Public Poonamis and Rolling Babies Top Parents’ List of Nappy Changing Disasters
When it comes to parenting milestones, nappy changing ranks high on the list of messy life lessons. From public poonamis to wriggling escape artists, it’s a task that can turn chaotic in seconds - and new research reveals just how many parents have faced disasters on the changing mat.
Chaos on the Changing Mat
According to a new survey by baby care brand Colief, one in three parents have been caught mid-change by a rogue wee or poo, while a quarter have been caught out with no spares. Public mishaps are common too - with restaurants topping the list of dreaded nappy-changing locations, followed closely by public transport.
60% of parents said changing on the move is a nightmare, and many admitted to resorting to unconventional locations - from car boots and park benches to the occasional shopping trolley. Only 16% of parents described themselves as truly ‘nappy confident’, with most dreading the lack of facilities or feeling judged when changing in public.
The Surprising Truth About Nappy Rash
Beyond the comedy (and chaos), the study also highlights a more serious issue - nappy rash. The research found that 79% of babies have experienced it, yet only 27% of parents use a preventative product consistently.
While 92% have tried a nappy rash product at least once, the findings suggest parents aren’t applying them regularly enough to protect their babies’ delicate skin.
Midwife, Angie Willis, explains: “Over half of all babies will experience nappy rash at some point within the first two years, and whilst this is common, knowing how to prevent and manage it will help provide comfort to your little one. Nappy rash can appear as a red, spotty, or inflamed area around the groin and buttocks, and in severe cases may cause broken skin.
“Prolonged exposure to poo and wee is the most common cause of nappy rash; however, it can also be triggered or exacerbated by other allergens, either ingested or in direct contact with the skin. Once the skin has a nappy rash, infection can become more common, as bacteria, viruses, or candida (thrush) can enter the broken skin areas.”
A New Solution For Modern Parents
To help parents manage these everyday challenges, Colief has launched the Nappy Care Spray, named Colief Nappy Spray- a clinically proven, touch-free spray that helps clean, protect, and prevent nappy rash from day one.
Formulated with Hypochlorous Acid (HOCI), a naturally occurring antimicrobial used in dermatology, the spray provides gentle yet effective protection against bacteria and fungi, including Candida. Unlike traditional thick creams, it offers a no-touch, mess-free application, reducing irritation and keeping changing time clean and simple.
Dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin, the spray is alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and petroleum-free, with each 150ml bottle offering around 333 uses, making it both hygienic and long-lasting.
Ana Halla, brand manager for Colief, added, “At Colief, we know how common nappy rash is and how distressing it can be for both babies and parents. These findings show that while most parents are aware of nappy rash, many aren’t protecting against it consistently and there’s so many stresses with nappies and changing, as well as the newborn and baby journey, that it can be yet another stress on the list.
The Colief Nappy Care Spray is available now on Amazon (£11.99).
