Gentle Effective Natural Diaper Rash Remedies
As a parent, I can certainly empathize with the agony of seeing anything hurt your baby or make your little bundle of love uncomfortable. The most common issue our little cherubs endure is diaper rash, and it can sometimes be severe. Thankfully, there are many effective diaper rash treatment options. In this article, I will share some gentle, natural remedies with you so your baby, and Mom and Dad, can sleep better tonight.
If you’re anything like me, you want to avoid putting harsh chemicals anywhere near your baby’s sensitive skin. I applaud you for seeking natural, gentle ways to deal with this common problem.
Here are five simple, natural diaper rash remedies you can start doing or using immediately:
1. Allow Time to Air Out
One of the most effective treatments is simply allowing the affected skin to breathe. Let your baby lie without any diaper on for a little time each day. If a full “naked time” isn’t practical, try securing a cloth diaper very loosely so that air can easily pass through it. Increased air circulation is key to healing.
2. Increase Diaper Changing Frequency
When a baby has a diaper rash, every urination or bowel movement causes further irritation, which only makes the problem worse. Since your baby can’t tell you the moment this happens, you need to be proactive. Check and change your baby on a much more frequent basis than you would under normal circumstances to keep the area as clean and dry as possible.
3. Try Perfume-Free, Natural Diapers
Some diaper brands use perfumes and chemicals that can irritate already sensitive skin. While they may be slightly more expensive, trying natural and perfume-free diapers can be helpful while the rash is present. Look for brands such as Seventh Generation or those available at a natural health store. You can often order these specialized diapers online as well.
4. Clean with Warm Water and Natural Soap
Instead of using store-bought baby wipes, which often contain chemicals and alcohol, try a gentler approach. Clean your baby using only warm water and a natural, unscented soap or a gentle cleanser specifically for babies. Gently pat the area completely dry with a soft, clean cloth—ideally an organic cotton towel—before applying any treatment or putting on a new diaper.
5. Apply a Cornstarch and Petroleum Jelly Mixture
This simple mixture has proven to be highly effective. After gently cleaning and thoroughly drying the affected area, apply a protective layer of a mix containing cornstarch and petroleum jelly (like Vaseline). The petroleum jelly acts as a moisture barrier, while the cornstarch helps to absorb wetness. You should see a noticeable improvement within two days of using this method.
Editor’s Note: A Truly Natural Alternative
While some find that petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) provides an effective moisture barrier, it is not a natural product. To keep your approach completely natural, here is an effective alternative treatment focusing on soothing, plant-based properties:
Apply Pure Coconut Oil
For centuries, natural oils have been used for skin ailments. Coconut oil is a wonderful option because it’s completely natural and possesses both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which can help fight certain types of rashes. After cleaning and thoroughly drying the area, apply a thin layer of organic, unrefined coconut oil to act as a gentle, natural moisture barrier.
Key Takeaway for Diaper Rash Treatment
You now have five effective, gentle diaper rash treatment options you can start using for your little one to alleviate that awful discomfort. Remember, always be careful to keep harsh chemicals away from your baby’s skin, especially during this time. You may even want to use a natural, fragrance-free laundry detergent to wash your baby’s clothes and cloth diapers to avoid further skin sensitivity.
Do you have any questions about specific brands of natural products or other preventative measures?
The Author:
Top Natural Remedies
Photo. Heymattallen
Source. AB
