Let’s start here: diaper rash happens. Even with the most attentive diaper changes, the softest wipes, and the best intentions. You open the diaper and there it is, red, irritated, and bothering your bundle of joy (and now, you).
The good news? There are natural ways to calm that rash fast. We’re talking 24-hour turnaround fast.
No harsh creams.
No long ingredient lists.
And definitely no mystery goop.
So if you’re here because your baby’s bum is looking a little angry, take a breath.
Better?
This guide will walk you through what causes diaper rash, how to deal with it quickly and gently, and how to prevent it from coming back (without turning your changing table into a pharmacy shelf).
Let’s go.
What causes diaper rash?
Diaper rash is essentially skin inflammation. It shows up when your baby’s skin is irritated by prolonged contact with moisture, friction, bacteria, or even certain wipes or creams.
Common triggers include:
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Sitting in a wet or soiled diaper for too long
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Bowel movements (especially when teething or sick)
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Harsh wipes or fragrances (hiding in plain sight on the ingredients list of almost every baby product)
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Yeast overgrowth (which loves warm, damp places)
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Antibiotic use
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A sensitivity to a diaper material or cream
It can range from a light pink flush to a fiery red rash with bumps or peeling skin. Either way, it’s no fun. And when it appears, we all want it gone asap.
How to get rid of a diaper rash in 24 hours naturally
Yes, it is possible to calm a diaper rash in a single day, especially if you catch it early. Here’s how to get rid of a diaper rash in 24 hours naturally, step by gentle step.
1. Let that skin breathe
Give your baby some diaper-free time throughout the day. This might sound scary (hello, laundry), but a few minutes here and there can make a big difference. Fresh air is the most natural remedy there is.
Lay your baby on a towel or waterproof pad and let them wiggle freely. Skin heals faster when it’s dry and exposed, rather than trapped in a damp, enclosed diaper environment.
2. Rethink your wipes
Most commercial wipes contain alcohol, fragrance, or preservatives that can aggravate already irritated skin. And while water may seem like the gentlest alternative, it’s not always ideal, especially tap water, which can actually dry the skin out further (not what you want on an already sore bum).
Instead, clean your baby’s skin with:
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A soft cloth or cotton pad paired with an oil-based cleansing lotion like La Petite Crème - a traditional French liniment that gently cleans, moisturizes, and creates a barrier, all in one step.
Bonus: La Petite Crème is USDA Certified Organic, EWG Verified, and contains only six ingredients (no fragrance, no weird stuff, just gentle protection.)
3. Use a natural barrier (not just any cream)
Many diaper rash creams contain petroleum, zinc oxide, or other occlusive ingredients that trap moisture in and out. That might work as a barrier, but it doesn’t always let the skin heal underneath.
Instead, opt for something nourishing and breathable, like a balm made with organic beeswax and olive oil. These ingredients soothe inflammation, fight off yeast and bacteria naturally, and let the skin do what it does best: heal itself.
Apply a thin layer after every change, especially overnight. This creates a gentle, breathable shield while still allowing airflow.
4. Change more often (yes, even more than that)
This isn’t forever, just for today. If you’re trying to beat the rash quickly, change your baby’s diaper as soon as it’s wet, not just when it’s full. The goal is to keep the area as dry and clean as possible while healing.
That might mean checking more often, even setting a timer. (Totally worth it for a rash-free tomorrow.)
5. Watch for yeast
If the rash is stubborn, doesn’t improve within a day or two, or has defined red spots or edges, it could be a yeast rash. These often pop up after antibiotic use or as a secondary infection from prolonged moisture.
Natural remedies for yeast include:
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Coconut oil (mild antifungal)
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Apple cider vinegar diluted with water (for cleaning, not directly on broken skin)
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Probiotic-rich foods if your baby is eating solids
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Breastmilk (yes, really—anti-inflammatory and healing)
Still unsure? When in doubt, check with your pediatrician.
Prevention: your gentle daily routine
Once you’ve calmed the rash, the next step is prevention. Here’s how to keep your baby’s skin happy day after day:
🧴 Stick with simple
The fewer ingredients, the better. Skip the “diaper cream aisle” and choose gentle products you could literally eat (not that we recommend it).
💨 Let them air out
Even a few minutes a day of diaper-free time helps keep skin dry and resilient.
🔄 Change diapers often
It sounds obvious, but especially with newborns, it’s easy to miss those quick pees or small poops that still irritate skin.
💛 Use an oil-based liniment cream
Water alone doesn’t remove every trace of waste, and wipes can irritate. An oil-based lotion like La Petite Crème gently lifts residue, nourishes the skin, and creates a protective barrier (all in one swipe.)
A note on natural: why less is more
When your baby has a rash, it’s tempting to try five different creams in five hours. We get it. But more products often mean more ingredients (some of which aren’t doing your baby’s skin any favors.)
French parents have known this for generations: simple routines, minimal products, and consistent care go a long way.
La Petite Crème was born from that philosophy.
So when in doubt, go back to basics. A soft cloth, a gentle lotion, some fresh air, and your baby’s natural healing power.
Real talk: it’s not your fault
Even the most conscientious parent can end up dealing with a diaper rash. It doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. Skin is sensitive. Babies pee a lot. Life gets busy. This happens.
The best thing you can do?
Show up gently. Choose simple tools. Stay consistent. And remind yourself: you’re doing great.
Petites pensées
Diaper rashes are common, but they don’t have to be complicated. With a few natural, breathable remedies and a touch of French-inspired simplicity, you really can clear things up in a day.
And if you ever catch your toddler applying our balm to their lips again? Well… at least you know it’s safe.
P.S. Looking for a rash routine that does it all?
Our Organic Diapering Lotion + Diaper Balm combo is the gentlest defense you can keep on your changing table.
Six ingredients, one bottle, and no more diaper drama. Shop here →