’t need nappy pins. They also come in a range of sizes.

Disposable nappies

Disposable nappies are easy to use, convenient and have advantages to baby’s skin care as they are absorbent to keep baby’s skin dry. You will need a constant supply of disposable nappies, as they are not reusable. Good-quality disposable nappies have a breathable cover. This allows air flow through the nappy and around the skin helping to keep the skin drier, preventing skin irritations and nappy rash. Disposable nappies also offer protection against leaking as they have special elastic waist and leg bands for a snug fit. Disposable nappies are available in a range of sizes to suit your baby.

Nappy rash

Nappy rash is very common as baby’s skin is sensitive. To help heal nappy rash:

• let your baby lie on the floor on a change mat or blanket without a nappy on, as air helps heal the rash
• use a warm wet cloth for washing your baby’s bottom - baby wipes and soap can cause dry skin or make the rash worse
• greasy ointments such as Vaseline or zinc and castor oil creams can help or discuss other treatments with your midwife, Plunket nurse, other well child health provider or pharmacist
• avoid using strong washing powders to wash nappies as they can cause or make the nappy rash worse. Instead you can use soap flakes, nappy-wash powders or nappy-wash liquids
• rinse nappies twice to make sure all the soap or nappy wash is removed and hang them out to dry in the sun and wind