Best Changing Bag

A great looking, spacious, functional and durable changing bag is a parenting must-have. A constant companion in the early years, a changing bag is just the thing for filling with nappies, wipes, bottles, spare clothes and snacks, so you'll never be caught short on a family day out.

Our parent testers have got hands-on with a number of changing bags, filling them with baby essentials and taking on trips out. They rated each bag, looking for parent-friendly touches (lots of pockets and compartments always get the thumbs up), quality material that will last and a stylish design you'd be proud to carry around. Here are our award winners.

Joint Gold: Avery Row Baby Changing Bag with Pram Clips

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "We love how this changing bag can seamlessly transition to a swimming bag, weekend bag or hospital bag, proving its longevity and making it good value. Plus, it looks and feels so premium." 

Available from Avery Row

Joint Gold: PacaPod JacaPod Backpack (Baby)

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "The Swiss Army of bags, this JacaPod really took us by surprise! We loved the modular design, with all the different pods; the fold-out baby-changing station is a great addition and really does let you change your baby anywhere."

Available from PacaPod (£175)

Best Changing Mat

A safe and comfortable place to change your baby's nappy makes all the difference, which is why a great quality changing mat is such an important part of your new baby kit. Whether you opt for a chunky mat to keep in the nursery or a compact, fold-up design to stuff in your baby changing bag, it's something you're going to reach for time and time again.

Our community of parent testers – no strangers to regular nappy changes – have put a variety of changing mats to the test to pick their favourites. They looked at how comfortable the mat seemed for their baby, if it had any anti-roll safety features, the overall style and – crucially – how easy it was to clean. These are our winners.

Gold: The Little Bumble Co. Anti Roll Changing Mat

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "We love the range of designs for this changing mat – with over 45 beautiful styles, there really is something for every nursery." 

Available from: The Little Bumble Co. and Natural Baby Shower

Joint Silver: The Turning Tot Changing Mat

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "A great solution for those wriggly babies that won't stay still when being changed!" 

Joint Silver: Bumbo Max Changing Pad

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "Super foamy and soft, this changing mat has a lovely tactile feel to it, in classic Bumbo style." 

Bronze: Avery Row Baby Changing Mat

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "Gorgeous designs and great for petite newborns; we loved the removable washable covers." 

Available from Avery Row

Best Nappy Changing Accessory

When you're a parent juggling a million other things, anything that makes life a little easier is always going to be a winner. These nappy changing accessories are all designed to do just that. From nappy caddies that keep everything in one place to clever wipe dispensers than make a one-handed nappy change a breeze, it's the little things that make a big difference.

Our parent testers worked these products into their daily nappy changing lives to decide which deserved to be recognised as the best of the best. Looking at innovation, usefulness and value for money, these are the ones that came out top.

Gold: Avery Row Nappy Caddy

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "Soft, portable, and perfect for storing all those essentials when moving around the home, and doing nappy changes. Plus, this Avery Row option lets you do it in style." 

Available from Avery Row

Silver: Ubbi Wipes Dispenser

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "One of those products you didn't know you needed until you've used it, this banishes a million wipes being dispensed at once. And it's also really satisfying to use." 

Bronze: BooBoo Baby Wipe Warmer

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "This is a great product for doing those late night changes and not wanting to wake baby with a cold wipe." 

Best Nappy Disposal System

If you use disposable nappies, you're going to need somewhere to put your baby's dirty ones. Having a dedicated nappy bin in your nursery, or wherever you usually change your baby, is a game-changer. Perfect for quickly disposing of used nappies, locking any smells away, it's a convenient alternative to the household outdoor bin.

Looking at everything from how easy they are to use and how effectively they keep any nappy smells at bay to whether they are worth the money, our parent testers put a range of nappy disposable systems to the test. Here are our winners.

Gold: Ubbi Nappy Bin

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "Honestly, we've never seen a sexier nappy bin! That, plus the fact it's made from stainless steel so doesn't absorb any smells, is why this took Gold." 

Silver: Nattou Dropy Nappy Bin

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "The dinkiest nappy bin. We loved how aesthetic it looks, as well as the one-handed special closure system which is easy to use and it stops stinks escaping!" 

Bronze: Tommee Tippee Twist & Click Nappy Bin

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "A great individual nappy wrapping system, we like the satisfying twist and click feature, and good storage capacity." 

Best Nappy Rash Cream

The easiest way to keep your baby's bottom soft and protected is with a good quality nappy rash cream. Whether used as a barrier cream to keep nappy rash at bay, or a treatment cream to help ease an active rash, a decent nappy rash cream is an essential addition to your changing bag and nappy caddy.

Our parent testers smoothed, dabbed and applied multiple nappy rash creams onto their babies to pick a worthy winner. Looking at how easy the cream was to apply, its effectiveness at treating nappy rash, how well it absorbed and value for money, these are our winners.

