Every mum has that moment - you open the nappy and there it is: a red, sore patch that tugs at your heart. Nappy rashes are part of babyhood, they are one of the most common skin conditions in infancy, caused by a mix of moisture, friction, and irritants (Atherton, 2001), but that doesn’t make them any less worrying when they show up.
The good news? Most nappy rashes clear up quickly with gentle, natural care, such as use of Matylda’s tallow balm. This guide is here to help you understand the different types of nappy rashes, what causes them, and how to treat and prevent them — no fillers, no fluff, just time-proven care that works. Because your baby deserves the best. 🌿
What Are Nappy Rashes?
A nappy rash is simply irritated, inflamed skin on your baby’s bottom or around the nappy area. It can look like redness, spots, swelling or dry patches — and sometimes it can feel warm or sore to touch.
Most nappy rashes are mild and clear up in a few days with good care. But knowing how to spot them early — and what’s normal — can save you and your baby a lot of discomfort.
Different Types of Nappy Rash
Not all nappy rashes are the same. Here are the most common ones mums see:
Irritant Nappy Rash
This is the one most babies get. It’s usually caused by prolonged wetness, friction, or nappies rubbing on delicate skin.
Fungal Nappy Rash (Thrush)
Sometimes a rash sticks around and doesn’t clear up — this could be thrush, caused by a yeast overgrowth. It can look bright red with small spots around the edges.
Bacterial Nappy Rash
Less common but more serious. Research confirms that while most nappy rashes are irritant in origin, Candida and bacterial infections are also common complicating factors (Ferrazzini et al., 2003). Bacterial rashes can cause open sores or yellow crusting. Always see a doctor if you suspect this.
Allergic Reaction Rash
Some babies react to certain nappies, wipes or detergents. This rash can appear suddenly, looking red and raised.
Severe Nappy Rash
If the rash looks raw, bleeds, or doesn’t improve after a few days of home care — it’s time to check with your doctor.
What Causes Nappy Rashes?
The main culprits? Moisture, friction, and irritants. Common triggers include prolonged exposure to urine or stool, friction, and antibiotic-induced yeast overgrowth (Shin, 2005). Here’s what can trigger a rash:
- Staying in a wet or dirty nappy too long
- Nappy rubbing against delicate skin
- Wipes or nappies containing fragrances or harsh chemicals
- Antibiotics — which can upset baby’s balance and lead to thrush
- New foods, teething or tummy upsets
- Cloth nappies — if not washed or rinsed properly, residue can irritate skin
How to Treat Nappy Rashes Naturally
Here’s the good news: Evidence supports frequent nappy changes, gentle cleansing, and barrier emollients as first-line therapy for diaper dermatitis (Kiken & Cohen, 2002). So don’t worry, as most rashes calm down with simple, gentle steps:
Give Skin Time to Breathe
A little nappy-free time each day works wonders. Let air get to your baby’s bottom — pop a towel down and let them wriggle!
Clean Gently
Use lukewarm water and soft cloths — avoid harsh wipes if baby’s skin is sore. Pat dry gently — no rubbing.
Soothe & Protect with a Natural Balm
A good barrier balm keeps moisture out and helps skin heal. Look for pure, natural ingredients like beef tallow and calendula - hero ingredients of our BUM+BODY balm. Apply a thin layer after each change.
What to Avoid
Strong medicated creams unless advised by your doctor, scented wipes, or over-washing — gentle and simple is best.
Best Cream for Nappy Rash — What to Look For
With so many creams on the shelf, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But when your baby’s skin is sore, less is often more. The best nappy rash cream should soothe, protect, and help skin heal — all without unnecessary fillers or harsh chemicals. Clinical guidance highlights barrier creams (zinc-based or natural lipid-rich alternatives) as the most effective way to protect against rash recurrence (Atherton & Mills, 2004).
What to Look For:
- Pure, natural ingredients: Tallow, calendula, chamomile — these time-proven botanicals calm redness and protect delicate skin.
- A proper barrier: Look for a tallow balm that locks out moisture but still lets skin breathe.
- No hidden nasties: Fragrance-free, no synthetic preservatives, no petrochemicals.
How to Use It:
After gently cleaning and drying your baby’s bottom, apply a thin layer of balm, like Matylda’s beef tallow balm. Don’t slather too much — a little goes a long way. And remember: consistency is key. Apply fresh cream at every change to protect and help the skin heal naturally.
