How to Prevent Diaper Rash
A baby’s skin is more sensitive than an adult’s, which is one reason why they become more prone to infections and skin problems. One very common dilemma parents are concerned about is diaper rash. It’s literally a pain in the bottom, so if you don’t want your little angel to get this, here are some tips to prevent diaper rash.
What You’ll Need:
Cloth diapers
Clean towels
Warm water
Mild baby soap
Perfume-free baby powder
Diaper cream or ointment
Change The Diaper As Often As Possible
Soil and urine irritate your baby’s skin, especially if they are in contact with the skin all the time. Mix those with your baby’s sweat from the insulation, and your child will surely have unpleasant rashes. Make sure you change their diapers as frequently as possible, at least every hour or when they’re soiled. Even when a diaper’s not too wet, change it. It’s also a good idea to use loose-fitting diapers with an extra-absorbent gel material, to keep the skin dry.
Before putting on a new diaper, clean his bottom and genitals completely, using plain warm water and a very mild baby soap. Afterwards, dry the skin with a clean towel, patting gently. Don’t wipe.
Get Him Out Of The Diapers Every Now And Then
Keeping your baby’s bottom covered in diapers all day, even if you frequently change them, can still cause soreness and diaper rash. Try to get him out of the diapers every once in a while. If you don’t want him to make a mess when the diapers are off, put him on a rubber mat covered with a clean washable cloth. He can have fun while you air his bottom.
Another good idea is using cloth diapers every now and then. They’re least likely to cause diaper rash, and are cooler. The only drawback is you’ll have to keep washing the urine and soil out. When you wash them, use hot water to kill germs. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse water, to counterbalance his urine’s alkalinity. Boiling the cloth diapers in water for 15 minutes is also recommended.
Don’t Use Commercial Baby Wipes
They might boast of efficient cleaning powers, but the problem is commercial baby wipes have irritating ingredients in them too, such as alcohol. These can further irritate the rash, worsening the condition. The best way to clean is still using mild soap and water. When you’re done, always pat dry, instead of wiping.
Ointment Helps
A diaper rash cream or ointment helps create a protective barrier on your skin. Apply some on your baby’s skin every time he’s going to wear a diaper. Choose as brand that contains zinc oxide, so your baby’s bottom is better protected from moisture. Some prescribed and pediatrician-recommended types include Diaparene, D ointment and Desitin. Don’t use creams with methyl salicytate, camphor, boric acid, phenol, or benzoin tincture compound. These will cause more harm than relief.
The Magic Of Powder
You can also use baby powder to protect your angel’s skin from rashes. Dust his bottom with it, but be careful he doesn’t inhale any. Cornstarch-based brands are better, and make sure you don’t used the perfumed kinds. These can only irritate the skin more.
Don’t torture your baby with itchy and painful diaper rash. With these tips, you’ll make him and his bottom happy and worry-free.