Nappy care

Urine can irritate some children and aggravate those babies with eczema and sensitive skin. If your baby or toddler has eczema in their nappy area or sensitive skin, here are a few tips that can help:

• change nappies frequently to avoid soiled nappies being in contact with the skin for prolonged
   periods of time

• wash the soiled skin well with a soap substitute

• at every nappy change apply a suitable nappy cream

It is also a good idea to let the skin breath by taking nappies off whenever possible, eg in between nappy changes and after a bath.

There are many different brands of disposable and reusable nappies available. It is worth experimenting by trying different disposables, or by switching to reusable nappies.

There is also a wide choice of wipes on the market - some made from natural, less harmful ingredients and materials.

Information written by the talkhealth medical panel

Last Reviewed: 28 March 2011
Next Review Date: 18 October 2012