Diaper rash might be common, but many parents are at a loss with how to deal with it safely and effectively. Many diaper creams claim to eliminate diaper rash but actually contain preservatives and chemicals that can further irritate an infant’s fragile skin. To navigate the pitfalls of treating diaper rash and help you soothe your child quickly, we’ve gathered a list of the dos and don’ts of treating diaper rash.
Do: Change Your Baby’s Diaper Regularly
Although diaper rash can be caused simply by chafing between the skin and the diaper, it can also be caused by leaving a baby in a soiled diaper for too long. Feces and urine contain bacteria and ammonia that can irritate a baby’s skin and cause rashes if left too long. One way to stave off diaper rash is to change your baby’s diaper every 2-3 hours, or right away if it’s been soiled with feces.
Don’t: Use Baby Wipes To Treat Diaper Rash
Baby wipes often contain fragrances or alcohol that can irritate the skin if it’s already inflamed. If your infant has diaper rash, clean the area with a soft washcloth and some warm water. You can also switch to baby wipes that are fragrance- and alcohol-free. But in order to treat the affected area, baby wipes won’t cut it–you’ll need to use diaper cream.
Do: Use Diaper Cream As A Treatment And A Preventative
Diaper cream is a great way to treat and soothe irritated skin caused by diaper rash. Most diaper creams can eliminate diaper rash within two to three days. If your baby has a more severe case of diaper rash or there’s bleeding/oozing, you may need to see a doctor to get a medicated ointment. Diaper cream can also be used as a preventative against diaper rash–simply apply it during a diaper change after you’ve cleaned the area and you’ll protect your baby’s skin against inflammation.
Don’t: Choose A Diaper Cream With Poor Ingredients
Diaper creams are not all made alike. Like baby wipes, some diaper creams are made with fragrances, alcohol, or chemicals that can irritate a baby’s skin even further. Look for a diaper cream that is free from harsh ingredients and that uses non-nano zinc oxide to protect the baby’s skin. Not only will this prevent diaper rash from occurring in the first place, but the zinc oxide will tamp down the inflammation and help the healing process work even faster.
Do: Give Your Baby Some Diaper-Free Time
It makes sense–without a diaper, you can’t get diaper rash! If you can spare a few hours a day letting your baby go diaper-free, this is a great way to prevent diaper rash and let your baby’s bottom air-dry. It can also be helpful to let the area air-dry after applying diaper rash cream so that your baby’s skin can dry completely before putting on the diaper.
Don’t: Fret Over Which Diaper Cream To Use
There are many best-of lists that rate diaper creams based on effectiveness, gentleness, and affordability. One of the diaper rash creams that consistently rises to the top is Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream, a pediatrician-recommended zinc oxide ointment that works as a treatment and preventative for diaper rash. Like all good diaper creams, Triple Cream is free from fragrance, talc, and other chemicals and preservatives that can irritate skin. The 12.8% zinc oxide solution works with oat extract and protective beeswax to relieve diaper rashes quickly. And with an affordable price point, it works nicely as a preventative as well.
Diaper rash doesn’t have to define your or your infant’s lives. Once you know what causes it and how to treat it, you’ll be better equipped to manage it when it arises. Remember, diaper rash is a part of life, so don’t feel like a failure if it rears its ugly head every now and then. No matter when it happens, you’ll be prepared!