Diaper Rash, Urine & Stool

Baby’s skin is known to be only 1/3 of an adult; it needs delicate and gentle care due to its sensitivity to irritation and rashes.

To prevent this from happening, parents are advised to use diapers that have high absorbency power that stays dry and breathable at all times while also giving the baby enough care and comfort.

The superior absorbency of MamyPoko with Stripes Pad sheet locks urine in giving your baby a much faster supreme dryness. Its Breathable Cover releases moisture and heat to protect against irritation and rashes - extra care for the extra comfort your baby needs.

 

 

 

In general diaper rash can be identified through these following symptoms:

1. Skin symptom:
   The diaper regions (baby’s buttocks, thighs and genitals) are marked with red, puffy and tender skin indicating diaper rash.
   
   
2. Changes in baby’s disposition:
   Baby seems uncomfortable, fussy and cries when changing diaper or when the diaper region is being cleaned or touched.

Let us look at some of the contributing factors that could lead to diaper rash and ways of preventing it.

No. Contributing Factors Prevention Methods 1. Prolonged exposure to urine and stool Frequent change of diapers and / or use of diapers with strong absorbency power such as MamyPoko diapers . 2. Chafing or Rubbing (Diapers that are too tight or clothing that rubs against baby’s skin can cause rashes) Use MamyPoko diapers with superb comfort and breathability that gives your baby a fast comfortable fit and protection for a happier and healthier baby. 3. Reaction to new / various food Introducing solid food to baby might change their stool texture, be wary and try to avoid food that could upset your baby’s stomach. 4. Changes in baby's diet Changes in baby’s diet might also increase the frequency of passing stool and lead to diaper rash. 5. Intolerance or allergy to food Avoid food that may cause intolerance or allergy such as milk, wheat, soy, etc. 6. Reaction to baby products such as disposable wipes, baby lotions, powders or oils Be mindful and have a watchful eye on type of products that might irritate your baby’s skin. 7. Use of detergents, bleaches or fabric softener that irritates baby’s skin 8. Sensitive baby skin that suffers from skin conditions such as eczema Ensure to apply the right medication to help ease and improve your baby’s skin condition. 9. Use of antibiotics that could rid baby’s body of good bacteria that prevent yeast infections

In addition, parents can also apply these extra precautionary and prevention methods to further prevent your baby from developing rashes:

No. Prevention Steps Results 1. Wash hands Prevent spreading of bacteria or yeast when changing diaper. 2. Rinse baby’s bottom during each diaper change A clean baby’s bottom prevents irritation and bacteria built-up that could cause rashes. 3. Pat baby’s bottom dry against scrubbing Scrubbing could irritate the skin, and the use of clean towels could further prevent bacteria spread. 4. Avoid plastic pants Plastic pants trap moisture and heat at the diaper region. 5. Occasionally leave baby’s bottom uncovered Exposing baby’s skin to air will promote a healthier skin. 6. Regular use of ointment The use of ointments such as petroleum jelly and zinc oxide during diaper change can help prevent skin irritation. 7. Increase baby’s fluid intake High fluid intake may reduce the urine’s concentration thus making it less irritanting. 8. Breastfeed your baby Babies that are breastfed have less diaper rash as their stools contain less enzymes and substances that irritate the skin.

Baby’s Urine
A baby’s urine can become a barometer for their growth and health. As baby grows, the volume of the urine will increase while the frequency decreases. Its colour and smell can also indicate your baby’s health status as follows:

Urine Chart

Colour Smell Reason / Cause Status Pale lemon or straw (Jerami) or no colour No smell or smell of ammonia Breastfed babies' urine tends to have no colour or smell, but when the weather is hot and baby sweats a lot the urine will be slightly darker. Normal & healthy baby Hot brick or tea or darker Stronger smell of ammonia Hot weather and active babies sweat a lot, thus their urine gets thicker & more pungent. The longer the diaper is left on, it becomes smellier. Not to worry! Only if the urine gets TOO dark, then seek medical attention. Pinkish Really smelly or brown sugar or maple syrup smell Could be due to many reasons but normally due to small amount of blood in urine. Seek medical attention

Stool Chart
The same method applies to a baby’s stool that can become a barometer for baby’s growth and health by identifying its texture and colour as below:

Colour Texture Sizes & Smell Reason & Cause Status Breastfed Babies(Newborn) Mustard or earthy or greenish Soft & seedy (Unformed) Small stools (8-10 stools/day) Smells quite sweet Emission of meconium that layers baby’s gut. Healthy Formula Fed Babies(Newborn) Brown Firmer (pudding thick) more formed Larger & smellier stools Different formulas give different texture and colour to baby’s stool. Healthy Babies at any age in general Reddish or black Soft – softly formed Tinge of blood might be present due to: Food type (tomato juice, beet) could change the stool colour. Fissure (tiny tear along baby’s rectum that will heal by itself.) Diarrhoea (due to food allergy.)   Seek Medical Attention! (if you can’t connect the colour to any food type.) Green Mucous-like Virus infection (possible cause) will run for a few days and heal naturally. Seek medical attention if condition persists for too long.

In general baby's stool colour and texture will vary according to the type of food baby eats.  The older the baby grows and change of food intake from liquid to soft food, and to solid food will affect the stool produced.  It is wise to monitor your baby on a regular basis and relate any other physical changes such as frequent crying, loss of weight, inactivity and other symptoms that might indicate sickness.