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Diaper rash is every parent's nightmare. It is uncomfortable for your little one and can also be tough to get rid of. If you're dealing with a bad case of diaper rash, never fear! We've compiled a list of 10 tips and tricks that will help you banish diaper rash for good.
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Keep things clean. This one seems like a no-brainer, but it bears repeating. Make sure you're changing your baby's diaper frequently, and that you're cleaning their bottom thoroughly each time. Use warm water and mild soap, and be sure to dry your baby off completely before putting on a new diaper.
Avoid harsh chemicals and perfumes. A lot of commercial diaper wipes contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your baby's skin and make the rash worse. Instead, opt for wipes that are alcohol- and fragrance-free. You should also avoid using laundry detergents and fabric softeners with strong fragrances, as these can also irritate your baby's skin. If you're looking for a good diaper wipe, we say go with Huggies Simply Clean Fragrance-Free Baby Diaper Wipes. They are gentle and thick, making them ideal for cleaning up messes. The wipes are also hypoallergenic, which is perfect for sensitive skin.
Let some air in. After each diaper change, let your baby sit without a diaper for a few minutes so that their bottom can get some air. This will help the rash heal more quickly.
Use a barrier cream. There are a number of barrier creams on the market that can help protect your baby's bottom from further irritation. Zinc oxide is a popular choice; just be sure to look for a cream that doesn't have any perfume or other harsh chemicals in it. We recommend Desitin Daily Defense Baby Diaper Rash Cream as a barrier cream that can help protect from irritation. This diaper rash cream has zinc oxide, which helps to create a barrier between the skin and wet diapers. It is also hypoallergenic and has been clinically proven to provide long lasting relief.
Give your baby a bath. A warm bath can help soothe your baby's irritated skin and speed up the healing process. Just be careful not to add any bubble bath or other fragranced products to the water, as these can further irritate your baby's bottom.
Pat — don't rub — your baby after bathing them. Once you've finished giving your baby a bath, gently pat them dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing their skin vigorously.
Apply a medicated powder. Medicated powders like talcum powder or cornstarch can help absorb moisture and keep your baby's bottom dry, which will in turn help the rash heal more quickly. Just be sure not to use too much, as this can actually end up making the rash worse. We recommend Caldesene Medicated Protecting Powder, which is an effective and safe product to use for preventing and treating diaper rash. It is easy to apply and gentle on the skin, making it a good choice for babies and toddlers.
Try using cloth diapers. If you're using disposable diapers, switching to cloth diapers may help, as they allow more air circulation. Just be sure to use an unscented laundry detergent when washing them.
Don't forget about probiotics. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that live in our gut s; they help us digest food properly and fight off infections. You can find them in supplement form or by eating yogurt or other fermented foods. Giving your baby probiotics may help clear up diaper rash by keeping their gut healthy.
Talk to your doctor. In severe cases, steroid creams or oral antibiotics may be necessary to clear up diaper rash completely. If over-the-counter treatments aren't working after a few days, make an appointment with your pediatrician so they can assess the situation and recommend the best course of treatment for your little one.
Final Thoughts
Diaper rash is no fun for anyone involved, but thankfully there are plenty of things you can do to get rid of it quickly! By following these 10 tips, you'll have your little one's bottom looking good as new in no time flat.
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