10 Home Remedies for Diaper Rash

Diaper rash, an irritation caused by the acidic qualities of urine and feces, is a common occurrence in infants, regardless of diaper choice. When trapped for long periods against the skin, a diaper’s contents can create friction and cause inflammation in the delicate areas around a baby’s bottom, groin, and genitals. Diaper rash results in red, itching skin. It can be very uncomfortable and requires immediate treatment to heal and soothe. These are among the best and most effective home remedies for diaper rash.

Vinegar

Vinegar is quite a robust solution, but it can be very effective in healing skin affected by diaper rash. When applied directly, it can counteract the chemical properties of urine, which can burn the baby’s skin. Add one teaspoon of white vinegar to one cup of water and use this to wipe your baby’s bottom during a diaper change. This helps to make the baby’s skin resistant to a yeast infection. If you are using cloth diapers, add half a cup of vinegar to half a bucket of water. After you have washed the diapers, soak them in this vinegar solution. A vinegar soak is also good for getting rid of the urine smell, which can sometimes build up over time.

Baking soda

Baking soda has many healing properties, including addressing diaper rash without harming a baby’s delicate skin. Dissolve two tablespoons of baking soda in four cups of water. At every diaper change, use the mixture to wash the baby’s bottom and the affected area. Pat the skin dry before putting on a fresh diaper. Adding a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to the baby’s bathwater and letting them sit in the solution for up to 15 minutes, three times a day, will work wonders on the rash and is a great way to prevent it from coming back. Remember to dry the rash completely before putting on a new diaper.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil has been used for years in cooking as a healthy alternative to vegetable oils. For the skin, it has wonderful healing benefits and soothing qualities because it is antifungal and antimicrobial, and it is a great moisturizer. You can apply coconut oil directly to the diaper rash several times a day after a diaper change, or you can add a few tablespoons to the baby’s bath water and bathe them once a day. This technique is good for the baby’s entire body, not just the rash.

Shea butter

Shea butter is used in many natural skin care products because of its high vegetable fat content, its ability to improve circulation and promote cell regeneration, and its moisturizing properties. Also, it can kill yeast and fungus, which makes it perfect for diaper rash on a baby. After a baby’s bottom is washed and dried, rub the butter in your hands till it has melted, then rub gently into the affected skin. Let the shea butter penetrate the skin for a few minutes, then replace the diaper.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is both a healthy start to your day and a wonderful way to address skin discomfort. An oatmeal bath can help to treat diaper rash and promote healing without any kind of topical application. Add one tablespoon of dried oats to the bath water and let your baby happily soak in it for around 10 minutes. This solution will soothe your child’s skin. Repeat twice a day to help with healing. In addition to high protein content, oatmeal also contains saponin, a compound that can help remove dirt and oils from the skin pores.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is an excellent home remedy for diaper rash because it absorbs a lot of moisture, keeping your baby’s skin as dry as possible to reduce friction. After cleaning your baby’s bottom with lukewarm water, pat dry and air for a few minutes. Sprinkle some cornstarch directly onto the rash area. You don’t need to put too much on, just a light powder. Repeat this process each time you change a diaper for positive results in rash reduction.

Breast milk

As a primary nutrition source for infants, breast milk is full of valuable vitamins and minerals intended to benefit your baby. You can use breast milk not only to feed your baby but to alleviate redness and rash as well. Rub a few drops of breast milk onto the rash area as often as you need and allow the milk to dry fully before you put a new diaper on. If you are breastfeeding and have the milk supply, this is possibly the cheapest home remedy for diaper rash you can use, In addition, there is no risk of allergic reaction.

Yogurt

Yogurt grows naturally cultures and is often used as a primary remedy for other yeast infections so, naturally, it works well on diaper rash, too. Be sure to use sugar-free, natural, and organic yogurt as preservatives and sugars may be harmful to your baby’s skin. Following each diaper change, after your child has been cleaned and dried, apply a thick layer of yogurt onto the rash and immediately put a new diaper on. Wipe off any old, excess yogurt on the next change and begin the process again. Repeat these steps until the rash is gone.

Petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly works as a wonderful skin protector, acting as a barrier to the irritating effects of a soiled diaper on soft baby skin. After cleaning your baby’s bottom with warm water and no soap, dry it well and rub petroleum jelly over the affected area. Then, replace the diaper. If you do this every time you change your baby’s diaper, the rash will heal quickly. You can find petroleum jelly in supermarkets or drugstores; the most common brand is Vaseline.

Fresh air

Letting your baby go diaper-free for certain periods of the day is one of the easiest ways to keep your baby’s skin dry and free from diaper rash. If you are worried about sudden toilet accidents, you can put a plastic sheet down while your little one crawls around in the house or yard. If you make sure you have naked time directly after a dirty diaper change, you may be able to prevent accidents in the immediate future. Alternately, you can keep a baby potty nearby to sit them on if you see them starting to go.