It’s so frustrating when your baby gets a diaper rash. Not only is it uncomfortable for them, but it also means you have to spend extra time changing diapers and tending to their bottom
A lot of people think that diaper rashes are just a fact of life, but that’s not true! There are plenty of things you can do to help prevent and treat diaper rashes.
If your baby is always getting diaper rashes, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Here are nine reasons why your baby might be continually getting diaper rashes and some tips on how prevent diaper rash.
There are many different causes of diaper rash, including wetness, chafing, bacterial or yeast infection, and sensitivity to the ingredients in diaper cream. If you are experiencing a diaper rash, it is important to identify the cause so that you can treat it effectively.
Check the diapers you’re using
The type of diaper you use can make a big difference when it comes to diaper rashes. Some diapers are more likely to cause rashes than others, so if your baby is always getting them, try switching brands or types of diapers.
This doesn’t just mean the difference between cloth diapers and disposable diapers. Note, it doesn’t matter what type, cloth nappies do not cause diaper rash. If they did, diaper rash would have disappeared in the last fifty years!
Disposable Diapers Causing Allergic Rash
Many brands of disposable diapers include a wide range of toxins and chemicals, many of which your baby might be allergic to. If you’re using disposable diapers, try switching to organic or eco-friendly brands.
If you think your disposable diaper is the cause of the diaper rash then either try a new brand, try an organic natural brand or try switching to cloth diapers to see if this helps.
Cloth Diapers Causing Diaper Rash
If you think your cloth diapers are the cause, then this could be down to detergent build-up, a fleece or material allergy, an allergy to the detergent you are using.
When you wash diapers, ensure that you have fully rinsed out any powder and then try switching to a new brand of detergent for cloth diapers, maybe one designed for sensitive skin.
If you think your diapers might be the cause due to detergent build up, then you will need to strip wash your nappies.
Are your baby wipes the cause?
Wet wipes are another potential cause of diaper rash. If you’re using baby wipes, make sure they’re unscented and free from alcohol and other harsh chemicals.
Avoid scented baby wipes which might be the problem and opt for something a lot more natural. We love the water wipes, which are just water and a little bit of grapefruit seed extract to help keep them fresh.
Alternatively, you can make a homemade solution for cloth wipes.
Is your Diaper Cream Causing Diaper Rash on Baby’s Bottom?
One common culprit of diaper rash is diaper cream. Some people have a sensitivity to the ingredients in these creams, which can cause a rash to develop. If you are using a diaper cream and are experiencing a rash, it is important to try a different cream or to stop using the cream altogether.
You might want to switch to homemade diaper rash remedies until the rash goes away.
There are many different homemade diaper rash remedies that you can try, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or zinc oxide ointment.
Food Allergy Might Be the Cause
Whilst not usually an issue for exclusively formula-fed bottles, a food allergy can cause diaper rashes if your baby is either breastfed or has recently started solids. If
you think this might be the cause, try cutting out one food at a time from your baby’s diet to see if the rash clears up.
It can be tricky to work out what the allergy is, but an elimination diet can help you determine what foods are causing problems for your little one. A food diary will be your new best friend! Whilst it might seem annoying to write down every bit of food your baby ate (or you if breastfeeding) it can be a real help in diagnosing the problem.
Bacteria Might Be The Culprit
If your baby’s diaper rash doesn’t seem to have a clear cause, it might be caused by bacteria. This is most common in babies who are being potty trained, as the change in routine can upset the delicate balance of bacteria in their bottom.
In this case, you need to make sure that you’re cleaning your baby’s bottom properly after each potty trip. Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap and make sure you rinse off all the soap properly.
If your baby’s rash is really bad, you might need to use an antiseptic cream or ointment to kill the bacteria. We love Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm which is organic, vegan, and free from all the nasties.
One of the main causes of diaper rash is a build-up of urine and feces in the diaper. The best way to prevent this is to change your baby’s diaper often, especially if they’ve been drinking or eating a lot.
Your Baby Is Taking Antibiotics Which Causes Diaper Rash
If your baby is taking antibiotics, it might be causing their diaper rash. Antibiotics kill off both the bad bacteria and the good bacteria in your baby’s gut, which can lead to a build-up of urine and feces.
To prevent this, make sure you’re giving your baby probiotics alongside their antibiotics. Probiotics help to restore the balance of good bacteria in your baby’s gut and can help to prevent diaper rash.
You can find probiotics in most pharmacies and health food stores. Look for a probiotic supplement that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Your Baby’s Diapers are Too Tight
If your baby’s diaper is too tight, it can cause a build-up of moisture and lead to a diaper rash. This is because a tight diaper can cause chafing and create a moist environment that is ideal for bacteria to grow.
Make sure you’re not putting any unnecessary pressure on your baby’s skin by ensuring their diapers are nice and loose. A wet or dirty diaper that is on too tight will cause chaffing and irritated skin irritation or make a diaper rash worse. A diaper change time, not only let them have some diaper-free time (which is great for treating diaper rash) but also give them some air in the diaper area when you put the diaper back on.
One of the simplest diaper rash treatment tips is to keep the baby out of a diaper for as long as possible!
Your Babies Bath Might Be the Cause
If your baby is constantly getting diaper rashes, it might be helpful to take a closer look at the products you are using in their bath. Many toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, and bubble baths, contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your baby’s skin.
Bathing is generally very helpful for babies and is usually done to help treat diaper rash, but it can also cause diaper rashes in some instances. When you bathe your baby, the soap and water will strip away the oils on the baby’s skin that help to protect them from bacteria. This leaves their skin vulnerable to irritation and infection.
Whilst an allergic reaction to toiletries might be all over the skin, it can manifest most in the diaper area which is usually wet.
To prevent this, be sure to only bathe your baby once or twice a week at most, and use a gentle soap that is designed for babies. Or change out the chemical toiletries for something more natural to bathe your baby in like an oatmeal bath. Diaper rash treatment tips often include baths with baking soda, apple cider vinegar or Epsom salts.
Your Baby Might Be Ill
A final, but less common, cause of diaper rash is an illness. If your baby has a fever, seems lethargic, or isn’t eating or drinking like normal, they might have a virus and their diaper rash is just a symptom.
If your baby is continually run down, this might manifest itself as a diaper rash. In this case, call the doctor for a check-up. Your baby’s doctor can go over their symptoms and see what is causing them to develop diaper rash.
The Bottom Line
No matter the cause, it’s important to treat a diaper rash as soon as you notice it. Left untreated, a diaper rash can get worse and lead to further skin irritation or infection. If your baby is having frequent diaper rashes, be sure to consult with their doctor to determine the underlying cause.
