Baby diaper rash. Ouch. Your baby is in pain and you might feel
like you can’t do much, except wait for the sores to heal. The truth is, you
have several options in helping your baby’s poor bum feel better.
Clean, dry bum
While working with babies in the past, I have found one of
the most basic ways to heal diaper rash is with a clean, dry bum. I have worked
with parents and found many didn’t realize this. I didn’t think about it myself
until a fellow childcare provider pointed it out to me. We often quickly change
diapers without “airing out” the diaper area. When a baby is changed without
making sure their bum is dry before putting on a new diaper, the skin can be
irritated and create or agitate a diaper rash. Obviously, you don’t want to
wait too long in between diaper changes or the child could pee everywhere. But
how do you make sure the baby is dry before putting on a new diaper? My best
suggestion would be to use the new diaper to fan the child’s bum. Also, be sure
to change the baby’s diaper quickly after they have pooped and watch pee
diapers closely. Little babies and young ones who already have diaper rash
should be changed out of pee diapers more frequently.
Desitin
Desitin is one of my favorite and most affordable diaper
rash ointments. It is more of a cream and is easy to apply. Desitin is great
for most kids. It works well for everyday use. I like putting it on little
ones, including my own daughter, Nini, when the bum is just a little red. It usually
seems to do the trick to clear up irritation pretty quickly.
Corn starch
If you’re looking for more of a home remedy, corn starch can
be an option. Some people swear by it; others adamantly oppose it. Personally,
I have used corn starch on children based on parental request. I am not opposed
to it, but I wouldn’t necessarily use it for my own kid. If you do use corn
starch, it’s especially important to make sure the diapering area is clean and
dry first. Also, use it sparingly so the powder doesn’t go into the baby’s
lungs. Do your own research and decide if corn starch is a good choice for you
and your baby.
A+D
A+D is also a good diaper rash ointment. It’s more of a jelly
and seems to be a little stronger than Desitin. It works great for more serious
diaper rashes.
Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly is versatile, including use as a diaper rash
ointment. It’s a good affordable option for bad diaper rashes. I wouldn’t
recommend using petroleum jelly on babies under six months since they have such
sensitive skin. For older babies and toddlers, petroleum jelly can be really
effective in healing a diaper rash.
Sensitive wet wipes
Using sensitive wet wipes is also a good idea for preventing
and treating diaper rash. They’re especially helpful if you’re little one has
sensitive skin. I like using Pampers Baby Wipes Sensitive. Remember when using
wet wipes on a diaper rash, to wipe very softly. If the rash is really bad and
possibly bleeding, use wipes sparingly and lightly dab the area only.
What should you do for a really sore diaper rash?
While all of these products and ideas are helpful, sometimes
a diaper rash is still bad. The bum and diaper area may be very red, bumpy, and
even bleed in spots. When this happens, there are a couple of tricks I've
used.
My 3 step ointment process
When Nini’s diaper rash is really bad, I use a three step
ointment process. First, I put Neosporin on the surrounding red area of the
diaper rash. Next, I apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly over the Neosporin.
Last, I add a small amount of Desitin over the whole affected area. When I do
this, the rash usually clears up in a few days.
Please remember,
Neosporin is for external use only. Do not use it on the genitalia, only the
surrounding red area.
Go diaperless
Another great way to clear up diaper rash is let baby go
diaperless for a while. Many parents don’t seem to think of this, but one of
the best things for a sore bum is fresh air. Find a place in your home where
you’re okay with cleaning up an accident the child may have, and let them roam
free without a diaper. I would say, try to go without a diaper
between 30 minutes and 2 hours. A child’s diaper rash usually
starts to look better after some time diaperless.
Pediatrician
If all else fails, talk to your child’s pediatrician. The doctor
may have some ideas or medicine for the rash. Plus, not all diaper rashes are
the normal kind that can be treated from home. Some rashes are caused by
bacterial or viral infections and need antibiotics or special prescription
creams. So, if you are concerned about the diaper rash, go see a doctor.
Well I hope this list gives you some good ideas about how to
treat diaper rash. So what techniques or products have you used to treat your
baby’s diaper rash? Let me know in the comments!
I am not a medical
expert. Be sure to seek advice from a medical professional if you have
questions or concerns about diaper rash.
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