Dealing with diaper rash
Red bottom, baby got ‘em? It’s probably a type of diaper rash caused by any number of things. Babies who poop a lot and are in contact with the stool for prolonged periods can get a sore bum. Babies who are starting solid foods can react to the changes in digestion with a red or raw bottom. The same negative reaction can occur if your baby is taking antibiotics – or if you are taking them and you’re breastfeeding - because these meds can cause yeast organisms to flourish. (Yeast infections usually won’t go away on their own and need medical treatment. If the rash is located on the thighs, genitals and lower abdomen, rather than the buttocks, give your baby’s doc a call.)
The best way to tackle diaper rash is to take action as soon as you see redness. The more irritated the skin gets, the harder it is to clear up.
• Check and change your baby’s diaper often – a.s.a.p. when she poops.
• Stop using baby wipes – they can irritate the skin more. Instead, flush the area with warm water (did you keep that squirt bottle they gave you in the hospital?) and pat it dry.
• Avoid using baby powder. It doesn’t really work and inhaling talc is a proven health risk.
• Don’t use rash creams that contain boric acid, camphor, phenol, menthyl salicylate or compound of benzoin tincture. They can be harmful to delicate skin.
• Cloth diapers without a plastic pants are helpful. Make sure the diapers are washed in a baby-friendly detergent and are rinsed well. Don’t use fabric softener.
• Let your baby’s tiny heinie stay naked and exposed to the air several times a day. A little sunshine can be helpful, but be very careful about sunburn!
Have your baby’s doc check the rash if it shows signs of infection (bumps, pimples, small ulcers appear), if your baby has a fever or isn’t eating well, the rash starts spreading to other body parts, or the rash hasn’t improved within a few days, despite all your efforts.
Tags: Baby, baby bottom, baby powder, diaper rash, diapers
July 27th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Thank you alot!! this helped me out a bunches!!!
July 28th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Great! Glad to hear it!
August 1st, 2009 at 5:52 am
Very nice article. My baby is 4 month old and rightly said … he is getting nappy rash very frequently..my doc says that we should keep the area dry and clean.
But you have mentioned it very clearly and in simple words. Hopefully it helps other moms like me.:-)
Thanks
Austina
August 3rd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Austina - Thanks for the feedback. Glad to know my post was helpful to you.
August 5th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Hannah’s tushy is still rash free despite the teething : )
August 6th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Anne, thanks for pointing this out. It may seem odd, but teething can sometimes set off an irritation at the opposite end of the baby’s bod. I’m happy to hear that Hannah”s heinie is still spotless.