As a mom, there’s nothing worse than seeing your little one uncomfortable—especially when diaper rash strikes. That painful redness and irritation can leave both you and your baby feeling frustrated.
That’s why today, we’re going to dive into the best diaper rash remedy (that actually works!) and how we can keep our babies' bottoms happy and healthy.
What causes diaper rash?
Diaper rash is one of the most common skin issues babies experience, here are a few things that might be irritating your baby’s bottom.
1. Prolonged moisture exposure
Babies’ skin is very delicate - even a little dampness can cause irritation. When diapers aren’t changed frequently enough, urine and stool can sit against the skin, creating a wet environment. The moisture breaks down the skin’s natural barrier, making it more vulnerable to irritation, redness, and rashes.
2. Friction from diapers
Diapers, especially when too loose or too tight, can cause friction against the skin. Constant rubbing, particularly around the thighs and waist, can lead to chafing, redness, and ultimately a rash. The combination of moisture and friction makes diaper rash worse by further weakening the skin’s protective barrier.
3. Irritating ingredients in wipes and diapers
Unfortunately, not all baby products are created equal! Most wipes and diapers contain chemicals, fragrances, and/or dyes that can irritate a baby’s skin.
Harsh ingredients in wipes or the materials in disposable diapers can cause allergic reactions or contact dermatitis.
4. Sensitivity to foods
If your baby is eating solids or you’re breastfeeding, certain foods in their diet can trigger diaper rash.
Foods that cause diarrhea or acidic stools, such as citrus fruits or tomatoes, can be particularly harsh on a baby’s skin. If you’re introducing new foods, your baby’s digestive system might react, leading to more frequent bowel movements that increase the chance of diaper rash.
5. Yeast or bacterial infections
Sometimes, diaper rash can go beyond irritation and turn into an infection. The warm, moist environment of a diaper is the perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria.
A yeast infection, known as candida, often appears as bright red patches with small, raised bumps. Bacterial infections, like those caused by staph or strep, can also occur, showing up as pimples, sores, or even pus-filled blisters.
These infections require medical treatment, so if the rash doesn’t improve with usual care, it’s essential to check with your pediatrician.
6. New products
The introduction of new products, whether it’s a new brand of diapers, laundry detergent, or baby lotion, can sometimes trigger a rash. Babies’ skin can be very sensitive to changes, especially when exposed to new chemicals or fragrances.
7. Teething
Interestingly, some babies develop diaper rash during teething or when experiencing other significant changes such as transitioning to solids or weaning.
While the direct link between teething and diaper rash isn’t entirely clear, many parents notice that babies develop more frequent or acidic stools during these periods, leading to diaper rash flare-ups.
The best diaper rash remedy
As moms, we all want solutions, but here’s a little secret: the best diaper rash remedy starts with prevention. You’ve probably heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and it couldn’t be truer when it comes to diaper rash.
The goal is to prevent the rash from happening in the first place, rather than scrambling to fix it after it appears.
So before we look at remedies for diaper rash, here are our best tips for preventing diaper rash altogether:
1. Avoid wipes
Many disposable wipes contain ingredients that are harsh on your baby’s sensitive skin - drying it out and making it more prone to irritation.
(Even “fragrance-free” and “gentle” options can still contain ingredients that cause problems over time!)
So, what’s the alternative?
Using organic diaper lotion with a cotton pad instead of wipes is one of the best ways to keep your baby’s skin clean without causing dryness or irritation. These DIY “wipes” will not only protect your baby’s bottom but won’t dry your baby’s skin out like regular wipes do.
2. Keep it dry
Moisture is one of the main culprits behind diaper rash.
After cleaning your baby’s bottom, be sure to pat it dry (gently, of course!) before applying any creams or putting on a new diaper. The drier the skin, the less likely it is to get irritated by the combination of moisture and friction. This small step can work wonders in prevention.
3. Choose the right diapers
The type of diapers you use also plays a role in preventing diaper rash. Some disposable diapers contain chemicals that can irritate the skin - consider switching to hypoallergenic or cloth diapers if you notice frequent flare-ups.
Give your baby some diaper-free time
One of the best things you can do to prevent diaper rash is to give your baby plenty of diaper-free time. I know, I know—this sounds messy, but letting your baby’s bottom breathe for a bit is one of the most effective ways to reduce irritation.
When their skin is exposed to the air, it gets a chance to dry out naturally and heal if there’s any early redness or irritation.
Try laying your baby on a towel during playtime or after a bath and let them kick around diaper-free for a little while. Not only does this help prevent rashes, but it’s also a great way for your little one to explore movement in a more natural way!
The power of organic diaper balm
When it comes to the best diaper rash remedy, nothing beats the power of an organic diaper balm.
Unlike traditional barrier creams, which can sometimes clog pores or irritate delicate skin, organic balms made with natural ingredients like beeswax and olive oil provide a gentle, soothing layer of protection.
They work by creating a natural barrier between your baby’s skin and any irritants in their diaper, while also moisturizing and helping to heal any inflammation.
Apply a gentle diaper balm as soon as you notice the first signs of diaper rash to keep it at bay!
How to Soothe a Diaper Rash Once It Appears
Even with the best prevention strategies, sometimes diaper rash can still happen. Babies have such sensitive skin, and no matter how careful we are, we can’t always avoid it. But don’t worry—there are remedies!
1. Bottoms up!
As mentioned earlier, diaper-free time is not only great for prevention but also for healing. If your baby already has a rash, let their skin breathe as much as possible. Even 10 minutes here and there can make a big difference.
2. Apply (a good quality!) diaper balm generously
When a rash appears, you want to provide relief and protection right away. Apply an organic diaper balm generously after every diaper change to soothe the irritation, reduce redness, and form a barrier between your baby’s skin and further irritants.
A good cream will not only heal but also protect, so it’s important to keep applying it even after the rash starts to clear.
3. Change your baby's diaper frequently
Keeping the diaper area dry and clean is crucial.
Change your baby’s diaper frequently, especially if they’ve had a bowel movement, as prolonged contact with urine or stool can make the rash worse.
Even at night, if your baby has a rash, try changing them more frequently than usual to give their skin a better chance to heal.
Petites pensées
At the end of the day, the best diaper rash remedy is a combination of prevention and care.
From avoiding harsh wipes in favor of organic cotton pads and diaper cream, to letting your baby enjoy some diaper-free time, there are many ways to keep your little one’s bottom happy and rash-free. And when a rash does appear, treating it with a soothing, natural balm can work wonders.
As two moms who were once searching for the perfect diaper lotion ourselves, we understand how important it is to have a reliable product that you can trust. When we couldn’t find the classic French diaper lotions we knew and loved after moving to America, we decided to create our own right in our kitchen. Now, we’re proud to share our all-in-one, organic diaper lotion with you—so you can take the guesswork out of diapering and focus on enjoying those sweet moments with your little one.
Here’s to healthy bottoms and happy babies!