The Skin Benefits Of Using Cloth Nappies
Many babies have sensitive skin, and many experience rashes and soreness that would make anyone cry, not just a baby. If your baby's bum is red and painful, tears, screaming, and restlessness is sure to follow. So, preventing skin irritation is vital in creating a peaceful and happy baby, and cloth nappies can help you achieve this goal.
Cloth nappies for sensitive skin help prevent two kinds of irritation; allergic reactions to chemicals found in some disposable nappies and nappy rash caused by the skin's prolonged exposure to moisture.
Less Chemicals On your Babies Skin
Sensitive babies can have an allergic reaction to irritating chemicals that may be present in disposable nappies. These chemicals include parabens (a type of cosmetic preservative) and dioxins (used to bleach and whiten the nappies' material).
Your toddler might also have a Latex allergy, which puts their immune system in overdrive, causing symptoms such as a red rash, hives, diarrhoea, and itchy skin, nose, and eyes.
Sodium poly acrylate is another chemical irritant that might be present if the nappies has an absorbent gel-like pad. Although this is still used in disposable nappies, it was banned for use in tampons more than three decades ago because of links to life-threatening bacterial infections and toxic shock syndrome.
Reusable cloth nappies are made from cotton, which is naturally hypoallergenic. The cloth nappies contain no chemicals, and this will help reduce itching and irritation. If you suspect chemicals are a problem for your baby's skin, then remember to also switch to reusable wipes, as disposable wipes contain the same harsh chemicals as disposable nappies.
If your baby develops a persistent moist bright red rash or red pimples spreading into your baby's skin folds, then an infection may be present. If the rash is severe, you should speak to your doctor right away.
Reduce The Chances Of Nappy Rash
According to the NHS, one in three babies is suffering from nappy rash at any one time. While it usually develops in newborn babies, toddlers can experience nappy rash as well. The most common cause is the baby's skin rubbing against a wet nappy.
The nappy rash appears as red patches on your baby's bottom, and severe cases can cause discomfort and put your baby in distress. To prevent a rash, keep your baby dry and reduce the amount of time that bums are exposed to moisture.
Cloth nappies are made from cotton, and this means that you are dressing your baby in breathable nappies that will help keep them cool and prevent sweating.
To further treat nappy rash, you should:
- Change dirty wet nappies as soon as possible
- Use water only on nappy wipes
- Bathe your baby daily, but no more than once
- Give your baby some nappy-free time to allow air to get to their skin
- Dab, don't rub your baby when drying them
- Refrain from using talcum powder because it contains potentially irritating chemicals
If you follow this advice and your baby's nappy rash does not clear up in three days, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
The benefits of cloth nappies extend far beyond the condition of your baby's skin. With washable sensitive skin nappies, you don't need to constantly buy new nappies, which is sure to take the strain off your weekly shopping budget.