It can be really upsetting to realise that your baby has a rash or tender looking skin in the diaper area, and as parents we tend to stress about the cause. We all know that frequent changing is important, but can changing a diaper too often cause a rash?
It’s possible that changing a diaper too often can cause a diaper rash, but it’s more likely that other factors are involved. If you notice that your baby has a rash after you’ve changed their diaper more frequently than usual, it’s probably not due to the diaper changes themselves.
Instead, it’s likely that the rash is caused by something else, such as a yeast infection, an allergic reaction to a new detergent or fabric softener or, rarely, a bacterial infection.
What is the Main Cause of Baby’s Diaper Rash?
Parents are often surprised at how quickly a diaper rash can show up- Diaper rash is common, but it’s not always caused by the same thing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than half of infants aged between 4 and 15 months old will experience diaper rashes.
The main cause of diaper rash is wet or soiled diapers. Babies left in a wet or dirty diaper for too long can get diaper rash.
Other things that causes diaper rash includes skin sensitivity, chafing, and infection.
Diaper rashes may occur from skin irritation, infections, and allergies. For some babies, diaper rashes can be from allergies or sensitivity to things such as fabric softeners, dryer sheets or diaper wipes.
Read our guide on everything you need to know about diaper rash to learn more.
How Often Should You Change a Baby With Diaper Rash?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it will depend on the severity of the rash and how quickly it responds to treatment. Also newborns need very frequent diaper changes.
However, as a general guideline, it is generally recommended that you change your baby’s diaper every 2-3 hours when they have a diaper rash. This will help to keep the area clean and dry, and will allow you to monitor the rash closely for any signs of improvement or deterioration. You might want to apply zinc oxide cream or a barrier ointment after every change to soothe the diaper area.
Are disposable diapers better?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best type of diaper for your child will depend on a variety of factors.
It is thought that disposables are more likely to irritate skin than cloth nappies, this is because cloth nappies allow more air circulation in the diaper area than disposables do. Some children also have sensitivities or allergies to disposable diapers. However, many parents find that disposable diapers are more convenient and easier to use than cloth diapers. Additionally, these diapers generally provide better leak protection than cloth diapers.
If you are considering using disposable diapers, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, be sure to choose a brand that is comfortable for your baby and does not cause irritation. If one brand of disposable diaper irritates your baby’s skin, try another. Additionally, you will need to change them more often, so be sure to stock up! Finally, keep in mind that they are not biodegradable, so they may not be the best choice for families who are looking to be more eco-friendly.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use disposable or cloth diapers is a personal one. Consider your own needs and preferences, as well as those of your baby, before making a decision. Whichever type of diaper you choose, be sure to stay vigilant about changing it regularly to keep your little one comfortable and dry. For most babies, it the moist environment of a nappy that lets nasties grow causing rash, so keep them dry! Some parents like to use baby powder for this reason.
Diaper Rash Cause by Changing Diapers Too Often Prevention and Treatment
If your baby has a rash, it is important to understand what may be causing it. Sometimes, rashes can be caused by something as simple as changing diapers too often. In other cases, there may be an underlying medical condition that is causing the rash. Regardless of the cause, there are some things that you can do to help prevent and treat diaper rash.
If you are changing your baby’s diaper too often, this can cause irritation and lead to a rash. It is important to change diapers regularly, but you should not be doing it more than necessary. If your baby has a wet or soiled diaper, you should change it as soon as possible. However, if the diaper is only slightly wet, you can wait a few minutes before changing it. Consider letting your baby spend some time without a diaper on.
If your baby has a rash, there are some things that you can do to help treat it. You can try treating diaper rash using a diaper Cream or ointment. There are many different kinds of these products available, so you may want to ask your doctor or pharmacist for a recommendation. You can also try using a warm compress on the rash. This can help to soothe irritation and reduce swelling. Sometimes, if your baby has a diaper rash caused by yeast infection, you will need your doctor to prescribe an antifungal cream.
If you think that your baby’s diaper rash may be caused by an underlying medical condition, it is important to see a doctor. Some rashes can be a sign of a more serious problem. If you are concerned about your baby’s rash, you should contact your doctor right away.
Treating Diaper Rash
There are a few things you can do to treat baby’s diaper rashes at home:
- Changing baby’s diaper often, and clean their bottom gently with each change.
- Use a mild, unscented baby wipes or washcloth and water and mild soap to clean your baby’s bottom. Avoid using harsh soaps.
- Apply a barrier cream or ointment to your baby’s bottom with each diaper change. This might keep your baby’s diaper from sticking to the medicated cream.
- Give your baby some “diaper-free time” every day to let baby’s diaper area air out.
- If your baby has started on solid foods, watch out for food triggers in baby’s diet.
- Wash diapers thoroughly to prevent residue from laundry detergent.
If home treatment doesn’t seem to be helping, or if the rash is severe, and your baby’s skin doesn’t improve after a few days, talk to your doctor. They may prescribe a medicated cream or ointment to help clear up the rash.
As a parent, you can do your best to both treat and prevent diaper rash by following the tips above.
Conclusion
The development of rash in baby’s diaper area is an indication that your baby may have sensitive skin and needs more attention than usual.
If someone is taking care of your baby, be sure to share your diaper rash treatment instructions with them. The condition usually clears up on its own with at-home treatments like air drying, changing baby’s diapers more often or applying cream every few hours.
If these steps do not help, see your baby’s doctor advice to determine the cause of the irritation.
