If you’re reading this in a sleep-deprived haze, clutching a teething ring in one hand and a tube of diaper cream in the other, welcome. You're in the right place.
There’s a moment in almost every parent’s journey when their sweet, drooly, teething baby suddenly starts showing signs of diaper rash… again. Cue the frantic Googling: “Can teething cause diaper rash?” The short answer? Yes, but not in the way you might think.
Let’s break it down.
First: What actually is diaper rash?
Diaper rash is a common irritation that shows up as red, inflamed, or spotty skin on your baby’s bottom.
It’s typically caused by:
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Excess moisture (hello, pee and poop)
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Friction from diapers
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Prolonged exposure to irritants
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Disruption to the skin’s natural barrier
Sometimes, diaper rash pops up because of antibiotics or illness. Sometimes it’s yeast-related. And sometimes… it coincides with teething. Which brings us to our next point.
So, can teething cause diaper rash?
Here’s the honest answer: Teething doesn’t directly cause diaper rash, but it absolutely can contribute to it.
And here’s how:
1. All that drool
Teething babies drool. A lot.
And while most of it soaks into bibs and onesies, some of it gets swallowed, which can lead to changes in your baby’s stool. Many parents notice that teething poop is looser, more acidic, and happens more often.
This kind of stool can be more irritating to your baby’s delicate skin, especially when it sits in a diaper for even a short time. That acidity is a known rash trigger.
2. More dirty diapers
Increased saliva + possible mild inflammation in the gut = more frequent poops. More diaper changes. More wiping. More chances for friction and irritation.
3. Sensitive everything
Some babies just become more sensitive when teething.
Their sleep is disrupted, their feeding is off, and their skin can become more reactive to things that wouldn’t normally be a problem (like a slightly damp diaper or a new brand of wipes.)
So, while the answer to “can teething cause diaper rash” is technically no, it’s very often part of the perfect storm that leads to rashy little bottoms.
How to soothe teething-related diaper rash
You don’t need a complicated routine or a dozen products. In fact, the gentler, the better.
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Skip the wipes
If your baby’s skin is already irritated, wipes (especially scented ones) can sting or make things worse.
Instead, cleanse with a diapering lotion like our Organic French Liniment. It gently removes residue and leaves behind a protective barrier to help soothe and prevent further irritation.
2. Use a breathable balm
Once skin is clean and dry, apply a barrier balm to protect from moisture and friction. Choose one that’s petroleum-free, breathable, and made with ingredients you recognize (like beeswax and olive oil.)
Our Organic Diaper Balm does the job without clogging pores or sealing in irritation. Just a light layer is all you need.
3. Change more frequently (sorry)
When teething strikes, you may need to change diapers more often than usual, even if they’re just a little damp. Keeping the area clean and dry is one of the best defenses against worsening rash.
4. Let it air out
As much as possible, give your baby some diaper-free time each day to let their skin breathe.
A blanket on the floor, some playtime, and maybe a towel underneath for good measure - it works wonders.
5. Keep it simple
Teething is a lot - for your baby and for you.
Stick to gentle, minimalist care that supports the skin rather than overwhelms it. Fewer products, fewer steps, more peace.
How long does it last?
The good news: teething-related diaper rash often clears up fairly quickly, especially with the right care!
If the rash doesn’t improve within a few days, spreads, starts to blister or ooze, or your baby seems in pain, definitely check in with your pediatrician. Occasionally, what looks like diaper rash might be a yeast infection or something else that needs specific treatment.
What else can you do during teething?
Teething can feel like a full-time job, so here are a few quick ideas to support your baby and yourself:
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Keep clean teething toys in the fridge (cool = soothing)
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Rub baby’s gums gently with a clean finger
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Offer frozen fruit or milk pops if your baby has started solids
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Stock up on clean bibs (the drool never ends)
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And maybe, just maybe, pour yourself a cup of tea and sit down for 90 seconds
You deserve a minute too.
A note about natural care
At La Petite Crème, we’re big believers in keeping things simple.
You won’t find artificial fragrances, harsh preservatives, or unpronounceable ingredients in our products - just 5 or 6 natural ones, depending on what you’re using.
Our lotion does all three steps in one: it cleanses, protects, and restores the skin with every application. And our balm is perfect for when your baby needs a little extra comfort - on diaper rash, dry cheeks, or flaky skin.
Because babies are sensitive. And what goes on their skin should be, too.
Petites pensées
There are a lot of things you can’t control when your baby is teething.
The drool.
The naps (or lack thereof).
The emotional rollercoaster that turns them from giggly to grumpy in 0.4 seconds.
But you can make diapering gentler. You can soothe their skin. You can show up, tired and unsure, and still be exactly what your baby needs.
We’ll be here with the lotion. You bring the love.