Diaper rash is rarely if ever a serious medical condition, but that doesn't mean it can't get really uncomfortable. Diaper rash can be caused by a variety of factors, from simply being in a damp diaper to an allergic reaction to soaps, the type of diaper you are using or creams. To make it easier on both of you've, we've got some tips on treating diaper rash below.
Fresh out of the cupboard…
Baking soda and oatmeal already have all sorts of uses in the home, from cleaning to making something delicious to eat, but you may not have known that they also help soothe your baby's diaper rash. If baby's bottom is looking particularly raw, add two tablespoons of baking soda to the tub of warm water, and let baby sit in it for about ten minutes, three times a day. For oatmeal, add one tablespoon, and watch as the oatmeal soothes and protects your baby's irritated skin.
Once you've treated your baby's bottom, treat their diapers. If you use reusable diapers, you can help balance out the alkaline nature of urine by rinsing the diapers in half a cup of white vinegar each time you wash them. This also helps remove stains and nasty smells. If you use disposable diapers, you can apply the vinegar directly to your baby's bottom with 8 parts water, 1 part vinegar. If you're uncomfortable about applying vinegar to your baby's sensitive skin, you can use a cotton ball and apply sparing amounts of Maalox, and let it dry before you re-diaper. This will help neutralize the acid of the urine on skin in the same way that it helps your indigestion. Add a little cornstarch instead of traditional powder, and baby will be good to go!
…And into the Fridge.
Just like you use cranberry juice to help keep your bladder happy and healthy, cranberry juice can help older babies avoid diaper rash. If you give your baby 2 to 3 ounces of cranberry juice, it will help lower the pH of the urine, lowering the chances of skin irritation, and also preventing infection.
An Ounce of Prevention.
It's also worthwhile to consider adopting a few easy habits to help prevent diaper rash from occurring, such as saying bye-bye to commercial baby wipes. Mass produced wipes often contain alcohol and other harsh chemicals. And while grown up skin can handle being a little dried out, stripping the moisture from your baby's sensitive areas can result in rash. Consider instead using a soft, wash cloth with warm water, and only using soap if things are particularly messy. If rash is already present, skip the soap completely.
Another option is going diaper-less when possible. Admittedly, it can be difficult to let your baby to go around bare bottomed without making a mess, but if you can lay the baby down on a rubber sheet or mat covered in a soft blanket, you will give your baby's skin a chance to breathe and heal without being confined to a tight damp place.
Happy Babies Make for Happy Moms!
A comfortable baby is a happy baby, which makes for happy parents. Changing your baby as often as possible and following our other prevention tips will go a very long way in preventing the dreaded diaper rash. However, if things end up going awry, look to the cupboard for the items we mentioned above. Neutralizing acids in urine and fecal matter, and keeping your baby's bottom as dry and friction free as possible will keep your baby comfortable, and healthy.