rash-free bottoms

Our Nappies Prevent Nappy Rash

Honey Child Pockets are designed to prevent nappy rash without using any chemicals or sodium polyacrylate (that wonder gels that "locks" wetness away).  We can achieve this by using our DriWick^TM microfleece that wicks moisture off the skin.  This wicking effect does not disturb the natural oils in baby's skin and does not leave a residue of sticky urine crystals all over your baby's genitals.  DriWick^TM is faster absorbing and quicker drying than normal microfleece, keeping baby even drier without chemicals.  To read about the Nappy Rash Myth click here.  It is important to remember however that nappy rash is caused by many different reasons.  The main reasons for rashes can be:

• Teething - Teething causes the urine and faecal matter to "burn" the skin.  This type of rash is visible as a red patch frequently on the cheeks of the bottom where the baby has been sitting.  It clears up easily and isn't raised and splotchy.  Prevention is the best cure.  Lots of nappy free time, frequent changes and a good quality nourishing cream.
• Thrush - This is a fungal infection frequently found on Mum and baby.  It can be spread from other parts of the body and is pervasive.  It presents as a splotch of red with raised bumps.  It may be around the legs and not in the genitals.  Treatment with an antifungal cream is required.  You will need to apply the cream at each nappy change.  It is best to apply the cream and then dust with Curash to keep the skin as dry as possible (or cover with a barrier of zinc) to protect the cream from being "rinsed off" after baby's next wee.  It is necessary to treat thrush for several weeks as it has a tendency to come back after it has appeared to go away.  With your nappies it is important to soak them in Classic Napisan or to use Canistan In-wash to treat the nappies against reinfection.
• Food - Babies are very sensitive to food.  Since a baby comes into this world sterile and free of any beneficial bacteria it takes many months for the flora of the gut to be established so as to help the body break down food (including breastmilk).  This is why newborns find it so hard to pass gas and get a condition we call "colic".  Babies can also get bad bottom rashes from their poos.  The most important thing is to change baby as soon as they poo.  Make sure you clean their bottom thoroughly but not with too much friction using warm water.  Some parents will fill a plastic icecream container with warm water and dip baby's bottom into it at change time.  A small amount of salt in the water will act as a disinfectant but won't cause any irritation.  Use a nourishing nappy cream after each nappy change and check to make sure baby isn't allergic to certain foods (look for other signs of allergy).  Lactose intolerance can present as a bottom rash even in breastfed babies.  Talk to your doctor about any allergies that you might suspect or of which you have a family history.
• Breastmilk - Babies can react to Mum's milk if Mum's been eating strong foods.  If you notice an increase in bottom rashes a few hours after you have eaten a strong food it may be advisable to limit this food until baby is older.
• Chemical sensitivities - Babies react to the chemicals in our environment much more so than adults.  If baby is always getting a rash it may be a reaction to a chemical they are being exposed to.  Look at your laundry powder.  Enzymes can be very irritating to babies.  Also look at the washes you use on baby.  Warm water and a small amount of natural oil is all a baby really needs.  Don't feel the need to use commercial products.  Disposable baby wipes are a common irritant as they are full of irritating chemicals used as preservatives (alcohol, ethanol, acetate).  Also some babies have allergies to wool or synthetic fibres.  Check for known family allergies and irritants.  And remember that urine breaks down into ammonia creating a less than pleasant environment in any type of nappy.  This is why parents are stressed to give lots of nappy free time. 

If you've had any issues with rashes with your baby and you'd like to talk about them with us, we are always happy to talk to you.  We are not medical experts but we have lots of "street smarts" about nappy rash.  If we think a different type of nappy (cotton or disposable) would help your baby, we will tell you, promise!

For a full list of nappy creams and powders and their suitability with our nappies click here.