How to Prevent Diaper Rash

Diaper rash can be excruciatingly painful for babies to endure. With some easy tricks you can avoid diaper rash and have a clean and happy healthy baby.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Non scented baby wipes
• Soft wash cloths or towels
• Mild soap
• Zinc oxide or petroleum jelly
• Cornstarch

1. When I was a new mom my grandmother came to visit. At one point in time she changed my son while I was busy doing something else. When I went to get him later he was not wearing plastic pants. When I asked why she told me that the plastic actually holds the moisture in on baby's skin and can actually cause diaper rash. I invested in some great felt padding for his crib and did not use plastic pants again except when I had to take him into a public place and then I watched him carefully.

2. Change your baby's diaper as soon as you notice it is wet or soiled. If you are using cloth diapers then this is very easy to tell. Even if this means changing him or her several times in an hour be sure to change him or her immediately. Baby's skin is tender and fragile. Leaving a wet or soiled diaper on a baby's bottom can cause a rash within a few short minutes.

3. Always clean your baby's bottom when you are changing baby, even if the diaper is only wet. Urine left on the skin can burn and cause other medical conditions. Clean baby with either non scented baby wipes (alcohol free) or use warm water and a soft cloth.

4. If you must use soap, only use mild soaps on baby's skin. Baby's are susceptible to many soap allergies. Be sure the soaps you use are gentle enough for baby.

5. Gently pat baby's skin dry after cleaning baby, never rub. You might wish to use a soft powder after drying baby. Cornstarch is a great alternative to those heavily scented powders that you can buy at most stores. Baby's skin is tender so you don't want anything too heavily scented.

6. If an ointment is needed try a zinc oxide ointment or even plain old petroleum jelly to give it a protective barrier against moisture. Keeping baby's skin dry and protected is very important to avoid diaper rash.

7. Consider allowing baby to go diaper less after a particularly wet or messy diaper clean up. This will allow baby's bottom to completely dry off and heal. Simply put baby on a clean thick blanket for a short time and allow it to "air out".

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that babies are only little once and these days will pass more quickly than you realize.
• If you are using store bought diapers you may have to test several brands to find the one your child is not allergic to.
• Cloth diapers are more time consuming because you have to wash them but they are much easier on diaper rash in the long run.
• Serious diaper rash with lesions or openings in the skin should be seen by a doctor. A more serious condition may be going on.
• If there are a lot of red speckles in the rash or red streaks seek a doctor. This could be a serious yeast infection.
• If there is any puss or oozing you should also take baby to the doctor.
• Many food allergies can reveal themselves in diaper rash.

[mariamystar33]

on 2/23/2009 I have a few friends I can pass this on to! 5*

[darlenemichaud]

on 2/20/2009 Great tips!