Gold: Weleda Calendula Nappy Change Cream

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "We're big fans of this nappy cream. Not only does it smell wonderful, it's gentle and effective at preventing and treating nappy rash, and it has sustainably sourced ingredients."

Silver: Kit & Kin Magic Salve

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "We love an everything potion, and this magic salve is just that. Wonderful for sore bottoms, but also chapped skin, lips, dry hands – basically anything that needs a little moisture help." 

Bronze: Kokoso Baby Happy Nappy Cream

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "We adored the pump dispenser of this cream, and how gentle this cream is for sensitive and eczema-prone skin; it feels so lovely on the skin."

Available from Kokoso Baby (£9.99)

Read more:

• MadeForMums Toilet & Bathtime Awards: Winners revealed!
• MadeForMums Toilet and Bathtime Awards 2025 Winners: Best products for potty training
• MadeForMums Toilet and Bathtime Awards 2025 Winners: Best bath products
• MadeForMums Toilet and Bathtime Awards 2025 Winners: Best baby and child toiletries
• MadeForMums Toilet and Bathtime Awards 2025 Winners: Best nappies and wipes
• MadeForMums Toilet and Bathtime Awards 2025 Winners: Best eco-friendly products

Whatever stage of potty training you're at, you want a product that's easy to use, one you can rely on and one that your child is happy to use (trust us, that's half the battle!). Our team of mini-judges, with help from their parents, tried out a range of potty training products to find the very best options.

Best Mattress Protector

Staying dry overnight is the final potty training hurdle, and even bigger kids can have nighttime accidents every once in a while. A good quality – and reliably leak-proof – mattress protector is a total life-saver, especially during those middle-of-the-night sheet changes.

Our parent testers looked at how easy they were to put on and take off the bed, how easy they were to wash, how much protection they offered and whether they were good value. Our little testers shared their expert opinions on how comfy the mattress protectors were to sleep on. Here are our winners.

Gold: Bedwetz Premium Quality Bed Pad with Tuckable Sides

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: “We were blown away, as were our testers with these sheets. They genuinely are 100% absorbent and 100% leakproof, and they hold the wetness away. We think these are an essential bit of kit when potty training.”

Gold: Hygge Sheets Mattress Protector

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: “A glorious selection of designs, this mattress protector makes stripping the bed at night so much faster, due to tuckable sides, not to mention no crinkling sounds and great absorbency too.”

Silver: Panda Kids™ Bamboo Mattress Protector

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: “We love how soft and effortless this bamboo mattress protector is. It feels quality and sits perfectly without any crinkling under baby’s movements.”

Best Potty

A potty is, unsurprisingly, a potty training essential. You want one that's easy to move around the house, comfortable for your child, good value, easy to empty and clean, and most importantly, one your child will be happy to sit on.

Our mini testers continued their potty training journeys, trying out different potties to pick their favourites. Along with our parent testers, they rated each one on looks and style, comfort, and ease of use. Read on to discover our award-winning picks.

Gold: Potette Max 3-in-1

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "An essential piece of kit in your potty training arsenal. Great if you have more than one loo at home, you can have a potty upstairs and this downstairs. Plus, sling it in the boot while out and about – it really can be used anywhere. And it might also prove helpful to know, it can take a full grown woman's weight too!"

Silver: Nattou 3-in-1 Potty

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "We like how this potty grows with your child and sits higher than other potties, allowing your child's feet to be flat on the floor."

Best Potty Training Accessory

Looking for a little helping hand when it comes to potty training? These innovative accessories are designed to help you navigate every aspect of moving out of nappies with ease.

Our little testers spent hours testing the best potty training accessories, under the watchful eyes of their parents. Together they took into consideration everything from how much of a difference they make to everyday potty training life, how likely our testers were to use them again, the quality and affordability to select their ultimate winners.

Gold: Splash About Splash Jammers

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "With a plethora of gorgeous designs, we love the particular attention to detail these jammers offer, like the silicone leg cuffs and the high-backs, so that if there's an escape in the pool, it will stay contained in the neoprene jammers."

Silver: Munchkin Sturdy Potty Seat

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "A quality, affordable, compact, portable seat, that has handy little in-built feet to stand up when not in use."

Bronze: Potette Plus Disposable Liners

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "Offering great absorbency, these liners have an in-built pad that turns the wee to gel, keeping it safe to store until you can dispose of it." 

Best Potty Training Pants

Potty training pants are the perfect step between nappies and underwear. Designed for little kids to pull up and down themselves, they mimic 'big boy or girl pants' while still providing that much-appreciated leak-proof protection in case of an accident.

Our potty training testers tried out a selection of pull up pants to help select our winners. Their parents also shared their valued opinions on whether these potty training pants were easy to use, reliably leak-proof, comfortable and worth the money. Here are our winners.

