Need to know what to put on a diaper rash? Of course there is a mountain of creams and powders available but there are also other options that work just as well and sometimes even better. So if either creams aren't working or you don't have any on hand try one of these tried and true tricks.
1.) Cornstarch Baby Powder: For preventive measure I recommend using baby powder that is pure cornstarch. It absorbs well and actually helps heal broken skin. It is important to remember not to pour it into the diapers near the baby. I usually pour a little it into an open diaper before changing the baby. If you don't have the baby powder version plain old regular pure cornstarch will do.
BUT if the baby has a yeast infection the rash will get worse. If it does get worse try using an anti fungal cream a.k.a. jock itch cream (no joke) with an active ingredient of miconazole. This is what my doctor recommend and is available over the counter. If it doesn't start working with in 1-2 days take your kid to their pediatrician. Here is what a yeast infection looks like on a baby (don't worry it is not graphic and doesn't show a baby's private area, it just shows a patch of skin) scroll down to see the picture.
2.) Water Instead of Wipes: After having my third baby a nurse recommended to clean the baby's bottom in the sink instead of using wipes. A baby's bottom is sensitive, especially after birth and baby wipes can actually cause irritation. After rinsing the baby's bottom just pat dry, put on any creams if necessarily and put on a fresh diaper. Do this until the irritation does away. If your comfortable handling the baby you can bring her right to the sink and rinse her bottom with luke warm water. If you're not comfortable doing this then either use a squirt bottle or a warm wet wash cloth.
3.) Go Nude: For persistent painful diaper rash it is best for a baby not to wear a diaper at all. Let the baby's bottom soak in shallow warm water. If the baby still has an umbilical cord just take extra care not to get it wet by keeping the water shallow and place a dry wash cloth on top to prevent it from getting wet. After letting the baby soak for a few minutes then allow the baby to stay bottomless. To prevent a mess use a water proof baby mat with a soft blanket.
4.) Cloth Diapers: If you need to place some sort of diaper then use a cloth diaper. The fancier ones are easier to put on but more expensive. The plain white basic cloth diapers work just as well without the water proof cover. Just remember to place the baby on top of a water-proof mat or thick blanket if you don't end up buying the water proof cover. To see a video on how to put on a cloth diaper click here. This is a great video that shows how to put on different types of cloth diapers. Keep in mind that a baby can still get diaper rash with a cloth diaper. But when a diaper rash is sensitive to the touch I have found that a cloth diaper helps.
5.) Baking Soda: Give your baby a soak in shallow water mixed baking soda. I haven't tried this one but so many moms swear by it that it is worth a try. The amount of baking soda needed will vary depending on whom you ask but most recommend using a generous amount.
6.) Limit the fruit! There are foods that cause diaper rash. Too much fruit, especially citrus, can pass through the intestines not completely digested and cause irritation. If the baby is old enough, keep giving her fruit, just cut back a little and change the diaper more often.
7.) Breast Milk: Again, this isn't something I have tried but many women swear that breast milk cures diaper rash. They recommend that you lather the breast milk on the irritated area after diaper changes.
If the diaper rash doesn't go away consult the baby's pediatrician to rule out a possible infection.
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