Severe Nappy Rash — When to See a Doctor
Most nappy rashes clear up quickly with gentle care at home — but sometimes, you’ll need a doctor’s advice to help your little one heal fully.
When to Get Medical Help:
- The rash looks raw, bleeds, or has open sores
- It spreads beyond the nappy area
- You see blisters, pus, or yellow crusts — signs of infection
- Baby seems in pain or extra fussy
- The rash doesn’t improve after a few days of good home care
- You suspect thrush (yeast rash) that keeps coming back
While most cases are mild, up to 5% of infants develop severe diaper dermatitis requiring professional care (Eichenfield et al., 2006). If in doubt, trust your gut. You know your baby best — and sometimes a quick chat with your GP or health visitor brings peace of mind and the right treatment when needed.
Cloth Nappies & Nappy Rash — The Facts
Many mums wonder: do cloth nappies help prevent nappy rash — or make it worse? The truth is, both cloth and disposable nappies can work beautifully when used right. Studies show no significant difference in rash frequency between cloth and disposable nappies when proper hygiene is maintained (Adalat et al., 2007).
Cloth Nappies Can Help:
- They’re breathable and free from added chemicals.
- You can change them more often — less wetness means less irritation.
But They Need Extra Care:
- Wash nappies thoroughly and rinse well — leftover detergent can irritate skin.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free detergents.
- Add an extra rinse cycle if needed.
- Let nappies dry fully in fresh air or sunlight.
Use Liners or Barriers:
A good liner keeps moisture away from your baby’s skin. Pair with a thin layer of natural barrier balm each change. So whether you’re a cloth nappy fan or love the ease of disposables, the secret is the same: clean, dry, and gentle — every change, every day. 🌿
Home Remedies for Nappy Rash
When it comes to calming sore bottoms, simple home remedies often work wonders — and they’re gentle enough for the most delicate skin.
Let Skin Breathe:
A bit of nappy-free time each day is one of the best natural fixes. Lay down a soft towel and let your baby have a kick about — fresh air helps skin heal faster.
Oat Baths:
A soothing oat bath can calm redness and itch. Colloidal oatmeal has well-documented anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on irritated skin (Nebus et al., 2012). Just pop a handful of oats in a muslin cloth, tie it up, and swirl it in warm bath water.
Chamomile Compresses:
Steep chamomile tea, let it cool, and gently dab the affected area with a soft cloth — its natural anti-inflammatory properties can help ease irritation.
Natural Balms:
Apply a thin layer of a pure, nourishing balm made with ingredients like tallow, calendula, or chamomile - all that are included in our BUM+BODY tallow balm. They help protect the skin while it heals — no fillers, no fluff, just honest care.
What to Avoid:
Skip talcum powders, harsh medicated creams, or anything heavily fragranced — baby skin loves simple, natural support best.
How to Prevent Nappy Rashes
The best way to tackle nappy rashes? Stop them before they start. A few simple daily habits can help keep your baby’s skin soft, calm, and rash-free.
Change Nappies Often:
Check nappies regularly and change them as soon as they’re wet or soiled — less moisture means less irritation.
Be Gentle at Every Clean:
Use warm water and a soft cloth, or choose fragrance-free, gentle wipes. Always pat dry — never rub.
Let Skin Breathe:
Give your baby nappy-free time every day — fresh air does wonders.
Use a Daily Barrier Balm:
A thin layer of a pure, natural balm like our tallow balm helps protect against moisture and friction. Look for time-proven ingredients like tallow and calendula — no fillers, no fluff, just pure protection.
Choose Nappies & Wipes Wisely:
Go for nappies and wipes free from unnecessary chemicals or fragrances. Some babies do better with cloth, others with disposables — find what works best for you both.
Expert consensus emphasises frequent diaper changes, gentle cleansing, and daily barrier use as best practice for prevention (Blume-Peytavi et al., 2012). A little daily care goes a long way — because your baby’s skin deserves the very best. 🌿
Conclusion
No mum wants to see their baby uncomfortable — but the truth is, almost every baby will get a nappy rash at some point. It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong — just that baby skin is delicate, and life happens.
Most cases resolve quickly with supportive care, reinforcing that parents’ gentle daily practices are usually enough (Chiou & Blume-Peytavi, 2004). With a little extra care, gentle natural remedies, and smart daily habits, most nappy rashes clear up quickly and comfortably.
You’re doing your best, and that’s more than enough. 💛
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