Gold: Rascals Premium CoComelon Nappy Pants

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "Potty training is a big milestone and these pants help make it easier by being able to hold those accidents."

Joint Silver: Bambino Mio Revolutionary Reusable Potty Training Pants

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "These reusable pants are a great alternative to single-use pull-ups for climate-conscious parents, and are built to catch little leaks and help encourage toddlers to know the signs and head to the loo."

Joint Silver: LittleLearner Potty Training Pants

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "Designed to help make a seamless transition from nappies to big kid underwear, with 6 layers of absorbent fabric, they work really well at containing wee, held our testers' poo effectively, and are great for nighttime for a child who is mostly dry. Plus, you can pop them in the washing machine and they come out good as new."

Available from Tinkaly

Best Travel Potty

Some potties can be a little bulky, so a travel potty is a worthwhile buy to help you continue your child's potty training development when you're out and about. Lightweight, compact and easy to carry, a travel potty means you'll never be caught short, providing the peace of mind all parents crave.

Our parent testers and their potty-training children took a mix of travel potties with them on family days out, to see just how useful they really were. From how easy they were to carry, empty and clean, to how comfortable the potties were for our mini testers, this is the travel potty that came out top.

Gold: Potette Plus 2-in-1

MadeForMums Editorial Team say: "An essential for any parent embarking on potty training, it's great for emergencies, a make shift loo seat, and of course can be used anywhere. Plus, it's adult friendly in emergencies too…"

Read more: 

• MadeForMums Toilet & Bathtime Awards: Winners revealed!
• MadeForMums Toilet and Bathtime Awards 2025 Winners: Best bath products
• MadeForMums Toilet and Bathtime Awards 2025 Winners: Best baby and child toiletries
• MadeForMums Toilet and Bathtime Awards 2025 Winners: Best nappies and wipes
• MadeForMums Toilet and Bathtime Awards 2025 Winners: Best eco-friendly products
• MadeForMums Toilet and Bathtime Awards 2025 Winners: Best baby changing products

If you're planning to take your little one for a dip, finding the right swim nappy is crucial – accidents in the pool will not make for a happy outing.

While normal nappies aren't suitable for the pool or sea as they soak up water and weigh your child down, swimming nappies are designed to combat this problem, with a snug waistband and close-fitting legs to contain any accidents.

There are a huge range of swim nappies on offer, including reusable ones which are a great eco-friendly option, and we've grouped the 10 best into the list below.

For more summer guides, take a look at the best baby sunglasses or the best kids sandpits. Or, our best nappy bins and buckets are great for disposable nappies and reusable nappies.

Best swim nappies for babies and toddlers at a glance

• Best for a leak-free fit: Splash About New Happy Nappy, £12.99
• Best for easy changing: TotsBots Resuable Swim Nappy, £4.50
• Best for busy parents: Huggies Little Swimmers, £3.50
• Best for sensitive skin: Bambino Mio Reusable Swim Nappy, £8.75
• Best for beach play: Pampers Splashers, £4.99
• Best for the cute factor: JoJo Maman Bebe Happy Nappy, £13
• Best for tight budgets: ASDA Little Angels Swim Pants, £3
• Best for potty training: Charlie Banana 2 in 1 Swim Diaper and Training Pants, £8
• Best for sustainability: Konfidence Splashy Nappy, £9.99
• Best for swimming lessons: Splash About Happy Nappy Duo, From £19

Jump to:

• What to look for when choosing a swim nappy
• Can you really use a reusable swim nappy on its own?
• Best swim nappies for 2024

What to look for when choosing a swim nappy

Reusable or disposable - Reusable nappies look like small pants or shorts and can be washed and worn time and time again. They are designed to dry quickly so if your child comes out of the water there isn't a risk of nappy rash. Sometimes they are worn over disposable nappies for added protection but if you use them alone they are a more eco-friendly choice.

Disposable nappies are thrown away after each use like regular nappies. If you choose these, always take a few extra as back up as babies have been known to poo before you even set foot in the water.

Leakage protection - Swim nappies are only designed to contain stools until you can remove your child from the water and get them to a toilet. Loose stools and urine will not be stopped by a swim nappy and could leak into the water, so make sure you take your child to the toilet at regular intervals during the swim session.

Adjustable tabs - Whether you opt for disposable or reusable nappies, you can buy pull up nappies or ones with adjustable tabs in the same way as you could with babies regular nappies. If using pull up reusable nappies bare in mind that if baby poops, you will have to pull it down rather than just unfastening the nappy. If using tabs, are they secure enough to contain any accidents?

Comfort - Some nappies are great for guarding against leaks but you may feel they are too tight or uncomfortable on your child. If that is going to ruin your or your baby's enjoyment of swimming, perhaps choose a different brand. Some are lined with organic cotton or soft fleece and some are hypoallergenic, which may be important if your little one has sensitive skin or allergies.

