If you're reading this with one hand while trying to soothe a red, irritated little bum with the other - mama, you're not alone.
Diaper rash is one of the most common (and frustrating) baby care challenges, and when it flares up, you want it gone as quickly as possible. In this blog post, we’ll walk through exactly how to treat diaper rash quickly, with practical steps you can take today to bring relief to your baby (and your peace of mind!)
We’ll also let you in on the French secret to diapering that skips the wipes entirely (yes, really) and introduces a gentler, more effective way to cleanse, protect, and heal your baby’s skin.
Let’s dive in.
What causes diaper rash?
Before we talk about how to treat it, it helps to know what you’re dealing with. Diaper rash can be triggered by a number of culprits, including:
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Prolonged moisture - A wet or soiled diaper sitting against the skin too long can cause irritation
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Friction - Rubbing from diapers, especially when too tight, creates micro-abrasions
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Harsh products - Baby wipes, soaps, and creams with alcohol, fragrance, or other chemicals can strip delicate skin
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Sensitivity or allergies - Some babies are more prone to reacting to ingredients in diapers, wipes, or creams
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Yeast overgrowth - If a rash is persistent and angry-looking, it could be a yeast infection, especially after antibiotics
Now that we’ve covered the "why", let’s get to what you came for…
How to treat diaper rash quickly
Step by step
Whether you’re facing a minor rash or a full-blown flare-up, here’s how to get that sweet baby bottom back to smooth and happy ASAP.
1. Skip the wipes
We know, it sounds dramatic, but trust us on this one.
Most commercial baby wipes are full of alcohol, fragrance, and preservatives that can aggravate already irritated skin. Even water wipes can be drying when used frequently.
Instead, switch to La Petite Crème Organic Diapering Lotion and cotton pads. It’s a French-mom favorite for a reason - it gently cleanses, protects, and nourishes your baby’s skin all at once, with no rinsing required. The blend of olive oil, limestone water, and beeswax creates a soothing barrier while gently removing residue.
2. Let it breathe
If possible, let your baby have some naked bum time.
Lay a soft towel down and let them air out for 10 to 15 minutes between changes. Air is nature’s best healer and helps dry out any lingering moisture that could be fueling the rash.
3. Use a protective balm, liberally
While many diaper creams claim to help, they often contain petroleum-based ingredients or zinc oxide, which can trap moisture and make things worse. These heavy pastes don’t let the skin breathe and can be especially irritating on broken skin.
Instead, try La Petite Crème Diapering Balm, a lightweight, breathable formula that helps restore and protect delicate skin with natural ingredients like beeswax. It’s designed to soothe, seal, and support healing - without any harsh chemicals.
4. Change diapers often
When your baby has a rash, every wet diaper can further irritate the skin. Change more frequently than usual, aiming for every 2 hours during the day and right after any bowel movements.
Pro tip - even super-absorbent disposable diapers can feel dry on the outside while holding in plenty of moisture. When in doubt, change it out.
5. Use the CPR diapering method
Think of your diaper routine like CPR for your baby’s skin - a simple system that helps you remember exactly what to do at each change to soothe, protect, and prevent diaper rash.
C – Cleanse
Instead of using wipes (which can sting or strip irritated skin), cleanse gently with a nourishing diapering lotion like La Petite Crème.
Apply with a soft cotton pad to remove any mess, no rinsing needed. This method not only cleanses thoroughly but leaves behind a light layer of protective moisture. It's gentler, faster, and a total game changer for babies with sensitive skin.
P – Protect
After cleansing, apply a thin layer of barrier balm. This step shields your baby’s skin from wetness and friction, the two biggest culprits behind diaper rash.
Our Diapering Balm is breathable, non-petroleum based, and enriched with beeswax to calm and guard delicate skin without clogging pores or sealing in irritation.
R – Restore
Healing happens best when skin is allowed to breathe and supported with ingredients that actually nourish.
The natural oils and waxes in La Petite Crème products help repair the skin’s barrier function, reduce inflammation, and restore softness - fast. Think of this as the "aftercare" that helps your baby’s skin bounce back and stay healthy between changes.
Whether you're dealing with an active rash or just want to prevent one, following this Cleanse – Protect – Restore method consistently can make all the difference.
Prevention = less pain (for everyone)
Once you’ve healed the rash, you’ll want to keep it from coming back. Here’s how:
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Stick with natural, fragrance-free products made specifically for baby skin
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Use cloth pads or cotton rounds with your diapering lotion for less friction
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Let your baby go diaper-free when possible
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Don’t wait for full-blown redness to apply balm - treat even a little pinkness as a warning sign
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Avoid products with petroleum, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or phenoxyethanol
And remember, if you wouldn’t let your baby eat it, don’t put it on their skin.
Why baby skin needs extra care
It might seem obvious that babies have delicate skin, just touch those soft little cheeks! But what many parents don’t realize is just how different baby skin actually is from ours. And those differences are exactly why it needs a bit of extra attention, especially during diapering.
For starters, baby skin is thinner and more porous than adult skin. That means it doesn’t just sit there looking cute, it actively absorbs everything you put on it. From lotions and creams to wipes and bath products, baby skin is soaking it all in. This is why ingredient lists matter so much. What seems like a harmless cream can quickly become a source of irritation or exposure to unnecessary chemicals.
On top of that, your baby’s skin barrier - the layer that acts like a natural shield - is still developing. This means it’s more prone to moisture loss, irritation, and infection, especially in areas like the diaper zone where skin is constantly warm, damp, and rubbing against material.
Even so-called “baby-safe” products sometimes include things like:
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Fragrance (often made up of dozens of undisclosed chemicals)
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Parabens
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Petroleum derivatives
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Preservatives that disrupt the skin microbiome
None of those belong anywhere near your baby’s bum.
That’s why we believe in a simpler, more natural approach. At La Petite Crème, we use food-grade ingredients you can actually pronounce (and, technically, eat - though we don’t recommend it).
Our products are made with olive oil, beeswax, and limestone water, which gently cleanse, soothe, and protect without overloading your baby’s skin with junk it doesn’t need.
Because here's the thing: when your baby’s skin is healthy and happy, you’ll spend less time dealing with rashes, flare-ups, and cranky diaper changes - and more time enjoying the squishy sweetness of babyhood.
When to call the pediatrician
While most diaper rashes respond well to at-home care, call your pediatrician if:
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The rash isn’t improving after 2 to 3 days of treatment
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It’s spreading or becoming blistered
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Your baby seems especially uncomfortable or in pain
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There’s blood or pus in the area
Sometimes, a prescription anti-fungal or antibiotic cream is necessary. But in most cases, natural care can nip the issue in the bud - quickly and gently.
In summary
If you’re searching for how to treat diaper rash quickly, the key is gentle, consistent care with the right products and habits.
To recap:
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Ditch the wipes and switch to La Petite Crème diapering lotion
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Let the area air out
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Apply a light, breathable balm
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Change frequently
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Follow the Cleanse – Protect – Restore method
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Choose natural, absorb-safe ingredients only
Healing a diaper rash doesn't have to be a week-long struggle. With the right steps (and a little French know-how), you can see major improvement in a single day and have your baby smiling again in no time.
Ready to ditch diaper rash for good?
Grab the La Petite Crème Starter Pack and discover how French moms have been caring for baby bottoms for generations - with fewer rashes, no wipes, and all-natural ingredients.
Your baby’s bum will thank you!