Nappy rash is very common. It's a rare baby who survives 2 years in nappies without getting a rash. But don't treat it lightly. It's very sore. And the faster you tackle it, the easier it is to treat.

There are 2 root causes of nappy rash - moisture and acidity. Moisture irritates your baby's skin and acidic stools can cause rashes. Nappy rash happens if you leave a dirty or wet nappy on for too long, so changing your baby frequently will help prevent it.

Look for patterns if nappy rash occurs often. It could be triggered by certain detergents, foods or even hot weather.

Prevention is better than cure
Letting fresh air get to your baby's bottom also helps. Babies enjoy the freedom of kicking on a mat without their nappies. Make it a fun part of the bath time routine.

Keep on eye your baby's general health as nappy rash can mean an underlying problem. Causes of acidic stools include teething, stomach virus, tension, a reaction to something in the diet such as eggs or citrus fruits, or even a food allergy.

3 basic steps - clean them, air them, cream them
Nappy rash is a catch-all for anything from a mildly reddened bottom to blisters that bleed when you wipe them. The earlier you catch it the better. Most nappy rash will clear up within a couple of days if you follow a few basic rules - clean, air and cream.

Change your baby's nappy as soon as it's wet or dirty. At home use warm water to clean your baby, not wipes which can cause a reaction. A toddler can tell you that wipes sting but a baby with nappy rash can't. If your baby has diarrhoea, try sitting her in a basin of water to clean her. Pat the clean bottom dry with tissue paper.

Let the air get to your baby's bottom. Leave the nappy off as long as you can without risking a chill. Remember to wash and dry your baby again if she pees. Urine stings a sore bottom.

Use a zinc oxide cream. Don't be stingy with the amount. Remember to cream well into all the creases.

If it persists, consult your GP
Most nappy rash will go away in a few days. If your baby's doesn't, it could be a yeast infection. You'll need a prescription from the doctor to clear it up.

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