Teething’s one of those stages that sounds simple—until you’re in it. The red cheeks, the clinginess, the drool-soaked everything… and just when you think you’ve seen it all, your baby’s bum flares up too.
If your little one gets nappy rash every time a new tooth appears, you’re not imagining it. It’s common, confusing, and honestly, a bit miserable—for both of you.
In this article, we’ll walk through why teething nappy rash happens, what it looks like, and how to ease it gently with care that actually works.
Can Teething Really Cause Nappy Rash?
There’s no official “yes” from the textbooks—but plenty of parents (ourselves included) have lived it. While teething doesn’t directly cause nappy rash, it seems to set off a chain reaction that makes it more likely.
Here’s what might be going on:
- More drool = more swallowed saliva = looser, more acidic poos
- That acidity can irritate delicate skin with every nappy change
- At the same time, your baby’s immune system is under pressure, making skin more reactive
So while it’s not the tooth itself causing the rash, teething often changes what’s going on in your baby’s body—and their nappy area takes the hit.
What Teething Nappy Rash Looks Like
Teething nappy rash usually appears quite suddenly—and often looks angrier than your standard redness from a wet nappy.
Here’s what to look for:
- Bright red patches, especially on the cheeks of the bottom and around the anus
- Spots or small blisters that may break or scab over
- Hot, inflamed skin that’s clearly sore to the touch
- Rash that seems to flare up with each dirty nappy
It’s often worst when your baby has frequent, loose stools—which is common during teething. You might notice the rash getting worse throughout the day, then calming slightly overnight.
And yes, your baby might seem extra fussy during changes. That doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong—it just hurts. Keeping the area clean and protected is the best thing you can do.
Why Nappy Rash Is Worse During Teething
If it feels like every tooth brings a new round of nappy rash, you’re not alone—and there’s a reason it tends to flare up just when you’re already dealing with sleepless nights and clingy days.
Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes:
More Drool = Looser Poo
Teething ramps up saliva production. A lot of that drool ends up being swallowed, which can change the acidity of your baby’s tummy and lead to more frequent, looser stools. That alone can cause irritation down below—especially if the nappy isn’t changed quickly enough (no judgement—everyone misses one now and then).
Slight Tummy Upset
Some babies experience mild diarrhoea during teething, whether due to swallowed saliva, inflammation, or the stress on their system. That diarrhoea can strip the skin barrier, leaving the area raw and sore.
Immune Shifts
Teething puts strain on the body, and your baby’s skin becomes more vulnerable to irritants. Even a usually harmless wipe or wet nappy might trigger a stronger-than-usual reaction.
It’s the perfect storm: irritated skin, increased exposure to moisture and acid, and a little one who’s already uncomfortable.
The good news? There are ways to soothe it without overcomplicating things—and that’s what we’ll cover next.
Best Ways to Treat Nappy Rash During Teething
When your baby’s bottom is sore and red, you just want to make it better. The key is staying consistent with gentle, natural care. No need for a shelf full of creams—just the right balm and a few thoughtful habits.
Clean Gently, Without Irritating
- Skip wipes completely if the skin is broken or inflamed.
- Instead, use large organic cotton pads and warm water to cleanse.
- Pat dry gently—don’t rub.
If needed, give your baby’s bottom a quick rinse in a warm salt bath (just a small scoop of pure sea salt in baby’s bathwater). It can help soothe soreness and support healing.
Let the Skin Breathe
Air is one of the best healers for sore skin.
If your baby will tolerate it, let them go nappy-free for short stretches during the day—just 10–15 minutes here and there can help. Lay down some clean towels or a washable mat and let them wriggle freely.
You can also try this:
- After taking the nappy off in the morning, lay your baby down on a towel while you get dressed—they get skin-soothing time, you get two hands back for five minutes.
- During naps, some mums find that letting baby sleep on their front on layered towels (without a nappy) works well, especially during intense rash flare-ups.
It doesn’t have to be fancy—just consistent. Even little pockets of air time make a difference.
Use rich, natural barrier balm
Look for a balm that:
- Contains tallow, beeswax, and calming herbs like calendula
- Is free from essential oils, perfumes, and preservatives
- Creates a lasting protective layer over the skin
💛 Matylda BUM+BODY BALM was made with exactly this in mind: a thick, nutrient-rich balm that nourishes and shields sore skin without stinging. It’s safe enough for broken skin and versatile enough to use on faces, hands, or anywhere that needs love.
Check the Nappy Fit
If it’s too tight, it can trap moisture and rub on sore areas. A well-fitted nappy that allows air to circulate can really help—especially overnight.
Ingredients to Look For (and Avoid)
When your baby’s skin is inflamed, the last thing you want is a product that stings, clogs, or makes it worse. But many supermarket creams—yes, even the ones labelled “gentle”—are full of ingredients that can irritate, especially when the skin barrier is already compromised.
✅ Ingredients That Help Heal
Look for simple, traditional ingredients that have stood the test of time:
• Grass-fed tallow – deeply nourishing and skin-identical, helping repair and protect without suffocating the skin
• Calendula – gently anti-inflammatory and known for calming sore, broken skin
• Beeswax – creates a breathable protective layer while locking in moisture
• Olive or jojoba oil – nourishing, non-reactive base oils
❌ Ingredients to Avoid
Especially during teething rash, steer clear of:
• Fragrance or essential oils – often sensitising, especially on broken skin
• Preservatives and emulsifiers – even the “natural” ones can sting
• Petroleum-based products – can trap heat and moisture against the skin, worsening the rash
If you’re ever unsure, do a quick label check—or just choose a balm you fully trust. Less is more when it comes to inflamed baby skin.
When to See a Doctor
Most teething-related nappy rash can be managed at home with gentle care and time. But occasionally, it crosses the line into something that needs medical attention.
Here’s when it’s worth getting your baby checked:
- No improvement after 3–4 days, even with good care
- Rash is spreading, blistering, or weeping yellow fluid (signs of infection)
- Your baby seems in significant pain, cries during every nappy change, or can’t sleep due to discomfort
- Fever or other symptoms that don’t seem linked to teething
- Persistent diarrhoea that lasts more than a couple of days
Trust your instincts—if something feels off, you’re not being dramatic. You know your baby best.
Most of the time, though, a few days of careful cleansing, barrier balm, and plenty of air time is enough to get things back on track.
You got this, mama
When your baby’s uncomfortable, it affects you, too. The days feel longer, the nights are broken, and it’s hard not to second-guess every decision—Was that cream too much? Should I have changed her sooner?
Please hear this:
You’re doing really well.
You’re paying attention. You’re trying your best. And that matters more than getting everything “right.”
At Matylda, we don’t believe in perfect parenting—we believe in present, loving, real-life parenting. That means learning as you go, muddling through the tough bits, and knowing you’re not alone when things get messy.
If you’re reading this after another difficult nappy change, or while your little one sleeps on a towel next to you—take a breath. It won’t always be like this. And in the meantime, we’re here with gentle care that actually helps.
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