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First off, every baby gets diaper rash at one point or another. Don’t beat yourself up over it. It doesn’t always mean that your baby was in a soiled diaper too long or that there was anything that you could have done differently. Diaper rash can be triggered by many different things — like chemicals in diapers and wipes, thrush, or reactions to formula or new foods and even something in a breastfeeding parent’s diet. But you can bet your baby’s cute bum that every parent has dealt with diaper rash a few times. So let’s talk about preventing diaper rash!
The Key to Avoiding Diaper Rash is Prevention:
Diaper Rash Tip #1 Clear goes on clear
If your baby’s bum doesn’t have a rash, you might want to use a clear barrier cream at every change to prevent a rash. Baby’s are notorious for pooping the minute they are fast asleep and finally settled in their crib, having a preventative layer can help protect their skin. Coconut oil, aquaphor, vaseline or A+D all fit into this category. We’re also big fans of Motherlove Diaper Rash and Thrush.
The thicker creams [butt paste, desitin] can be used before an overnight or when your baby isn’t going to be changed for a longer period of time.
Diaper Rash Tip #2 AIR
Let your baby air dry after every diaper change. Never apply ointment or cream to a wet butt.
You might want to consider letting them have some air time on a play mat every day as well. Especially if they already have a rash, air is the tried and true healer!
Diaper Rash Tip #3 Understand Sensitivities.
Not all diapers are created equal. Not all wipes are created equal! If your baby has a red bum all over, they might be reacting to the chemicals in the diaper or the wipes.
Sometimes you might need to try out different brands. There are a variety of free and clear options for both diapers and wipes, and some very sensitive babies end up needing to utilize cloth diapers.
Diaper Rash Tip #4 Change frequently.
We love utilizing an eat, play, sleep schedule with newborns. With this schedule we loosely recommend changing your baby’s diaper after each feeding. That means at a minimum baby is getting changed every 3 hours. Every time your baby poops they should also be changed right away, and if they are very wet before a nap they should be changed additionally as well.
If your baby already has a rash you should set an alarm to check their diaper every hour.*
Diaper Rash Tip #5 Baking soda baths
If you have a baby prone to diaper rash you might want to consider adding a bit of baking soda to the bath. This is also a diaper rash treatment.
Diaper Rash Tip #6 Know your rash.
If your baby’s rash is persistent, something isn’t working. Try another diaper, wipe, and/or cream. If it continues you might need to contact your doctor.
If the skin is broken or bleeding, turn from preventing diaper rash to diaper rash treatment! It is not normal for your baby to be crying in pain when they wet or soil themselves.
If your baby has a rash that is severe or persistent, then a trip to the pediatrician is in order. Sometimes prescription strength cream is what’s needed. Yeast rashes are common with babies and are so easily treatable, if your baby’s rash isn’t healing on its own don’t let it get worse! A yeast rash will not typically resolve without treatment!
