Huggies launches first-of-its-kind product to combat nappy rash

Parents of babies with super sensitive skin, you're going to want to stock up.

Seeing your little one in any sort of pain or discomfort - whether it be teething, allergies, blocked up and stuffy from whatever nasty bug they've picked up at daycare - is always incredibly hard as a parent.

It leads to sleepless nights (for everyone ), desperate late-night sessions with Dr Google trying to find an answer, and a whole lot of stress and questioning "what am I doing WRONG!?"

One of the most persistent and pesky health problems in babies that most parents can relate to, is of course nappy rash.

In fact, baby skin irritation, such as nappy rash, is the number one concern for almost two in three Aussie parents. Followed by sleeping (no surprises there) and feeding.

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A first-of-its-kind innovation in the nappy world

As parents of newborns, we become obsessed with our baby's skin and will go to extreme lengths to protect it from irritation.

Which is why the latest news from Huggies HQ is very exciting indeed.

In a first-of-its-kind innovation, the premium baby care brand has revolutionised the nappy category with a newborn and infant nappy that includes a zinc-enriched layer clinically proven to help protect baby’s delicate skin from irritation.

"Baby’s skin is up to 30% thinner than adult’s skin," Paediatric Dermatologist at Liverpool Hospital, Professor Deshan Sebaratnam told Kidspot. "Inside the uterus, the skin is bathed in amniotic fluid. When babies are born, the skin needs to transition to life in the outside world - air instead of fluid, temperature changes, humidity changes, irritants, etc.

"The immune system also needs to adapt to life outside the womb, combatting germs and other threats to skin integrity. In babies, the immune system is maturing which can lead to a range of skin rashes," Dr Sebaratnam explained.

Unfortunately for our little ones, “the environment in a nappy is the perfect recipe for skin irritation, which can be distressing for babies and make nappy changes uncomfortable. Dermatologists have been using zinc-based barrier creams for decades to help protect baby’s skin from irritation, as well as help re-establish the barrier function of the skin.”

The majority of Aussie parents whose newborn has experienced skin irritation have spent an average of $405 on preventions and treatments, according to Huggies' research. Photo: Supplied by Huggies

RELATED: Ways to care for your baby’s skin in winter

"Protecting my son’s skin is a top priority for me"

Parents of newborns admitted that worrying about their baby’s skin irritation and being uncertain about what's normal and what's more serious was a constant source of stress.

“Protecting my son’s skin against irritation is a top priority for me," Melbourne mum-of-one Bonnie Anderson said. "When I became pregnant with Bobby, I was shocked to learn how delicate newborn baby’s skin is. Now that he is six months old, I can attest to the hours I’ve spent researching, the money spent, and the great lengths I’ve gone to, to treat and prevent skin issues from happening."

Mum-of-three Michelle Korkis added: "I've tried various types of nappies, many nappy rash creams and methods such as ‘nappy free time’ to try and prevent skin irritation, which can be exhausting. Hence why I am now ecstatic that Huggies have come out with a new newborn nappy that puts my worries at ease."

RELATED: My baby’s skin went from healthy pink to ghostly white

Why are some babies more prone to nappy rash than others?

"There are genetic and environmental components," Dr Sebaratnam explained. "We know that different genes can contribute to the barrier function and integrity of the skin and some people are just predisposed to dermatitis. Environmental factors also play a big role.

"Other considerations are things like the individual baby's bowel and bladder habit. If babies have diarrhoea for example, this can lead to more irritation of the skin and it can become a vicious cycle."

Skin irritation in little ones can be exhausting - and so expensive. Photo: Supplied by Huggies

What steps can parents take to prevent nappy rash?

"Don't over complicate things. Babies have been around for thousands of years without complicated skin routines so just keep it simple," Dr Sebaratnam advised.

• A bland, greasy moisturiser free of food products may be helpful in preventing nappy rash.
• A soap-free cleanser is all that's needed for bathtime which only needs to be every 2 or 3 days
• Don't apply food products (oat, pawpaw, food oils) to the skin, as these can lead to food allergies 
• If in doubt, don't feel like you're alone. Seek advice from a trusted medical professional: your GP or a specialist dermatologist 

The new HUGGIES® Newborn and Infant nappies are available from today (August 2nd) at participating retailers across the country from RRP $22 for bulk packs.

Originally published as Huggies launches first-of-its-kind product to combat nappy rash