5 Natural Home Remedies for Diaper Rash

My poor Kaya - I was just saying not too long ago that she's never had a diaper rash and then BOOM! now she does.  She had to take some antibiotics for a skin infection and now her poor little butt is red.  Since she just finished a round of antibiotics, I really don't want to subject her tiny little body to any more medicines if we can avoid it so I've been researching the top home remedies for diaper rash.  Here are my top five:

Let it breathe!

Diapers hold urine or feces.  That's their job.  But when your baby's bottom is already sore and raw, that extra moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria and can make a diaper rash worse.  The first thing you should do when your baby is getting a diaper rash is to let them go diaper-less as often as possible.  Let them feel the breeze on their butt!  This will help dry the skin and is often recommended for preventing diaper rash as well.  If you're worried about the potential mess - try putting down a rubber mat or another waterproof surface.  We're using the Bumkins Splat Mat and it works great.

Change the diaper often

Again, like the last section said, diapers introduce a lot of bacteria to your baby's bottom.  However, it isn't always appropriate to let your baby go without a diaper.  In those cases, check your baby often and change the diaper as soon as they've soiled it to ensure that they remain as dry as possible.

Skip the powder

By now I'm sure that you've already heard the studies about talc-based powders causing serious complications if your baby inhales them.  Many moms have switched to cornstarch powders, but these help yeast grow.  And that diaper rash?  Yeah, it's a yeast infection.  

Use a barrier cream

So this one may not be a home remedy, but I'm sure most moms already have some kind of ointment in the diaper bag.  Avoid putting on too much though, because the skin still needs to breathe.  Putting a thin layer will still allow air to pass through, and can help prevent moisture from soaking into the skin.

Vinegar

What doesn't vinegar fix?  Diaper rash is no exception to vinegar's magical powers.  If you use cloth diapers, try adding a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle when washing diapers.  The vinegar helps neutralize urine's highly alkaline pH.  If you use disposables, you can make your own wipes with a solution that is one part vinegar to eight parts water.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.