How Can I Prevent Diaper Rash in My Newborn?

Your baby is one of the most precious people in your life. So tiny and sweet, someone you'd do anything to protect. That's why changing your child's diaper and seeing a diaper rash can be so alarming. Your infant having a rash does not mean that you haven't been a good parent. Diaper rashes are just a part of life to a newborn. Even the cleanest baby will probably get a rash at one point during his or her young life.

Before you can take care of a diaper rash, you must first understand what caused it. A rash occurs when the skin is irritated. This can result from a diaper rubbing against the skin or being too tight, or if a wet diaper is left on too long. A rash may also pop up if your newborn is allergic to the diaper itself or the baby wipes you're using. You need to explore all options so that you can keep it from happening again.

This article will give you several tips on how you can prevent diaper rash in your newborn.

#1: Cleaning

When you change your infant's diaper, clean the diaper area between every changing. This does not mean rushing your child into a bath after each diaper change. Instead, use warm water with a soft washcloth or baby wipe.

#2: Check the Diaper

Make a habit of checking your child's diaper often to prevent diaper rash in your newborn. If you let your infant sit in a dirty diaper, even unintentionally, it can cause a rash that will hurt your baby.

#3: Ointment

Ointment can be a big help in curing diaper rash. You just want to be sure that you don't buy a cream that has harmful ingredients that can hurt your child even more (such as boric acid, phenol or camphor). Opt for an ointment that has zinc oxide. You can also use something that has petroleum in it. It will form a barrier of sorts that will help protect your child's diaper area from moisture.

#4: Dryness

Wait a moment before immediately putting on another diaper after a shower or diaper change. Let your child's body dry so that it won't trap more moisture and lead to a diaper rash.

#5: Go Natural

Let your baby go natural. There is no harm in letting your newborn go without a diaper, just for a little while. Your child gets some air down there and is less likely to get diaper rash with his or her diaper off. Put a towel under your son or daughter if you're worried about your child going to the bathroom while in that au natural state.

#6: Change Brands

If you've been following all the above tips and your baby is still getting a diaper rash, then you need to change the brand of products that you are using. Try a different line of diapers, or buy a different wet wipe. If it clears up, then you know your child is allergic to something in the products you were using.

Sources:

American Academy of Family Physicians, "Diaper Rash," FamilyDoctor.org.

"Diaper Rash," BabyCenter.