In most cases diaper rashes are a common occurrence in children. But if it is not treated properly, a diaper rash can go from mild to severe.
There are many products in the baby market today claiming to heal and treat diaper rashes.
While these products may work for some, I’ve found home natural remedies work wonders on a diaper rash.
My son gets a diaper rash from time to time when he gets diarrhea.
This usually occurs when he’s introduced to new foods in his diet.
Lately, I’ve noticed a definite connection between my son teething and the increase in loose stools in his diapers.
Since my son just got a rash a few days ago because of diarrhea, I immediately took action with natural home remedies to treat it.
A diaper rash can go from mildly red to blistered and painful quickly. I knew I needed to act fast to prevent his rash from getting worse.
I always grab for a natural diaper rash treatment when it comes to diaper rashes.
In this article I’ve combined a list of natural remedies to treat and even prevent a diaper rash.
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you click on them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
What Exactly Is A Diaper Rash?
A diaper rash is simply a skin irritation around the diaper area. It is characterized by redness, small blisters, tiny pimples or peeling skin.
Most tiny pimples and redness goes away with a natural home remedy.
But if your child is experiencing a diaper rash that produces small blisters or peeling skin, it can be quite painful and you should consult a healthcare professional.
Seeing our babies in pain is heartbreaking. My son’s diaper rashes have never gotten to the point of peeling skin, but the skin becomes irritated enough that it hurt him to wipe.
Thankfully, I applied a natural diaper rash treatment to his diaper rash to elevate and cure it.
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What Causes A Diaper Rash?
Surprisingly, a diaper rash is not only caused by a wet diaper against a baby’s skin too long.
There are actually many causes of a rash. Along with the causes, it can be tough trying to narrow down what’s causing the rash in order to prevent it in the future.
Some of the common causes include:
- Diarrhea
- Sleeping in a soiled diaper
- Switched to solid foods
- Certain medications like antibiotics (this includes any antibiotics you take while breastfeeding).
- Is between the age of 9 to 12 months old
- Allergies such as disposable diapers, foods, medications, etc.
Natural Diaper Rash Treatment Options
Coconut Oil
This natural remedy for diaper rash is by far my favorite one! I find coconut oil to work best when the rash is first beginning. So slight redness or chaffing.
However, if your baby has a diaper rash with tiny pimples I would not suggest coconut oil.
Coconut oil is essentially a fat. If you apply too much, the oil causes clogged pores leading to tiny pimples.
Even if your baby has tiny pimples, the pimples can get worse with coconut oil.
Applying coconut oil on a rash…
- Reduces skin inflammation (swelling)
- Reduces skin irritation like itching
- Acts as a barrier to protect skin from wetness (this gives the rash time to heal).
This amazing natural oil contains lauric and caprylic acids, as well as anti-bacterial properties to help heal a rash. It is the perfect natural remedy for rashes caused by yeast or bacterial infection.
To use coconut oil on your baby’s bottom, always remember the rule that less is more.
You don’t need a lot of coconut oil to treat a diaper rash. A teaspoon of coconut oil is the perfect amount for the affected area.
The best way to apply coconut oil is to use 1 teaspoon of hard pressed coconut oil melted in your fingers and applied gently on the diaper rash.
An Oatmeal Bath
You probably remember your mom giving you an oatmeal bath to soothe chicken pox. That’s because an oatmeal bath soothes irritated and itchy skin.
An oatmeal bath is not just for chicken pox anymore. You can soothe your baby’s rash as well.
Oatmeal contains protein and a chemical compound called saponin.
With these two ingredients, oatmeal is a natural barrier to protect baby’s skin.
Soaking your baby in an oatmeal bath for 10 to 15 minutes helps remove oil and dirt from a diaper rash.
Breast Milk
Is there really anything breast milk can’t do?! Breast milk is an all natural alternative to medicated creams to treat diaper rash.
Breast milk has the amazing ability to fight infection and soothe irritated rashes.
Just put a few drops on the diaper rash and let air dry before putting back on your baby’s diaper.
If you are not currently breastfeeding… Do you have any stored breast milk hiding in the back of your freezer? If so, thaw and put it to good use!
