Newborn skin and NCT view of world

[Anticyclone]

We have a newborn, and are noticing some chafing that looks a little raw along the inside creases of his upper thighs. What do we need to do to solve this, use some kind of cream?

The thing is we are fresh from NCT classes where it was made clear to us that we should not put any products at all on our baby's skin as it was so sensitive - so we are not sure what to do! Is there a solution between the NCT view and the practical real world?

May I ask your age, op?

Emulsifying ointment

Flywheel. The least helpful post I have ever seen.

Try various things. Nicu recommended only Vaseline or olive oil on delicate premmie skin. Vaseline works well for ours we have Aldo tried savlon but that seemed to irritate so we are back to Vaseline.

OK at risk of NCT wrath. The vast majority of mums on here use either Bepanthen or Sudocrem. Personally I think Bepanthen is better, because it fixes nappy rash faster.

I did not know the NCT advocated just water. Seems controlling at best.

Also, you may be putting your baby in too small nappies. Quite a common error.

Sudocrem. That's what I meant. Not savlon.

happyhair because I think if the NCT have influenced the mother to the extent she is posting on here to find out where she can slap on a bit of Sudocrem without permanently damaging her child - then I was wondering about the age of the poster.

The best thing (for my boys anyway) is to have some nappy free time, on a change mat etc for as long as poss so the skin can heal without being under pressure or moist.
I use Sudocrem as a first call if DS2 looks a bit pink in places, then Bepanthen if anything is actually getting sore, then graduate to Metanium if the others haven't sorted it.
If the problem persists, you may find switching nappy brand helps, they're all made slightly differently.

PS Waitrose Baby Bottom Butter is coconut oil based and a great moisturiser/barrier cream alternative if you don't fancy using the others.

I've never heard of Metanium? What is that.

More to the point, where is the op? I'm worried that her poor child has chafing legs but she is conditioned by the NCT not to treat it.

Fastwindow, she's just a new Mum looking for advice...ease up.

OP, I'd recommend sudocreme and nappy free time. I know it's hard when you have a new one and lots of conflicting advice, hope you get him sorted soon!

Also, my goodness. Where are my manners- congratulations on your newborn!! I realise you are scared - I was - but do what you think is best. And for the record - no one has ever cleaned anything with just water. Unless you are a patio.

Metanium is the Big Guns of nappy creme, the Exocet Missile to Sudocrem's Party Popper.
My two have remarkably good skin, but friends whose DC have suffered terrible recurring nappy rash refer to it as Miracle Cream.
Stains everything it touches yellow, but bloody hell it's good stuff.

I found metanium worked well for nappy rash and Burt's bees for daily use for DS but I think all babies have different skin so it's you might need to try a few to see what works best.

Also, for what it's worth, our NCT tutor advised that we use thin layers of nappy cream if needed as using it thickly created a water proof barrier on nappies which would mean urine stayed on the skin so it would actually do the opposite of what it is supposed to do if that makes sense. She never advised us against using it.

However if you're trying to avoid nappy creams or not need them as much, letting some air get to the skin helps so a bit of nappy free time or just wearing a loose nappy.

deadcert my apologies. You are right, and if I've been heavy handed that was not what I meant to do, at all. It just seemed as if the NCT advice was detrimental to the newborns skin.

What to put on it rather depends what it is and what's causing it. If your baby is v new then your midwife should still be about and can take a look or you can go to your GP.

Some NCT teachers say to use cooled boiled water and cotton wool but I think that is mainly in response to people slathering on creams, lotions and oils from the get go and most babies just don't need that that said only a masochist tries to clean up maconium with anything other than a wet wipe or wet sponge and it can be an irritant.

I don't think the NCT will have an opinion about you putting a little bit of cream on your baby. Not when they have sponsorship from Bepanthen! I think the idea is about empowering parents to make your own decisions and that there is no one size fits all approach.

Sorry me again OP - if you're just using cotton wool & water this prob doesn't apply, but if you're using wipes, try loads to see which suit your baby. I've ended up with ridiculously expensive Naty wipes as they suit 4mo DS2's skin, after trying Water Wipes and Huggies. For 3yo DS1 I use Sainsburys Eco wipes or Huggies if I've run out. I've barely used nappy creams to heal since sorting out the wipes issue, just Sudocrem as a protective layer sometimes.

Wet muslins, cut up fleece or proper cotton reusable wipes are also good. Just check them in the wash after use. I was skeptical but they are actually ok!

You can test a wipe on your nose (by wiping it so it makes contact with the inside). Some of them burn :(

Congratulations!

How old is your baby op? As it's common for a brand new baby's skin to be dry for a few days. Best thing is to gently massage in olive oil.

It could be the nappies are on too tight, ask someone to check that. As it's difficult to know if you aren't used to putting nappies on teeny bottoms.

Nappy creams that people have mentioned are to stop or avoid nappy rash. This is caused when the wee on baby's skin reacts to poo. And the skin goes red etc. so if you change the nappy as soon as they've pooed you can avoid nappy rash.

But I don't think this is what you are describing.

There are non medicated bottom creams like the waitrose one, and green people do one. These create a thin barrier from the skin to the wee. And less is more, they work better the thinner you apply, no need to slather it on.( Hygiene tip- if using a tub don't double dip.) and these creams would also be good for new baby's dry skin.
Hope it clears up soon, please do report back

That's a good tip to test wipes- on inside of your nose!

I highly recommend the brand jackson Reece. They are sold in Tesco and on amazon. They do a non scented and scented. But all the ingredients are natural, no parabens alcohol etc. (scented is essential oils) they are really the best for newborn skin. We never used cotton wool, used these wipes right from the meconium poo in hospital.

Be wary of the brands that say natural or Eco. 99% of the time the ingredients aren't actually.
Most wipes are made of rayon, which will never biodegrade. Jackson Reece ones are biodegradable. (I tested it in my compost bin) I know most people don't care, but I do!

Sorry for the delay, we were going through another feed - sleep cycle.

Thanks for all the advice, and for the record I am actually a new father in my early 30s!

I hope my question didn't sound naive, but both my wife and I went to NCT and they made a big point of new born skin not needing any products, and also recommend cotton wool and water for cleaning which is what we are using.

Our son is almost 10 days old, and to expand on the problem the slight rawness we are seeing is right on the crease at the top of the leg, so yes a tight nappy could be a culprit. I think nappy free time is def a good idea, we tried that yesterday - you just need to we ready for unexpected wees!

HV is here on Monday so we will check with her too.

Many thanks again.

Awww no worries no question is stupid if you don't know the answer.

I think the Nct want to say don't use Johnson's & Johnson's rubbish, but they can't (would get sued) so they say don't use anything. But really olive oil is totally fine to use as a moisturiser

And honestly you don't need to keep on with the cotton wool and water malarkey.
If you want to be Eco check out cheeky wipes reusable soft cloths. Otherwise wipes are fine.