At-Home Remedies for Treating Diaper Rash

Posted by Carolyn in Baby/Childcare | Comments Off

Adding a baby to your family presents many new challenges – modified sleep schedules, budgeting for baby supplies and reorganizing your family’s priorities. Around 50% of children will experience some variation of diaper rash between birth and the age of five. Diaper rash can be difficult for some parents to deal with, especially if it doesn’t respond to certain types of treatment. Here are a few at-home remedies you can use to treat your child’s diaper rash.

Note: As with any baby care suggestion, always consult your pediatrician before trying any type of at-home remedy.

Cornstarch
This tried-and-true remedy has been used for decades for treating diaper rash. Use cornstarch without any added preservatives or chemicals. After wiping and drying your baby’s diaper area, sprinkle some cornstarch on the area affected by the rash.

Zinc Oxide Cream
Most over the counter diaper remedies have zinc oxide as their active ingredient. Zinc oxide helps to create a barrier on the affected rash area, preventing further growth of the fungus.

“Diaper-Free” Time
The best way to kill the fungus that causes diaper rash is to expose it to air for long periods of time. Try drying your baby’s bottom and having “diaper free” time. Place a changing pad cover or washable linen on the floor, and leave your baby without a diaper for about 30 minutes each day.

Baking Soda Bath
Prepare a solution of baking soda and warm water. Three times per day, let your baby’s bottom soak in the solution for around 30 minutes.

For Yeast Rash (Thrush)

If your baby’s diaper rash isn’t responding to conventional treatments, your baby may have a yeast infection. Yeast rash usually appears towards the front of your baby’s private parts, around the are where they urinate. If this is the case, you might need to purchase a special ointment specifically designed for yeast rash (also called Thrush).