Baking Soda
Not just for cookies! Baking soda is an extremely versatile compound that’s used for cleaning, fighting acne, baking… The list goes on and on.
Sodium bicarbonate, AKA baking soda is perfect for rashes caused by bacteria. It works wonders for a rash because it neutralizes acids and balances pH.
To treat diaper rash combine 2 tablespoons baking soda with 4 cups of warm water. Mix well.
Wash your baby’s skin and allow the mixture to air dry. Repeat once daily until the diaper rash is gone.
I have used baking soda on my son’s diaper rash when he was smaller.
It worked best to place him in the sink or a small plastic baby bath to apply the baking soda water.
Shea Butter
I like using coconut oil more, but shea butter is another great natural diaper rash treatment to soothe baby’s rash.
Like coconut oil, it is a natural moisturizer which makes it perfect for rashes that are dry and scaly.
Shea butter is able to relieve diaper rash pain with its analgesic properties and it’s anti-inflammatory.
Goodbye, diaper rash pain and swelling!
Similar to coconut oil, a little goes a long way with shea butter.
You only need to apply a thin layer to baby’s diaper rash twice a day. That’s it!
Yogurt
Some of the worst diaper rashes to treat are yeast rashes. Stubborn, yes. But not impossible to treat with plain yogurt.
Yogurt contains acidophiles cultures, a naturally occurring probiotic.
These cultures are able to treat yeast and bacterial infections that caused the diaper rash.
Always make sure to use plain yogurt with no added sugars or flavors.
There are two ways to treat a diaper rash with this natural diaper rash treatment, either feed your baby more yogurt with meals or apply a thick layer on the diaper rash.
Change Diaper Brands Or Switch To Cloth Diapers
Believe it or not, there are some babies who are severely allergic to disposable diapers.
If you are using disposable diapers and your baby has recurring diaper rashes, it may be time to switch to a different brand of diapers.
Many disposable diapers contain crystalized gel that absorbs wetness.
But this gel can also be an irritant for some baby’s. The best way to relieve a diaper rash caused by an allergic reaction is to switch to a disposable diaper with no chemicals.
Here’s a list of non-toxic disposable diapers:
If changing disposable diaper brands is not working to relieve a recurring diaper rash, you may want to think about making the switch to cloth diapers.
With cloth diapers you can rest assure that there are absolutely no toxins!
Plus, a huge benefit to cloth diapers is the amount of money you’ll save.
With my second child, I plan to cloth diaper. The amount of money I’ve spent (so far) on almost 2 years of disposable diapers is outrageous.
Not only would you be saving your bank account, but you would also be saving the environment.
For babies with severe allergies to disposable diapers, I would definitely just make the switch to cloth.
However, if you don’t have a washer and dryer readily available, cloth diapers may become a messy situation.
Related Articles: How To Save Money While Shopping For Children’s Clothing
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Final Thoughts
Diaper rashes are a pain in the butt! Literally.
It’s hard as a mother to see your baby suffer because of skin irritation. But your baby doesn’t have to suffer for long.
In my opinion, natural remedies for rashes work better than traditional diaper creams.
There are so many causes of a rash, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what the cause of the rash could be.
But with time you’ll begin to notice a pattern between what your baby eats and diaper rashes.
Of course, rashes are caused by allergens too. If you have tried a variety of natural remedies including changing diaper brands, you may need to consult a healthcare professional.
He or she would be able to pinpoint the cause and suggest an appropriate treatment for a diaper rash.
Most importantly, if your baby’s diaper rash is blistering, oozing pus or the skin is peeling ALWAYS see a doctor.
For a minor rashes, a natural home remedy may be the solution.
Much of these natural ingredients can be found in an all-in-one organic diaper cream as well.
A diaper rash can be hard to get rid of at times, but natural remedies can soothe even the most stubborn diaper rash.
Try a natural diaper rash treatment the next time your baby gets a diaper rash and see the benefits for yourself!
Works Cited
Can You Treat a Rash With Plain Yogurt?
Coconut Oil
Is Coconut Oil a Safe and Effective Treatment for Rashes?
13 Effective Home Remedies to Treat Rashes In babies