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What Your Baby’s Nappy Reveals About Their Health This Nutrition Week
It’s National Nutrition Week 2025, and South African parents are being encouraged to look beyond the feeding bottle. Experts say the clearest clues about your baby’s health might already be right in front of you, inside their nappy.
Running from 9 to 15 October, the campaign shines a light on how small daily checks can help parents understand their baby’s nutrition, hydration, and gut health.
Your Baby’s Nappy: A Window Into Wellness
According to Diane Obree, Head of Marketing at Huggies SSA, nappies can act as a simple but powerful early-warning system.
“One of the best ways to tell if a baby’s health is on the right track is to inspect things like their stool patterns and urine colour,” she said.
Here’s what experts suggest parents look out for:
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Urine: Yellow means good hydration. Orange, brown, or red may suggest dehydration or traces of blood, while green could point to a urinary infection.
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Stool: Yellow and soft is normal for breastfed babies; tan or brown for formula-fed ones. Red or white stools could signal allergies, infections, or possible liver issues.
Obree emphasised that parents shouldn’t panic but remain observant. “It’s about awareness, not alarm,” she said.
Nutrition Is the First Healthcare
The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by complementary feeding with healthy snacks and meals.
Babies aged 6–8 months should have two to three small meals daily, and from 9–23 months, three to four meals plus nutritious snacks.
“Nutrition is healthcare when it comes to your little ones,” Obree explained. “We often talk about gut health for adults, but babies need that same care; their systems are delicate and still developing.”
Project Red: Empowering Parents Through Awareness
To mark National Nutrition Week, Huggies is rolling out Project Red, a campaign that helps caregivers interpret what they see in their baby’s nappy. By connecting feeding, digestion, and well-being, the project turns everyday observations into proactive parenting.
“Our goal is simple,” said Obree. “We want to empower caregivers to spot early signs and act quickly. A nappy can tell you more about your baby’s health than you might think.”
Bringing Support to Local Hospitals
Alongside awareness, Huggies is taking practical steps through its Hospital Programme, which reaches public hospitals across South Africa, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The initiative offers:
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Free product samples for new and expecting mothers.
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Health talks on maternal care, hygiene, and nutrition.
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Community upliftment projects within maternity wards.
Earlier this week, Huggies joined Ebony Clinic in Midrand for a dedicated health day, bringing together more than 85 pregnant and new mothers for sessions on early childhood nutrition and care.
Small Checks, Big Impact
National Nutrition Week reminds parents that good health starts with small habits. From what your baby eats to what you find in their nappy, every detail tells a story.
As Obree summed it up, “Your baby’s nappy is more than a daily chore; it’s a signpost to their well-being.”
Also read: Four New Toy and Book Releases Every South African Kid Will Love This Season
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Healthline