Cost - If you plan to take your baby swimming regularly, think about the cost of a disposable nappy compared to a reusable one. Although you would usually pay more up front for the reusable one, it could amount to less over time if you are signing up to weekly classes or going on a a holiday where you might swim several times a day.

Can you really use a reusable swim nappy on its own?

Most reusable swim nappies are designed to be worn on their own and, provided they are fitted correctly, they should be sufficient to keep any accidents contained while you get your child out of the water and to the toilet / baby changing facility. All of our home testers and editors tried the nappies without anything underneath. However it is worth noting that some swimming pools will have their own rules, and may request that your baby wears a disposable nappy too, for extra protection.

The best swim nappies for 2024

1. Splash About New Happy Nappy, £12.99

– Best for a leak-free fit

Available from: Amazon

Reusable: Yes | Material: Neoprene | Sizes: Newborn to five years | Adjustable tabs: No | Awards: Silver – Baby and Child Swimwear, MadeForMums Awards 2022

Splash About's designs are super cute and sure to delight any child or parent, but they're more than just nice to look at. With tight fitting leg bands and a high waistband to prevent gaping and stop back leaks, they're designed to keep any accidents away from the water. The nappies sometimes look tight but rest assured that's for a good reason: no mess is escaping this nappy!

2. TotsBots Resuable Swim Nappy, £4.50

– Best for easy changing

Available from: Amazon and Frugi

Reusable: Yes | Material: 100 percent recycled PUL with a soft fleece interior | Sizes: Size 1 (10-20lbs) size 2  20-35lbs) | Adjustable tabs: Yes

TotsBots reusable swim nappies provide a comfortable and stretchy fit with no chafing. The hook and loop fastening means they are easy to get on and off and there is no mess at changing time.  The elasticated legs and waistband are tight enough to protect any leakage while you're in the pool, provided you pull those tabs up nice and tight.

3. Huggies Little Swimmers, £3.50

– Best for busy parents

Available from: Boots and Amazon

Reusable: No | Material: Made from plastics and adhesives | Sizes: Available in sizes 2-3, 3-4 and 5-6 | Adjustable tabs: No

The biggest plus here is no washing. Unlike regular nappies, Huggies Little Swimmers are made with a special material that doesn't swell up when the nappy comes into contact with the water. They are easy to pull on or off and can be torn off easily so there is no fumbling around trying to pull down wet nappies when your little one is shivering for the towel. Super cute designs now feature Disney characters such as Winnie The Pooh or Nemo.

4. Bambino Mio Reusable Swim Nappy, £8.75

– Best for sensitive skin

Available from: Asda and Bambino Mio

Reusable: Yes | Material: Cotton, polyester and PU| Sizes: Available in four sizes: S (under 6 months) M (6-12 months) L (1-2 years) and XL (2 years plus) | Adjustable tabs: No

This reusable swim nappy resembles swimming trunks, with an elasticated waist and a string tie for a secure fit. The legs are also elasticated to prevent leaks but they are not so tight they leave marks. The material feels lovely with the inner nappy (which touches baby's skin) made entirely of cotton making these a great choice if your little one has sensitive skin or is prone to nappy rash, especially if they spend a lot of time in the water.

5. Pampers Splashers, £4.99

– Best for beach play

Available from: Amazon

Reusable: No | Material: Polypropylene, polyethylene and spandex, plus wood pulp | Sizes: from nappy size 3-4 to 6| Adjustable tabs: No

Pampers Splashers are more expensive than other disposable swim nappies, but I found they were better at holding in leaks than other brands. I liked that they were pull-ups, especially if you're on the beach, as you don't have to lie your baby down in the sand to get them on and off. They didn't swell and my baby looks comfy in them for a good few hours' of beach play. They have easy-tear sides making them easy to rip off after use, and a stretchy waistband makes them a comfy fit. Sometimes if my daughter had only worn them for a short time in the pool I was able to pull them down, dry them off and use again to save wasting another one for ten minutes in the pool.

6. JoJo Maman Happy Swim Nappy, £13

– Best for the cute factor

Available from: Jojo Maman Bebe

Resuable: Yes | Material: Cotton lining, nylon and elastane outer | Sizes: 0-3 months up to 2-3 years | Adjustable tabs: No

If you want cute photos of your baby on the beach, then look no further than JoJo Maman Bebe's Swim Nappies which come with matching sun hats for extra ahhhh factor. Not only do they look adorable, but there is no need to use a disposable nappy underneath and there are lots of fun prints available. The nappies are machine washable.

7. ASDA Little Angels Swim Pants, £3

– Best for tight budgets

Available from: Asda

Reusable: No | Material: Not known | Sizes: S (6-11kg) and M (9-16kg) | Adjustable tabs: No

Asda's own brand swim nappies have been so popular in recent years that the price of a pack of 12 has risen from £2.40 to £3 - but they are still only a fraction of the price of most other disposable swim nappies on the market. Even better news is that they work.

