What To Do When Your Little One Gets A Diaper Rash

Baby’s skin is so sensitive, making it easy for your little one to develop a diaper rash! Diaper rash could be caused by many factors, including frequent wet diapers, chafing, heat, antibiotics, and illness. Diaper rash is a very common cause of skin inflammation in babies and can cause red, itchy, painful areas on your little one’s body. Thankfully, most of the time diaper rash is easily treatable!

What are the signs and symptoms of diaper rash? 

• Red, inflamed skin on your baby’s bottom and thighs 
• Baby fusses during diaper changes or bath time 

There are many ways to help your little one’s rash clear up! Try these at-home remedies and see if they help your baby’s diaper rash heal faster. 

1. Change your baby’s diaper more frequently. The more your baby can stay dry, the better. 

2. Let your baby’s bottom “air dry” after diaper changes. Just be sure to put the baby in space you don’t mind getting dirty, in case of accidents!

3. Be sure to check that your baby’s diaper is the correct size. Diapers that are too tight may cause rashes and irritation. Many diaper brands have “size up indicators,” so be sure to check the package to see how you can tell if your baby needs a larger size. 

4. Avoid baby wipes. It is important to keep the area clean, but dry. The moisture in baby wipes may further irritate your baby’s bottom. Try using a mild soap, and then patting dry with a towel or washcloth, such as the KeaBabies Baby Washcloth. If you need to use wipes, try to find a scent-free variety. 

5. Use diaper cream/ointment. There are plenty of options out there, and it may take some trial-and-error to see which one works best on your baby. They are available at almost every pharmacy or grocery store. Look for creams containing zinc oxide. Apply liberally, and allow the area to dry before putting on a clean diaper. 

6. Change your soap and/or laundry detergent. Your baby’s rash may be a reaction to the chemicals in soaps or detergents. The best soaps for babies are ones marketed for babies - free of harsh fragrances, dyes, and chemicals. Choose laundry detergents made for babies, or ones marked “Free and Clear,” to help decrease the likelihood of your baby having a reaction. 

7. Avoid scrubbing the area. Use soft towels, and focus on keeping the area dry. An oatmeal bath may also help. You can buy oatmeal bath treatments at your local pharmacy or online. 

8. Figure out if a new food is a culprit. It is important for your baby to eat a variety of foods, but certain acidic foods may cause diaper rash. Oranges, tomatoes, lemon, and pineapple are highly acidic. You can try an elimination diet to see if any of these foods trigger a diaper rash in your baby. 

Diaper rashes are highly treatable, but in some cases, your child will need to see the pediatrician. If your baby’s rash is severe, doesn’t respond to home remedies, bleeds or oozes, is accompanied by fever, or causes your baby pain during urination, make an appointment with your baby’s pediatrician. Your child may need an antibiotic ointment to help the rash clear up. 

Be aware that even certain brands of diapers may irritate your baby’s skin and cause rashes. You may need to try several brands, or even try cloth diapers, to see how your baby reacts!

Diaper rash can be frustrating for parents, and irritating for babies! They are very treatable with a variety of measures you can do at home. Remember, if all else fails, call your child’s pediatrician to make an appointment for your little one to be checked out!