Diaper Rash: What every parent should know

 Ah, diaper rash—those red, irritated little patches on your baby’s bottom. If you’re dealing with this, don’t stress. You’re not alone! Babies’ skin is naturally delicate and sensitive, making it easy for rashes to appear. But here’s the good news: it’s completely normal, happens to almost every baby, and there are simple steps you can take to prevent and treat it.

Why diaper rash happens (it’s not you)

Babies spend a lot of time in diapers, and their skin is constantly exposed to moisture, friction, and, well, mess. Combine that with the fact that baby skin is up to five times thinner than adult skin, and it’s no surprise their bottoms can become irritated. This is a part of parenting, not a reflection of how good you are at it!

The key is understanding what causes diaper rash and taking steps to avoid it.

What does diaper rash look like?

Nappy rash can look different from child to child:

• There may be red patches or raw skin on your baby's bottom.
• The whole diaper area may look red.
• Baby’s skin may look sore and could feel hot to touch.
• There may be diaper rash spots, pimples or diaper rash blisters.
• In severe cases there may be welts or cracked skin that bleeds.  

Let's speak to some experts

We’ve teamed up with Kokoso a brand dedicated to offering natural, baby-safe skincare, to provide you with some great advice around diaper rash.

What causes nappy rash?

Most typically, diaper is caused by prolonged exposure to baby’s wee and poo. 

However, diaper rash can also be caused by:

• Friction from the diaper rubbing against your baby's skin
• Not cleaning the diaper area thoroughly
• Not changing the diaper often enough
• Harsh products that your baby’s skin may be reacting to, such as fragranced soaps, detergents or bubble bath
• Alcohol-based or fragranced baby wipes
• If your baby has recently been on antibiotics

Preventing diaper rash - tips for happy bottoms

Prevention is better than cure, and keeping diaper rash at bay is all about proactive care.

• Change diapers regularly - Don’t let your baby sit in a wet or dirty diaper for too long. Even the most absorbent diapers can hold only so much. Frequent changes keep the skin dry and clean.
• Perfect the absorbency - Make sure your diaper has the right level of absorbency. If your baby is waking up with a soggy diaper, add a diaper booster for extra protection. We offer a variety of boosters to suit your little one’s needs—from newborn to toddler stage.
• Opt for reusable wipes - With these, you only need to add water so this further limits exposure to irritants. Check out ours here.
• Use barrier creams wisely - A barrier cream creates a protective layer on your baby’s skin, helping to prevent irritation before it starts. Look for creams made from natural ingredients, which are easier to wash out of reusable nappies and won’t affect their absorbency.

Avoid heavy creams or ointments that form a waterproof barrier, as they can interfere with how your nappy absorbs moisture. A light, natural cream works just as effectively.

Treating nappy rash: what to do when it happens

Even with the best care, nappy rash can sometimes occur. Here’s how to soothe your baby’s skin:

• Act fast -  As soon as you see a rash or redness develop, it’s time to act
• Clean gently - Use warm water and a soft cloth or reusable wipes to clean the area. Avoid harsh soaps or wipes with alcohol.
• Air it out - Give your baby some nappy-free time during the day. Fresh air can work wonders on irritated skin.
• Apply a barrier cream - Choose a natural, breathable cream to soothe and protect the skin while it heals. We love Kokoso’s Happy Nappy Cream . Made with carefully chosen natural and organic ingredients, this unfragranced nappy cream is paediatrician-approved for sensitive baby skin.
• Keep it kind - Avoid using harsh soaps and bubble bath. Opt for something gentle like Kokoso’s Gentle Hair & Body Wash
• Get help if needed - If the rash persists or worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or pus-filled sores, it’s important to consult a pharmacist or your GP for further guidance and nappy rash treatment options.

Looking for a natural way to soothe nappy rash?

Say hello to the Kokoso Happy Nappy Cream - packed with goodness and made to be kind to delicate skin. It’s full of cold-pressed organic coconut oil (hello hydration!), plus other natural heroes like plant-based squalane and beeswax to help calm, protect, and nourish.

Bonus tip: Pure coconut oil works wonders as a nappy balm too. Kokoso’s dreamy organic coconut oil isn’t just soft and gentle — it naturally helps soothe sore skin with its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. It’s no surprise that so many parents swear by it as their go-to for baby’s skincare.

Exclusive treat just for you!

We’ve teamed up with Kokoso to offer 15% off their full-price products – just use the code BAMBINOMIO15 at checkout. Available from 31st March for three whole months, so there’s plenty of time to stock up on your favourites. SHOP HERE

The reusable nappy advantage

If you’re using disposable nappies, you might be exposing your baby’s skin to the chemical gels used to lock in moisture. While effective at absorbing wetness, these gels can sometimes contribute to irritation. On the other hand, reusable nappies, are made from soft, breathable fabrics that are naturally gentle on the skin.

Here’s where reusable nappies are so great:

• No chemical gels: Fabrics absorb wetness naturally, reducing the chance of irritation.
• Breathable materials: Promote airflow, keeping your baby’s bottom drier and more comfortable.
• Customisable absorbency: our nappy boosters allow you to adjust the absorbency of your nappies to suit your baby.

Studies have even suggested that the breathable nature of cloth nappies can lead to lower rates of nappy rash compared to disposables. 

Reusable nappies: gentle on skin, great for the planet

Nappy rash might be a common parenting challenge, but the choices you make can help minimise it. With reusable nappies, you’re not just caring for your baby’s delicate skin—you’re also making an eco-friendly choice that’s better for the planet.

And remember, parenting isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding what works for you and your baby. We’re here to support you with modern, practical solutions that fit your family’s lifestyle.

Let’s keep those little bottoms happy and healthy!