Nearly every mum MadeForMums asked would recommend them to a friend. The biggest complaint seems to be that the "easy tear" side seams aren't so easy after all, which can be frustrating when you're trying to rip them off whilst wet and cold in a changing room. However, they appear soft and comfortable nappies and have a sweet design with ducks and whales. Most importantly, parents who use them report that they don't balloon in the water, and they keep accidents contained.

8. Charlie Banana 2 in 1 Swim Diaper and Training Pants, £6.49

– Best for potty training

Available from: Earthlets

Reusable: Yes | Material: Unknown | Sizes: S (4.5-6.5kg) M (6.5-9kg) L (9-12kg) and XL (12-25kg). | Adjustable tabs: No

Not only are these great swim nappies, but they also act as training pants if you are thinking about potty training. They have a soft waterproof outer later and a soft organic cotton interior lining, which is gentle against your baby's skin. Even better they're machine washable and you can tumble dry on a low heat. If you don't have a tumble dryer, take a look at our guide on how to dry clothes indoors to find out the best way to dry swim nappies.

The designs are super stylish, they do fit tightly around the legs but this gives parents some reassurance that there won't be any surprise leaks. In terms of size, if in doubt, go a size bigger. The price is quite competitive for a reusable and it's great that they can double up as a training pant - will save lots of mess when you are ready to begin potty training. Training pants can be expensive too.

9. Konfidence Splashy Nappy, £9.99

– Best for sustainability

Available from: Amazon

Reusable: Yes | Material: | Sizes: 0-30 months | Adjustable tabs: No | Awards: Bronze – Baby and children's swimwear, MadeForMums Awards 2022

Konfidence's Splashy Nappy is a reusable swim nappy made from recycled materials, so it's a good choice if sustainability is top of your list of priorities.

The nappy is manufactured in collaboration with the STA (Swimming Teachers Association) of Great Britain, and should be suitable for use in swim classes and pools without the need for extra liners or disposables. This does mean it's a tight fit and some of our parent testers did find that getting it on and off took some elbow grease, but it definitely does the job and feels snug when it's on.

10. Splash About Happy Nappy Duo, From £17.99

– Best for swimming lessons

Available from: Amazon

Reusable: Yes | Material: Neoprene | Sizes: Newborn to 3 years| Adjustable tabs: No | Awards: Gold – Family travel/holiday product under £25, MadeForMums Awards 2022

Splash About's classic Happy Nappy (see above) has been a favourite with our testers and editors for a long time, but the newest iteration promises to be "the most advanced reusable swim nappy in the world."

There's a silver liner inside the nappy that, according to Splash About, "is scientifically proven to kill pathogens that cause tummy bugs - like Cryptosporidium, E.coli and COVID 19" before they enter the water: that means the nappy doesn't just protect your child, it protects others in the water too.

The nappy has been approved by swim schools as a double nappy system, so (in most cases) you won't run into the issue of your pool/instructor asking you to put a disposable on underneath the nappy: great for you and the environment.

Read More...

• 30 of the best swimwear for kids
• 10 of the best baby sunglasses
• 10 of the best travel potties and seats
• Best trampolines for children
• Best paddling pools
• Best bath toy storage
• Best climbing frames
• Best beach tents

Nappy rash is caused by a variety of factors, from nappies rubbing against the skin, to the bottom being in contact with a dirty nappy for too long. If your baby has recently taken antibiotics, this can be a factor too. Newborns are less likely to develop nappy rash - it’s more common in babies aged 9 to 12 months. Find out more by reading these 10 essential facts about nappy rash.

Don’t panic, because this is an extremely common problem. The NHS estimates that up to a third of babies and young toddlers may have nappy rash at any one time. You probably had it yourself when you were a baby. If your baby is experiencing a nappy rash, dermatologist Dr Rose Akinbisehin from an Essex-based NHS hospital advises, "avoid soaps, moisturisers and wipes with fragrance. Instead of using wipes you can cleanse the area with a soap-free, fragrance-free liquid cleanser, or warm water and a soft cloth. After cleansing the area, pat gently or air dry and avoid rubbing."

Because it’s so common, there are plenty of treatments available. Some work to stop the rash from developing in the first place, whilst others will help to soothe and reduce redness. Your baby’s rash should clear up within a few days of treatment, but if you are concerned that nappy rash isn’t getting better, speak to your GP or health visitor.

If your child has dry skin elsewhere, take a look at our best baby eczema creams.

