All parents know that feeling of helplessness that comes with seeing your child in discomfort, and some the earliest instances often come in the form of diaper rash. Your baby’s skin is soft, new, and delicate. It isn’t exactly an ideal scenario for regular exposure to dirty diapers, but there isn’t really much choice. All Mom or Dad can do is take steps to limit the possibility of this uncomfortable condition in their little one.
Steps to Avoid Diaper Rash
You may not be able to avoid diaper rash entirely. Chances are, you’ll encounter it at some point, and depending on the sensitivity of baby’s skin, it will occur more often for some than others. Still, there are some things you can do to help keep your baby’s bottom comfy.
Change Diapers Frequently – Exposure of bare skin to the urine and feces of a soiled diaper is how diaper rashes begin. To limit their possibility, make frequent diaper changes. While the absorbency of a disposable diaper will help keep urine away from skin for a while, poop diapers should be changed immediately.
Don’t Overuse Baby Wipes – Of course you want to get your baby thoroughly clean but using a lot of wipes isn’t necessarily a good thing. Even if they are touted as hypoallergenic or for sensitive skin, there could be ingredients that increase skin aggravation in some babies. It’s also important to remember that good bacteria that protects the skin also exists, and cleaning too aggressively can remove it as well. A warm, wet washcloth can do the trick just as easily and without irritation.
Use Diaper Cream – Diaper cream helps form a protective barrier between skin and the irritants of a soiled diaper. You’ll likely need to do some experimenting to determine which brand works best for your baby, but the best options will be titanium- or zinc-based. Just be sure to skip the baby powder, which has been linked to health concerns.
Allow Baby’s Skin to Air Out – Diaper-free can be a great thing! Of course, you can expect some level of clean-up, but your baby’s skin will thank you for the time exposed to fresh air. If your baby already has a rash, this can also help dry it out and expedite the healing process.
Consider Baby’s Diet – If you are doing all of the above and still battling diaper rash, it may be time to look into your baby’s diet. As your baby grows and new foods are introduced, you may find that some simply do not agree with them. Common culprits behind diaper rash include juice, citrus, and tomato-based foods.
Consult Your Pediatrician About Diaper Rash
If you are concerned about diaper rash or your baby’s skin, your pediatrician can always help. The physicians at Lane Pediatrics will help you get to the bottom of skin issues, what’s causing them, and how you can prevent them, making for a happier baby and parents!
