There are many reasons why babies get sore bottoms — and sometimes even the best prevention doesn’t help.
The most important thing when you first notice irritation is to act quickly so that your baby’s delicate skin can return to balance. Even if we try hard to change diapers often, it’s not always easy as a mom to notice right away when your little one has peed (unless your baby makes it very clear). Sometimes a wet diaper stays on longer than it should, which isn’t good for baby’s bottom.
On long car journeys, for example, you might have to wait until the next rest stop to change your baby. And especially in winter, changing diapers outside in the cold is anything but pleasant.
What you can do to help your baby
- Change diapers as often as possible, ideally after every pee or poop.
Yes, diapers are expensive, but think about your last scraped knee or a sore spot from shoes — a sore bottom is just as painful for your baby.
- Thoroughly clean your baby’s bottom with every diaper change.
For irritated skin, use only clear water and a fresh washcloth.
- Dry the skin carefully but thoroughly, especially in the folds.
- Let air reach your baby’s skin. If the weather or room temperature allows, leave the diaper off for a while and let your baby kick around “nappy-free.” Just make sure your little one doesn’t get cold.
- Apply a thin layer of nappy cream (preferably water-free).
Tips for a VERY sore baby bottom
- A lukewarm chamomile bath can support healing. Gently pat the skin dry afterwards.
- Dab breast milk onto the sore skin and let it air-dry.
- Avoid wipes for now — both moist and cleaning wipes.
The causes of a sore baby bottom and how to prevent it
- Irritating substances in urine and stool attack the delicate skin, and the warm, moist climate inside the diaper makes it worse.
- Some babies’ skin reacts allergically to regular wipes or oil-based wipes.
- Diet and food transitions during weaning — new foods may not yet be well tolerated, may contain too much acid (e.g. certain fruits), or be harder to digest, making stool more aggressive.
- Acidic fruits, fruit juices, or spicy foods can contribute to soreness. If you’re breastfeeding, check what you’ve eaten when your baby develops a sore bottom.
- For babies eating solids: sweet drinks can also make things worse. When your baby has a sore bottom, give only diluted unsweetened tea or water — not fruit juices.
- Diarrhea? Change diapers even more often, as watery, acidic stool irritates skin much more.
- During a cold, urine is often more concentrated, which can damage the skin.
- Teething often comes with diarrhea; the acidic stool irritates the sensitive skin in the diaper area.
- Medication, like antibiotics, can also trigger diaper dermatitis.
Fungal or bacterial infections
If your baby’s skin doesn’t improve despite all your efforts, visit your pediatrician. Sometimes a fungal or bacterial infection is the cause of the soreness.
Nappy cream helps prevent soreness too
Nappy cream isn’t only useful once your baby already has a sore bottom. Especially if you know you’ll be out for a longer time or can’t change your baby right away (for example, during a car trip), a layer of cream provides extra protection.