Best nappy rash creams at a glance:

• Best for dry skin: Weleda Nappy Change Cream, £7.75
• Best for everyday protection: Bepanthen Nappy Rash Care Ointment, £7.49
• Best organic barrier: Alteya Organics Diaper Rash Cream, from £7.25
• Best for easy dispensing: My Expert Midwife No Harm Bum Balm, from £12.50
• Best mini version for changing bag: Sudocrem Care & Protect Nappy Cream, £10
• Best for lighter consistency: Childs Farm Nappy Cream, £4
• Best for rash treatment: Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment, £4.50
• Best versatile balm: Mini Mio Comfort and Calm Bum Balm, £8
• Best for a thick consistency: Aveeno Baby Barrier Cream, £5.99
• Best for less mess: My Little Coco Everything Balm, £6.25

How often should I use a nappy rash cream?

NHS skin expert Dr Rose says, "This depends on the condition of your baby’s skin. Always inspect the skin after a nappy change and if you see any hint of redness apply a layer of barrier cream. I personally always apply barrier cream after a bowel movement. This is especially important if your baby has soft bowel movements or has diarrhoea."

Barrier creams work best if used before the rash appears, and these you might want to use at every nappy change. They work by creating a physical barrier between the contents of the nappy and the skin. Treatment creams, on the other hand, will help healing when the rash has already appeared. Some creams or balms will function as both barrier and treatment. Whichever you choose, use a thin layer, as too much cream can affect the nappy’s absorbency. 

How can I stop nappy rash from happening in the first place?

Prevention is better than cure, although even with your best efforts you may not be able to prevent nappy rash completely. Change nappies regularly so that poo and wee have less chance of staying in contact with your tot’s skin to irritate it.

The type of nappies you use may also contribute to nappy rash, as skin can react different to each brand or type. Dermatologist Dr Rose believes "you are less likely to get nappy rash with disposable nappies as they are more absorbent than cloth nappies." Obviously you can mitigate this by changing cloth nappies more regularly, but if a rash does happen, Dr Rose suggests you "consider using disposable nappies while the rash is healing."

We’ve rounded up some of the top nappy rash creams currently available, based on feedback from our home testers. Some are barrier creams, others are treatment creams, and some serve as both. Whether you prefer a traditional product that’s backed by decades of parents’ recommendations, or an organic, vegan or all-natural formula, we’ll help you find the right option.

What to look for when buying nappy rash products?

Type – You have creams, balms and ointments. Each type of nappy rash product serves a different purpose such as creating a barrier between the nappy contents and your baby’s bottom. A treatment cream is used to treat a bad rash that has already happened and an ointment usually is applied as a barrier product for everyday use. You can always interchange how you use these products depending on your personal preference.

Size – You have the option to choose from various sizes for most nappy rash creams. Some are made in only one size and others have smaller versions that are great for throwing into your changing bag and using on the go. On the flip side, you can purchase some made in larger sizes that are able to last longer and good to keep at home. You’ll find a lot of the balms and naturally made creams are created in smaller sizes with a shorter shelf life.

Texture – Nappy creams and balms vary in texture and consistency. Some creams are made with a light, thinner consistency and others are thicker. Balms tend to be thicker but can be used sparingly too. Depending on your preference, you can select a nappy rash product that has the best texture for you and your baby.

Ingredients - Dr Rose suggests you keep an eye out for "ingredients that provide an effective barrier between the skin and nappy contents such as zinc oxide, titanium oxide, white soft paraffin or petrolatum."

Absorbency – Subject to the formula, some creams/balms are easier for the skin to absorb than others. This is important to be aware of when it comes to knowing how much to apply and how often.

Ease to use – Nappy rash products are commonly made in tubes that is squeezed to access. There’s also some that are contained in pump dispensers, tubs, glass jars, or a small tin. These various types of packaging affect the ease of use of the creams.

Cleaning – When changing your baby, you might have moments when they wriggle away while you’re folding away their dirty nappy. If they have cream on their bums, this will obviously make your changing surface and their clothes stained with the nappy rash product. Most of the creams listed here can be wiped with a damp cloth and at most may need to be washed in the washing machine following your usual care instructions.

How much do they cost?

Our list covers nappy rash creams prices ranging from £3 and as high as £38, depending on the formulation, size and ingredients used in the product.

With budget options, you’d find that they are possibly smaller in size and have very simple packaging, such as a squeeze tube. Cheaper options may also have less natural or organic ingredients

When considering more high-end nappy rash products, there are some aspects that make paying more money worthwhile. Generally, these products are made with organic or naturally sourced ingredients. Plus the packaging might be more durable and higher quality too.

Here are our picks…

1. Weleda Nappy Change Cream, £7.75

– Best for dry skin

Type: Cream | Size: 75ml

Suitable for use from birth onwards, this gentle nappy cream soothes with white mallow, to protect sensitive or very dry skin. It's fragrance-free and designed to be gentle, with zinc oxide to provide that all-important barrier on the nappy area. Other ingredients include soothing white mallow and pansy extract, and nourishing coconut oil.

