Diaper rashes are common but not inevitable. But here are 3 tips to keep your baby away from rashes
1) Keep your baby’s bottom dry and healthy:
Keep your baby’s skin clean and dry. Let the diaper area dry before reapplying a fresh diaper
2) Ensure baby’s skin is always clean:
- a) Change soiled or dirty diapers immediately. Check the diaper every 2 hours. (you’ll have to check diapers of newborn babies, who are easily susceptible to diarrhea)
- b) Use only mild, gentle baby wipes to clean your baby’s bottom. Clinically tested wipes are your best bet.
- c) Use warm water
**if you’re using an ointment for diaper rashes and have applied it during the previous diaper change, don’t worry about removing the ointment. Clean the soiled, outer layer and leave the ointment on the skin.**
Keep the diaper area dry, always: In case of a healing diaper rash, tap it to dry, don’t wipe. The friction will make it worse. You could also choose to allow your baby to be without the diaper for a while. After the bottom air dries, you can apply the ointment and then re-diaper.
What you can avoid:
- Highly fragranced products, including fabric softeners and dryer sheets
- Baby powder-it’s bad for your baby’s lungs
- Cornstarch
Home remedies that you can try:
- Make your own diaper rash cream: olive oil, shea butter coconut oil and zinc oxide.
- Apply breast milk-it’s known for its antibacterial properties.
- Apply apple cider vinegar
- Olive oil too serves well. It’s known for anti-inflammatory properties.