Pretty much any parent will tell you that diaper rash is just a normal part of life when you have a little one. But many parents don’t understand what is actually causing this kind of rash or the various ways it can be treated. It’s easy to reach for the closest over-the-counter medication or prescription cream to treat diaper rash. But a baby’s skin is much more sensitive than our own, and oftentimes a more natural approach is best.
Causes of Diaper Rash
There are a few different things that can cause diaper rash to form, including prolonged exposure to urine and stool. Diapers that fit too tightly can cause chafing, rubbing, and a rash as well. Your baby may also be sensitive to a new product you’re using, such as a detergent, disposable wipes, or lotion.
As you begin to introduce new foods into your baby’s diet, this can cause sensitivity or a change in stool that leads to diaper rash. Digestive enzymes help break down food that your baby eats, but they can cause irritation when they come in contact with the skin. Also, when babies take antibiotics, they are often more prone to diaper rash due to yeast infections and diarrhea.
Symptoms of Diaper Rash
It’s pretty easy to identify diaper rash when you see it because it’s marked by red and tender skin in the diaper region. The skin may appear a bit swollen and even spread to the tummy and thighs in more severe cases. But also, pay attention to your baby’s disposition, because a baby with diaper rash is often fussier when the buttocks area is touched and washed.
Natural Treatments for Diaper Rash
For the temporary relief of the symptoms of diaper rash, we recommend Bye Bye Diaper Rash Spray, which allows you to apply the medication without touching the affected skin. What makes this product stand out is that most other conventional diaper rash products must be applied by hand, which can further irritate the sensitive affected skin areas. Our spray is non-toxic and contains no chemicals. Instead, it offers natural antimicrobial support against skin infections and rapid healing with an omega-3 base. In fact. many of our employees that have had babies and used this product after each diaper change had the experience of their child never ever having a diaper rash.
A home remedy that some parents use to balance out the pH from stale urine is vinegar. You can mix a teaspoon of white vinegar with a cup of water to wipe your baby’s bottom or rinse cloth diapers in a solution of 1/2 cup vinegar and a half bucket of water. Baking soda can also help diaper rash when combined with water and patted on the skin with a washcloth.
Some doctors recommend applying petroleum jelly to a baby’s sensitive skin to protect it after diaper changes. Since coconut oil has natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties, it can also be used as a moisturizer several times a day or added to bath water.
Tips for Diaper Rash Prevention
Of course, if you could prevent diaper rash from ever forming, you would for the health and comfort of your baby. Here are some tips for diaper rash prevention to keep in mind.
- Change your baby’s diaper as soon as it is dirty or wet
- Thoroughly wash your hands before and after every diaper change
- Use mild soap and water on a washcloth instead of baby wipes with alcohol or fragrances
- Let your baby’s bottom air out before putting on a new diaper
- Introduce new solid foods one at a time and wait a few days before trying another new one
- If a rash doesn’t go away on its own with treatment in a week, call your pediatrician
- Use Bye Bye Diaper Rash after every diaper change