Nappy rash: The simple solution all new parents need to know about

Is there anything as delicious as baby skin in all its creamy, soft newness?

We think not. But caring for your newborn's perfect and delicate skin can often seem a daunting task to many new parents. The most important thing to remember, possibly, is to not over-bathe your baby, and to avoid highly perfumed creams or scented products, as both of these can dry out babies' skin. When it comes to the dreaded nappy rash, know that there are things you can do to keep it a bay. And that, should it occur, there are ways to treat it efficiently. Here is everything you need to know: What is nappy rash? When we speak of nappy rash, this often has a pretty broad meaning, and can be taken to mean anything from slight redness on your baby's bottom to a full-scale outbreak of very sore and infected blisters. The problem? The blisters can break to leave areas of moist skin, which may become infected. The rash may be worse where the baby's skin creases. Why is my baby getting nappy rash? Nappy rash is the result of pee and poop irritating babies' delicate skin. These damp conditions can make bacteria can set in and cause an infection. When you consider that most babies spend close to two years of their lives in nappies, you'll understand how nappy rash really is a veryc common condition. The constant friction of the nappy against baby's skin can also be enough to irritate the skin and cause a rash, and newborns are particularly prone to nappy rash, as their skin is very sensitive. Can I prevent my baby getting nappy rash? The best way to prevent nappy rash is to make sure you change nappies frequently, keeping their skin clean and dry as much as possible. As well as this, when you are changing your baby, leave them without a nappy for a while as exposing their little bum to the air for periods of time will help to prevent this painful rash. Make sure to wash baby's bottom with a soft flannel and warm water, or with a mild baby wipe at every nappy change, and keep your little one's clothing soft, breathable, and preferably cotton. What do I do if my baby still develops a nappy rash? Despite your best efforts, many babies will at some point develop a little (or more severe) nappy rash. What is important now, in order to get rid of it, is to adhere to a strict hygiene schedule when it comes to changing your baby frequently and take gentle care of his or her skin. Restrict the use of water and avoid soap, soft flannels are great, and don't rub the area, as this can irritate the skin even more. What about day-to-day protection? As your baby gets older, and starts sleeping for longer stretches at night, it's more important than ever to make sure his skin is pretected from nappy rash. If you use disposable nappies, make sure you buy ones that are absorbant enough for your baby's age, and know that many brands now have nappied designed especially for night-time wear, as these are often bigger and more absobant and will keep your baby dry all through the night. Look for nappies that have a soft and breathable inner layer next to your baby's skin.