More Natural Remedies

As a concerned mother, you don’t want your baby to suffer from diaper rash. Unfortunately, diaper rash is very common and almost all babies and toddlers develop this common irritable condition at some point.

Diaper Dermatitis is another name commonly used to describe diaper rashes. The condition is a skin inflammation usually around the buttock and thigh area caused by irritation due to excessive wetness, tight diapers, insanitary cleaning and the residue of detergent and washing powders in cloth diapers.

The first visible sign of diaper rash is reddening around the diaper hem covering the skin. You may also find skin patches or red spots on the affected skin. This may be itchy and painful for the baby. The baby will most likely let you know by uncontrolled crying because of the itching and irritation.

Diaper rash is something that cannot always be avoided but a child normally outgrows it when he or she is toilet trained. However, there are natural remedies to treat the problem when it does occur.

One way to help with the problem is to allow the baby to be diaper free a few minutes each day. Try leaving a diaper off for fifteen or twenty minutes at a time. Be prepared for an accident so place the infant on a diaper pad or something that will not be harmed if it happens.

Cleanliness is essential in managing diaper rash. Changing diapers often so dirty diapers are not in contact with the baby’s skin for a long period of time. If the rash persists, try cleaning the area gently using a cloth and warm water. Use a mild natural soapy solution for messy changes. Avoid using commercial baby-wipes as they usually contain alcohol, which can dry and irritate baby’s skin. Make sure you dry the area thoroughly and give the baby some diaper free time before putting on a new diaper.

Disposable diapers are wonderful inventions but maybe not right for your infant. Some brands of diapers may cause a bad rash that other brands may not, so try different brands. Some babies are naturally allergic to disposable diapers. In this case, using cloth diapers may be best for them. Washing dirty cloth diapers with a natural detergent, double rinsing them, and not using a fabric softener with fragrance may prevent diaper rash.

Bathing the baby in a tub of plain warm water with or add cornstarch or oatmeal to it. Keep the baby in the tub for a minimum of fifteen minutes and gently pat dry with a soft towel. This treatment is natural and can be done every day and even twice a day.

Applying a liberal amount of Vaseline or a diaper rash cream made from natural ingredients to the baby’s bottom after the area has been thoroughly cleaned will place a protective barrier between the bay’s skin and the diaper.

Persistent rash, especially if there are “bull’s eye” around the baby’s bottom, can be a sign of food allergy. Your doctor will be in a better position to recommend the best treatment for diaper rash due to food allergies. He may recommend eliminating certain food items to help identify the problem food. Often babies outgrow their sensitivities to most foods at around age 3 and you might be able to reintroduce the food then.