Parent tester Rachel, mum of 5 month old, said, “I used it on my baby who has sensitive skin and there was no reaction. I applied it to sore folds on tops of thighs and bottom after changing and by the next change all redness was completely gone. The cream spread far with just a little amount and there is no scent to it.”

Available from: Amazon, Boots and Holland & Barrett

2. Bepanthen Nappy Rash Care Ointment, £7.49

– Best for everyday protection

Type: Cream | Size: 100g | Award: Gold – Nappy changing accessory, MadeForMums Awards 2023

Bepanthen was created in Switzerland in 1944, and this well known brand is still beloved by parents all over the world. This popular product scored highly with our testers for both effectiveness and ease of use, with its twist and squeeze top. Many mums in our community of home testers said it was their go-to nappy rash cream including Danielle, who said, "I love this cream because the consistency means it goes on easily during a nappy change which is extra handy if you have a wriggler. It doesn’t have a strong offensive smell, it is doesn’t stain clothes and is easily wipeable if you get it on a mat/furniture and it has always improved my child’s nappy rash quickly when used with that which is an added bonus. Also love that it is a handy size tube for on the go."

The dual-action Bepanthen ointment works to protect your little one’s skin from nappy rash by forming a breathable transparent layer which combats irritants and prevents rubbing. It also contains provitamin B5 which moisturises your baby’s skin leaving it nourished and hydrated, as well as protected. Parent tester Jesikah also shared, "The luxurious thick cream provides deep moisture to the affected areas and most importantly the results are noticeable by the next nappy change!"

The consistency is thick, without being sticky or gunky, and it spreads out smoothly to create a thin layer. We also like that it’s free from colours, fragrances, preservatives and antiseptics, so it can be used at every nappy change.

Available from: Amazon, Superdrug and Ocado

3. Alteya Organics Diaper Rash Cream, from £7.25

– Best organic barrier

Type: Cream | Size: 90ml, 100ml

Alteya Organics Diaper Rash Cream works to form a protective barrier on the skin, then soothe and treat nappy rash and prevent it from recurring. This all-organic cream has won fans for its smooth and soothing consistency. The active blend of non-nano zinc oxide, rose, calendula, chamomile and gentle apricot oils helps calm your baby's skin and promotes faster healing. 

Non-nano zinc oxide is a natural mineral that protects skin and supports healing. Non-nano means that the particles are bigger and won’t be absorbed into the skin – instead they sit on top as a barrier to protect.

Our testers liked the smooth consistency and non-medicinal scent of this cream. They found that although the instructions said to apply liberally, less is more and only a small amount was enough. For example, parent tester Elaine said: “We only rubbed a small amount onto any redness during nappy changes: redness disappeared with a few applications.”

With that in mind, although this is priced higher than others in our list, the 90ml tube should last a long time. 

Available from: Landy's Chemist

4.  My Expert Midwife No Harm Bum Balm, from £12.50

– Best for easy dispensing

Type: Balm | Size: 30ml, 100ml | Award: Bronze, Nappy changing accessory, MadeForMums Award 2022

If you want to know precisely what it is that you’re putting on your baby’s delicate skin, then this is the simplest formulation we’ve found. This rich but nourishing nappy cream provides gentle, effective relief and protection, whilst helping to prevent skin damage and soreness.

Developed by midwives for parents, it contains only 5 natural ingredients:  medical grade lanolin for skin protection; calendula flower extract for soothing soreness; coconut oil for its moisturising and anti-microbial properties; sweet almond oil to nourish and sunflower seed oil for Vitamin E, to help comfort and protect. 

Parent tester Daisy particularly liked the pump dispenser: “The pump was also great as it meant it didn’t go everywhere when I was rushing about and needed to do a quick bum change.” However, our testers were concerned that as a higher price point product, the pump might prevent you from using every drop.

Available from: My Expert Midwife, Ocado and Amazon

5. Sudocrem Care & Protect Nappy Cream, £10 for 100g

– Best mini version for changing bag

Type: Cream | Size: 30g, 100g

The instantly recognisable Sudocrem brand has a multitude of uses, and a surprising following amongst adult fans who use it as a spot-clearing face mask. The original Sudocrem product, its Antiseptic Healing Cream in the familiar tub, was a nappy rash treatment cream. The newer Sudocrem Care & Protect is a barrier cream which aims to stop nappy rash from becoming an issue in the first place. 

The flip top lid is easy to use, especially compared to the tub version, and the 30g tube is the perfect size for throwing in your changing bag. It can be applied at every nappy change to protect baby’s skin, and is reasonably priced for everyday use. However, have a wipe handy as you should expect white bottoms and sticky hands when using it.

