Sep
7
Prevent Baby Diaper Rash
Filed Under Tips: Baby Diapers | Leave a Comment
Diaper rash is an ailment that parents have been battling for decades. However, diaper rash isn’t always just a result of a baby wearing a wet diaper too long. Diaper rash can also develop from introducing new foods into your baby’s diet as well as be related to the type of laundry detergent you use.
The Main Causes of Diaper Rash
The main culprit in diaper rash development is simply wetness. Although today’s diapers are designed to absorb liquid and keep it away from the body, all diapers leave some moisture on the baby’s skin. When you leave your baby in a dirty diaper for too long, the baby is likely to develop a rash. However, many babies have very sensitive skin and can develop a diaper rash even if their parents are very diligent about changing their diapers.
Other common culprits in diaper rash is chafing and sensitivity. This is when the diaper rubs against the baby’s skin too much and creates a rash. Disposable diapers that have chemicals or additives in them can also cause chafing and diaper rash. However, a baby can develop diaper rash from cloth diapers if they are sensitive to the type of laundry detergent that you use. Babies have also been known to develop rashes from powders and lotions as well.
Another cause of diaper rash is introducing new foods into the diet. When babies begin eating solid foods, it is common for diaper rash to appear. This is due to the fact that the composition of the baby’s stool has changed and the baby’s bowel movements increase. The body is not always prepared for these changes and a diaper rash may occur. Additionally, breastfeeding mothers can influence a change in the body due to the types of foods they are eating, which may also cause diaper rash to occur.
Finally, a skin yeast infection is a cause of diaper rash. Because the area is moist and warm, bacteria and yeast often flourish in the diaper area creating a diaper rash. These rashes tend to occur in your baby’s skin folds and cracks.
Preventing Diaper Rash
The best prevention for diaper rash is simply keeping the baby’s bottom as dry as possible. This means changing your baby’s diapers as soon as they become spoiled.
Cleanliness also plays a large part in preventing diaper rash. Thoroughly clean your baby’s genital area after each and every diaper change. Gently pat the skin dry rather than rub it.
Use a thin layer of protective ointment after each and every diaper change if your baby seems to be prone to developing diaper rash. Plain petroleum jelly is a convenient and affordable option. You can also use a paste that include petroleum ointment and white zinc oxide, which is particularly good for very sensitive skin.
Use a cornstarch-based powder to help dry your baby’s skin. Always place the powder on your hands rather than shake it directly on the baby, as you don’t want your baby to breathe it in. Always clean off any leftover powder in the baby’s skin folds after each and every diaper change and before applying more.
Introduce solid foods once new item at a time. This will help the body adjust and you will be able to determine if certain foods are causing a diaper rash. Once you recognize that one food may be causing problems, you can eliminate it from the diet for the time being.
Don’t secure your baby’s diapers too tightly, as they do need air flow to keep the skin as dry as possible. Avoid plastic pants and airtight fabrics that don’t always the baby’s skin to breathe.
Finally, if you’re using cloth diapers, do not use detergents that use fragrances. You should also avoid using a fabric softener. Use hot water and double rinse the diapers to ensure that detergent is not left in the fabric. You can also add a cup of vinegar to the first rinse to help eliminate any irritants that may be left in the diaper fabric.
