4 Foods That Can Cause Diaper Rash in Babies

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Although avoiding foods that cause diaper rash can feel impossible, it might be helpful to be aware of some possible culprits.

My son had frequent diaper rashes, so changing his diaper was always a challenge. We tried different strategies to soothe his irritated skin, such as cloth wipes and fragrance-free wash and shampoo for his bath.

But it wasn’t until we looked into foods that cause diaper rash and added a diaper rash ointment that the problem totally cleared up.

We discovered that peaches were the main offender for him, but a variety of produce can trigger diaper rash flare-ups.

If your baby has regular diaper rashes or rashes that won’t heal, be sure to make an appointment with the pediatrician. Some diaper rashes may be fungal, so they will require anti-fungal medications to treat.

You can also talk to a doctor if you suspect foods may be causing some of your baby’s diaper rash struggles. Here are four possible foods that might cause diaper rashes.

1. Citrus

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Most toddlers love fruit, but if they are prone to diaper rash, you have to be cautious about more acidic citrus fruits such as oranges, notes the Cleveland Clinic.

Other foods that cause diaper rash to avoid include grapefruit (I don’t know any babies who like grapefruit, but I’m sure they exist), lemons, and limes.

The Cleveland Clinic adds that an easy rule of thumb to consider is that if the fruit is a type that could give you heartburn as an adult, it may pose a risk of upsetting your baby’s more sensitive stomach – and lead to a diaper rash.

 

2. Tomatoes

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Tomatoes are another common (though not so obvious) cause of diaper rash, thanks to the acidity found in this food.

My kids love to eat tomatoes plain, but also beware of the myriad of other foods that contain tomatoes: sauces, tomato-based soups, and ketchup.

3. Strawberries

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Yes, strawberries. Even these sweet, juicy little delights can cause some serious pain later for babies prone to rashes.

If your little one is like mine (is addicted to strawberries), apply a gentle diaper rash cream at each diaper change to help prevent the rash from developing. Then you won’t have to be the mean mom withholding the strawberries (or any other yummy food).

4. Pineapple

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Another delicious but terribly acidic fruit that can lead to diaper rash is pineapple.

If you notice that this fruit triggers the condition, try switching to less-acidic cantaloupe or honeydew melon to spare your baby from getting a sore bottom.

When To See a Doctor

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Any time your baby has recurring diaper rashes, a diaper rash that won’t heal, or a diaper rash that is making your little one very uncomfortable with open or bleeding sores, be sure to see a pediatrician. A doctor can help assess if anything else might be going on and prescribe stronger diaper rash ointments if needed.

Some people may also worry that diaper rashes could be a sign of a food allergy, but according to the Cleveland Clinic, if a diaper rash is your baby’s only symptom, it’s unlikely to be a true food allergy. Diaper rashes linked to certain foods could be a sign of a food intolerance, however, so consider keeping a food journal with your baby’s symptoms.