There's a pretty good chance that at some point during your parenting journey, you'll be wondering how to treat diaper rash. The tell-tale signs of a red, irritated bottom and fussy baby occur in about 50% of infants between 9 and 12 months old. A diaper rash will normally last about four days, and in most cases doesn't warrant a trip to the doctor's office. The next time your baby is feeling uncomfortable and irritable due to a sore bottom, give a few of the following diaper rash treatments a try.
The best diaper rash creams for your little one
How to prevent diaper rash
As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; although diaper rash may be unavoidable, there are some ways to decrease the chance of your baby experiencing one.
Use fragrance-free wipes to gently clean your baby's bottom, and apply a squirt of water if the area is very soiled. Don't rub the skin, which can exacerbate problem areas. Pat baby's bottom dry instead, and allow the area to dry completely before applying a protective barrier cream.
If you're able, allow your little one to go diaperless as often as possible — place babies on a waterproof pad and promptly clean up messes if they occur. This is a great opportunity to get in some tummy-time as well.
If you are using cloth diapers, there are also certain precautions to take. "If you're using cloth diapers, launder them with a mild laundry detergent, not something that has a lot of chemicals, and certainly avoid fabric softeners or any kind of scent, because those chemicals can irritate baby's skin," First advised.
Grace Sidney is a cloth-diapering mom of three. "My kids have all had very sensitive skin, especially as babies. I learned after the first one that protecting their skin after each diaper change was the key to preventing diaper rash. I've always used coconut oil because I prefer natural options to chemically-laden ones," Sidney told Mom.com.
Again, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor for advice. Dr. First advises that caregivers talk to their child's pediatrician for persistent diaper rash issues. "If it's an infection, talk to your child's healthcare professional and they can recommend a prescription for an anti-yeast or antibiotic cream or ointment that will help heal the rash," said Dr. First. "If the rash is persistent or you see red blisters that are oozing pus, by all means, talk to your child's healthcare professional."
