The best diaper rash home remedies are simple and easy.  Most of the time, it only requires you to keep your baby’s diaper area clean, dry and well-ventilated. And after a few days ---- viola! The rashes are gone.  Sometimes, it may require you to experiment a bit and try using different types of diapers or trying out milder baby soaps to see which one works best for your baby.  

However, there are rashes that persist and may seem untreatable by any diaper rash remedy you try at home.  Soon you begin to wonder whether or not you should bring your baby to your family physician.

Diaper rash is often no cause for alarm unless you observe certain symptoms that may include the following:

• Your baby is in his first six (6) weeks of life.  Newborn babies are fragile and sensitive.  Having an experienced physician look after his or her health in the first few weeks of his life may be the best decision you could ever make.
• When blisters, pimples or small ulcers form.  This may mean that an infection has developed and medications may be necessary.
• When your baby has a fever.  With or without rashes, it is best to consult a doctor when your baby has a fever.
• When your baby is not eating well or loses weight.  This means that something may be wrong and it may be related to the persistence of the diaper rash.  Sometimes, your doctor may recommend some changes in your diet if you are breastfeeding, or changes in your baby’s diet.
• When the rashes spread to other parts of the body such as arms, face, scalp and chest.  There many different types of rashes.  Consulting your doctor will help identify which type of rash your baby is having and proper treatment can be applied.

If you have tried different diaper rash home remedies such as changing your baby’s diaper often, keeping his or her bottom clean and dry, using zinc-oxide or petroleum ointments to protect his or her skin from moisture and many others, and still the rash persists for over a week, it is recommended that you consult your family physician for alternative treatment. 

Freelance Contributor: Hazel Zanoria

Although diaper rash is fairly common to babies and toddlers, this can be frustrating and stressful to the parents and traumatic to the child especially in severe cases.

Diaper rash starts as a mild redness on your baby’s skin that feels sore, scaly, and tender.  When left untreated or when treatment efforts fail, these mild irritations may become a bad diaper rash condition that causes blisters, swelling and bleeding.

There is a continuous debate between cloth vs. disposable diapers and which of the two can best prevent diaper rash.  Unfortunately, there is no compelling evidence that one is better than the other.  So what should concerned moms do? Relying on any diaper rash remedy is not the best option. Prevention, still, is the best way to go.

There are many ways to prevent diaper rash. The basic principle is simply keeping your baby’s diaper area clean, cool, and dry.  It is important to understand, as well, that different babies have different skin reactions and tolerance to various substances or irritants found in diapers. 

The following are simple guidelines that will help you keep baby away from diaper rash.

Change diapers often. Check your baby’s diaper at least every hour and change it when it’s wet or soiled.

Wash, clean and dry your baby’s diaper area before putting on a new diaper.  Use plain warm water (not hot) with or without a mild soap. After washing, pat (not scrub) the area with a clean soft towel gently.  It is best to leave your baby without a new diaper from time to time to let the air dry his/her bottom naturally.

Refrain from using scented baby wipes or those that contain alcohol.  These substances can irritate your baby’s skin.

Use open cloth diapers during sleep.   Babies pee immediately after they fall asleep.  Check and replace it if wet.

Avoid tightly fitted diapers.  This cuts air circulation within the diaper area where moisture can gather and diaper rash can thrive.

Try using a barrier ointment regularly.  Barrier ointments such as petroleum jelly and zinc oxide are proven to protect baby’s skin from moisture.

Talcum power or cornstarch is not recommended.  Powder can get into your baby’s lungs and cornstarch can worsen yeast infection which is a type of diaper rash.

Clean and wash cloth diapers properly.  Washable cloth diapers can irritate your baby’s skin if not properly cleaned before reuse.

If rashes persist, try switching diapers, wipes and soaps until you find the ones that work best for your baby.

Consider Potty Training your Child Early
One of the many advantages of potty training your child early is you can avoid the frustrations and stress of diaper rash.  By starting out early, your baby can achieve dryness early in life and will be totally free from the hassles of diapering.  The process can be completed in 12 to 24 months depending on whether you are doing it full time or part time.