How to Avoid a Diaper Rash
There are few things cuter than a tiny baby bum. So when it’s red and obviously hurting, your heart breaks. Most babies will have a diaper rash or two in their young lives, but by treating swiftly and properly, you can hopefully lessen the discomfort.
What is diaper rash?
Diaper rash is red, irritated skin caused by prolonged contact with a wet or soiled diaper. It can also be a reaction to chemicals in wipes, soap or detergents if you use cloth diapers. Sometimes it can be caused by changes in your baby’s stool when he or she eats something new, and it’s more common when your baby has diarrhea.
How do you prevent diaper rash?
Since it’s caused by exposure to wet diapers, your first line of defense is to change your baby’s diaper often—every one or two hours, and as soon as possible after they’ve pooped or peed. Sometimes, trying a different kind of diaper helps: try disposable if you use cloth (they’re more absorbent), or if you’re already using disposables, try a different brand.
If you use cloth diapers, try using a milder detergent or less of your regular detergent. Try also adding vinegar to the rinse cycle to help rinse off hard water deposits. Check with the diaper manufacturer: they often have tips on which kind of detergents and rinses (if any) to use or avoid.
Besides diapers, anything that often comes in contact with your baby’s bum can cause diaper rash, like wipes or soap. Try using wipes with no alcohol or fragrance, cloth wipes with a mild soap/water solution, or even just water. In the bath, use mild baby soap or avoid soaping their bottom unless it needs washing.
And since moisture can cause the rash, make sure your baby’s bare bottom is completely dry after washing—if your hair dryer has a cool setting, use it! Apply a thin layer of barrier cream to the dry skin (preferably one containing zinc or petrolatum) to literally block moisture from coming into contact with your baby’s perfect little posterior.
Finally, give your baby “bare bum time” as often as you can. Babies love being naked—and you might as well let them as exposure to air prevents diaper rash and helps heal it. The safest time to do this is obviously right after a bowel movement, but just in case, stock up on washable blankets.
How do you treat diaper rash?
The treatments are often the same as the prevention: keep your baby’s bottom as dry as possible with diaper-free “bum time”, frequent diaper changes and barrier cream; and avoid irritants like alcohol and fragrances in wipes or harsh soaps.
To help alleviate your baby’s discomfort, try patting their bum try instead of rubbing. It might also help to gently rinse clean their sensitive bottom if the rash is particularly severe.
What should you watch for?
Most diaper rashes are mild, but you should watch for a few things that, if you see, you should report to your doctor immediately:
- small red pimples anywhere that does not come into contact with the diaper
- bumps filled with fluid or yellow crusty areas
- breaks in the skin
- a diaper rash with accompanying fever or overall sluggishness