Parent tester Elizabeth sang its praises, "We like Sudocrem because it is gentle enough for our daughter’s sensitive, eczema-prone skin, but works so well for a whole range of issues. We’ve used it for nappy rash, insect bites, cuts and scrapes- it never fails! I really like how thick it is. I know that when applying it to nappy rash overnight, it will protect my little one’s skin until the morning. The only con I can think of is that the thickness means it can be difficult to wash off your hands, but it’s not something that bothers me too much and as I said, the thickness is actually a positive in so many ways!"

Available from: Amazon and Ocado

6. Childs Farm Nappy Cream, £4

– Best for lighter consistency

Type: Cream | Size: 100ml

This popular nappy cream stands out for its easy absorption and suitability for sensitive skin, even that which is prone to eczema. This is helped by the fact it’s fragrance-free, making it gentle and kind to sore bottoms.With ingredients that include organic aloe vera, shea butter from Ghana and cocoa butter from West Africa, it's rich in antioxidant Vitamin E and leaves skin feeling smooth and moisturised. 

If you’re expecting a thick, oily cream, this isn’t it – this product has a consistency that’s more like body lotion, so is ideal for parents who prefer something with a lighter texture. It’s designed to melt into the skin quickly so it doesn’t leave a greasy, visible film . The formulation is also pH balanced to match the pH of the skin, cutting down on the risk of irritation.

As it's not a heavy duty product, our home testers said it was great for clearing up mild rashes. Parent tester Aimee, commented, "I really love the cream as it’s nice and light and not to claggy. I feel it’s good for every day use and nice and gentle on baby’s skin. It goes on smoothly and it doesn’t get everywhere like some of the creams do! I feel like you get a great amount in the tube too, ours last ages."

Available from: Amazon, Childs Farm and Ocado

7. Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment, £4.50 for 30g

– Best for rash treatment

Type: Cream | Size: 30g, 100g

Like Sudocrem and Bepanthen, this is a tried and trusted product which comes with the seal of approval of more than one generation of parents.

Our parent tester reported her experience in glowing terms, “Putting Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment on my 22-month-old's nappy rash is like waving a magic wand over it – if I do it at bedtime, by the morning the redness and soreness is usually completely gone.” She also added that a tube lasts for ages, since you only need a pea-sized amount.

As an added bonus, this is a vegan-friendly product, made without lanolin or beeswax. It’s a treatment rather than a barrier cream, so you may want to save it for times when nappy rash flares up. Though some users complain about the yellow colour and its potential to stain clothing and cloth nappies, the manufacturers say that any staining will come out and isn’t permanent.

Read our full MadeForMums review of Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment

Available from: Amazon, Boots and Ocado

8. Mini Mio Comfort and Calm Bum Balm, £8

– Best versatile balm

Type: Balm | Size: 50ml

The Mini Mio brand are no strangers to the maternity and baby scene. Their new Bum Balm can be used for the prevention of nappy rash, as well as other skin sores. The balm acts as a moisturising barrier cream and helps to soothe mild skin issues. You can also apply the balm all over your baby's body making it a versatile product that can be used beyond nappy changing time.

Suitable for newborns with sensitive skin, the balm contains cocoa butter, sunflower wax and a skin-nurturing omega complex that's unique to the Mini Mio brand. The product is also vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free and contained in 100% recyclable packaging. The balm comes in an easy-access tub that's convenient for scooping out as much of the balm as you need.

Available from: Boots, Mini Mio and Cult Beauty

9. Aveeno Baby Barrier Cream, £5.99

– Best for a thick consistency

Type: Cream | Size: 100ml

For your baby's everyday protection, Aveeno's Barrier cream will help prevent the onset of a nappy rash from occurring. Parent tester Jodie shared, "It’s never let us down and works really quickly. I use it at the first sign of a flare-up and by the next nappy change I can see results. We have never had more than a bit of redness because it seems to work so well. A little goes a long way and I only bought one tube and had leftover. We also use it as ‘magic cream’ now too and as a barrier against dribble."

The key ingredients are colloidal oatmeal (to soothe) and zinc oxide (to create a barrier) and it has no added fragrance, making it a good choice for sensitive bottoms. It's an accessible and affordable option from a brand that many of our home testers love and trust for their families.

Available from: Amazon, Boots and Ocado

10. My Little Coco Everything Balm, £6.25

– Best for less mess

Type: Balm | Size: 50g

Another option that can be used not just for baby but for the whole family, My Little Coco's Everything Balm is a "super gentle but a very effective barrier!" commented home tester Emily. The balm is made with organic coconut oil, shea butter, and a sweet coconut scent. Created to be gentle and with natural ingredients, you can guarantee your baby will be protected and comfortable in between nappy changes.

"I prefer a balm as I find it less messy when applying. It melts really easily and you don’t need lots (so lasts ages!) and creates a really good barrier. It also doesn’t rub off as soon as the nappy goes on which means it’s lasting and keeping the area protected for a longer period of time which is what you need!" praised Emily.

Available from: Boots and My Little Coco

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