Nappy rash - treatment

- The most effective treatment, although not always the most practical one, is to temporarily discontinue use of nappies, allowing air to get to the affected skin.
- Commonly recommended remedies include oil-based protectants, which often contain petroleum jelly and cod liver oil or zinc oxide based ointments.
-If the rash is not settling after a few days, or is very raw, discuss with your health visitor, nurse, or doctor. There are also other types of rash such as Seborrheic (similar to cradle cap) and Atopic (allergic reaction characterised by itchiness), which require special treatment.

Other possible actions you can take:
- Discontinue the use of wipers. Wash baby with warm water using a gentle soap and cotton wool.
- Change detergent, or use less
- Try to make an extra rinse cycle.
- Consult your doctor if there are skin problems, eg eczema, in the family.

Nappy rash - prevention

- Change the nappy as soon as it is wet or soiled. It may be as often as hourly in newborn babies. - When possible, allow the baby to lie in a warm environment without a nappy for a while, before putting on another one.
- Use a barrier cream at nappy changes. Some barrier creams have antiseptic properties, which can help to deal with any germs.
- Wash your nappies with non bio-detergents and use less detergent than the quantity recommended by the detergent manufacturer.

Nappy rash - causes

The simplest cause of nappy rash is prolonged exposure to wetness from urine or stools. Both are responsible for increasing the skin PH and for promoting the activity of faecal enzimes. The result is the breakdown of the outermost layer of the skin, which in a baby is still very thin, and so the area becomes red or sore.
Once damage occurs, the skin can become susseptable to germs resulting in a rash with secondary infection.
Diet is another possible cause of nappy rash. Breastfed babies, for example, have a lower incidence of nappy rash, because their stools have lower pH and lower enzymatic activity. An increased likelihood of nappy rash occurs when a baby's diet undergoes a significant change (i.e. from breast milk to formula or from milk to solids). Treatmemt with antibiotics, or detergents remaining in the nappies are other frequent causes. Babies with sensitive skin may even react to minute particules of these chemicals, especially if they contain a "biological" additive.

review :: Imse All in One Nappy

I had almost given up stocking all-in-one (AIO) nappies because all that we had tried were either very bulky or had leaked. However, at the beginning of 2007 Imse Vimse announced they were designing an all-in-one nappy for parents who wanted an one-piece easy-to-use nappy. They have got it absolutely right. The Imse All in One nappy comes with gusetted legs which prevents leaks - this is the first AIO with gusseted legs which actually makes all the difference to prevent leaks. Not only that, this nappy has two booster pads permanently attached so there are many layers of fabric at all times for great absorbency. Customers that bought this nappy have said "I'm very impressed", "The nappy I was looking for because it is very easy to use", "Finally a nappy that does not need all other pieces and bits"

impact of cloth nappies on the environment

Washing and drying cloth nappies does have an impact on the environment. For some useful tips on how to reduce the impact, the Environment Agency (UK) advises parents to:
- only flush liners containing stools
- use low temperature detergents
- buy more nappies initially and wash full loads
- not use fabric softener
- look at the label and try washing at a lower temperature
- air dry rather than tumble dry where possible
- purchase electricity on a green tariff

Prices for Baby Beehinds Hemp Nappies have increased

Baby Beehinds has inform us that the price for their hemp nappies have increased from £9.99 to £10.99. They now cost the same as the Baby Beehinds bamboo nappies. However, we offer our customers all natural colours at £10.50

washing nappies

Is as simple as:
1. wash with a 60 degrees (or even colder) program with or without pre-wash
2. use your normal detergent, 1/3 of the recommended amount, but do not use softner
3. optionally use tea tree oil or a desinfectant such as Napisan (which you can buy in Sainsbury's)

London Councils(.org.uk) is proposing to introduce a London-wide ban, or levy, on throw away shopping bags

photo: teddave

London Councils would like to consult with you on the options available to London for reducing the environmental impact caused by throw away shopping bags. They want to know what you think of their proposals – and are asking you to help them decide one of the key provisions to be contained in the 10th London Local Authorities Bill. This is a chance for Londoners to lead the country in a bold initiative More from London Councils website

greenwich car free day saturday 22 september

Leave your car behind and catch street dance, samba, jive and ballet performances at Greenwich town centre from 1pm to 5pm. There will be a beach on a car-free College Approach, live performances, deckchairs on the river-front, food stalls and environmental displays & information. There will be lots you can do such as decorating a giant sculptural cyclist with hundreds of flowers, or maybe try your hand at soca, hip hop or Cuban dancing. It'll be a fantastic day out for everyone! more info from the organisers

Green Me accepts Real Nappies for London vouchers

We are now a registered supplier for Real Nappies for London and accept vouchers. This means that if the London borough in which you live has joined Real Nappies for London and you have a child under the age of 18 months, you could be entitled to claim an information pack and voucher. You can then use the voucher to purchase cloth nappies (and accessories) with us on-line or directly at Greenwich Market.

Participating boroughs and voucher amounts are
Bexley £40
Camden £54.15
Hackney £54.15
Hammersmith & Fulham £45
Haringey £54.15
Hounslow £50
Islington £54.15
Kensington & Chelsea £45
Lewisham £30
Newham £30
Redbridge £30
Tower Hamlets £50

You can request your voucher by applying online at the Real Nappies for London website, where you can also get more information about the scheme.