The Best Diaper Rash Remedy Is Prevention

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.