Almost every baby who is in diapers will experience diaper rash at least once. If you want to avoid harmful ingredients that are in many conventional diaper rash treatments, try these tips. The old saying goes “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. You can minimize your baby’s chances of getting diaper rash in the first place by using cloth diapers with a breathable cover (wool or cotton for example). Cloth diapered babies, as a rule, experience less rash. Something I’m working on changing in my home and I have a 19-month-old, proof it is never to late to convert to cloth. Try winning a sampler pack to see if cloth is a good fit for you over at Green and Clean Mom. A good way for to help prevent diaper rash, changing your baby as soon as he or she wets or soils the diapers.
If your baby is using disposable diapers, try switching to cloth for awhile and see if the rash improves. If you’re already using cloth diapers, remove the cover and let him wear pinned on prefolds so lots of air gets to his bottom. Read my review of cloth diapers and my experience with them. Try changing laundry detergents and double rinsing your diapers, adding a half-cup vinegar to the first rinse, and see if that helps. Vinegar is effective at taking all residual detergent and film off items in the wash. I used it regularly as a fabric softener.I prefer a Eco-friendly detergent without the harsh chemicals and do not recommend bleach. If you have stains use the natural sunlight to help fade them or a natural enzyme product to help get the stains out.
Removing the diaper completely for as long as possible during the day will help the rash heal more quickly. Sometimes this means a mess here or there but for this time of year it works well to go outside and let the fresh air hit their bum. We often do this after bath time and the children enjoy the freedom of not having clothing on. Sometimes diaper rash is caused by an overgrowth of candida (yeast). Suspect yeast if the rash is bright red and shiny, especially if you’re nursing and also have signs of candida overgrowth (pain during nursing, vaginal yeast). Giving your baby acidophilus powder can help. Read package labels for dosage instructions. If you’re nursing, take the powder yourself also. Acidophilus is safe for young babies. Older babies who are on solids can also eat yogurt with live cultures. I highly recommend Stonyfield organic yogurt as an option. Remove sugar and white flour from the baby’s diet to help starve the yeast. You can also make a rinse for your baby’s bottom from one cup of water mixed with one-teaspoon baking soda to help kill candida. A cheap, easy and effective solution.
Don’t use baby wipes when your baby has a rash, as the skin is sensitive and wipes can dry out the skin and make it worse. Instead, rinse your baby after each diaper change with water and soft clothes. We use soft organic wipes with some warm water to help soothe the area and regularly you can do this instead of using wipes. Sometimes a rash gets very soar. If the rash is dry and scaly, open a capsule of Vitamin E and apply it to the rash. Calendula is also healing and is available as a topical ointment and Weleda Calendula diaper ointment and treatment is said to be very effective and good. Kaolin powder, made from a clay, can help if the rash is weepy. Sometimes babies on antibiotics will develop this type of rash.For ready made diaper creams and soothing, I’ve had luck with Erba Organics Diaper Cream, Veda Baby Butt Cream and Natures Baby Organic Diaper Cream.
If you’ve just started baby on solid foods, he may have a temporary rash as his skin adjusts to the ph changes of his urine and stool. If your baby has a rash around his anus (like a bull’s eye) every time he eats a certain food, take it out of his diet for awhile, as he may be sensitive to it. You can try reintroducing it in a few months to see if his digestive system reacts differently. I had a close friend who’s child developed this type of rash every time the child ate anything acidic, oranges or orange juice. If your baby has severe or chronic diaper rash, suspect food allergies.
Talk with your baby’s health care provider about an elimination diet. The typical suspects are dairy, wheat, corn, eggs and soy. Keeping a food diary can provide some clues, but the most effective way to figure out if your child has food sensitivities is to take the common allergens out of his diet. Then introduce them back one at a time, watching for reactions. If your baby develops other symptoms along with his rash, like fever or irritability, or if the rash looks infected and doesn’t respond to care at home, check with a health care provider.
Remember, children have sensitive skin and if they have a rash they may be cranky and irritable. Be sensitive to this and try to help ease their pain naturally and prevent the rash from happening in the future. Always consult your doctor if you have concerns about a product, suggestion, remedy or question.
Written for Busy Mommy by Sommer over at Green & Clean Mom, where she writes about being some shade of green every day. Subscribe to her blog here and don’t miss out her latest finds, contests, giveaways and sexy and sassy green tips!
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