AVOIDING DIAPER RASH
never knew how hard it was to avoid diaper rash until I had my own kids. Mostly because they both ended up having sensitivity to my breastmilk which caused ongoing tummy issues and wet diapers. In our case, it didn’t matter how many diaper changes, how much or which type of diaper cream we used; they had diaper rash. Bad. With our 1st we even had to get Rx medicated ointment.
Here is how we avoided diaper rash
The MOST important are numbers 2, 3 and 5 (assuming you are doing the rest too).
1. Frequent Changes
Typically, every 2-3 hours for pee. If baby poops you want to immediately change. Sometimes, your baby may “shart” (accidentally poops when farting) and if you don’t detect in time (hard to smell because it’s a small amount), it will certainly cause diaper rash. Changing the diaper often will ensure baby isn’t soiled.
2. Sink Baths
Wipes are great for regular use, but when our babies had severe (sores) diaper rash, we scrapped wipes altogether. Even water wipes. Nothing beats taking baby to the sink and using soap and water.
3. Dry Bums Please
After using a wet wipe on baby, make sure you allow time to DRY before putting another diaper back on. This was HUGE. Drying options: 1. Fanning with a closed diaper 2. Using a clean and dry cloth 3. Blow dryer* (this works wonders for sever diaper rash) 4. Air (takes times). Complete a “dryness” test by using the side of your hand to touch baby’s skin to ensure it’s dry and not tacky. ONLY after baby is nice and dry should you put a diaper on.
*When using the blow dryer we were careful of the amount of heat and alternated with lightly applying heat and turning the blow dryer away. Both our babies found the warmth and sound soothing and often fell asleep.
4. Air It Out
When our babies developed sever diaper rash, we gave opportunities for them to air out. This can be tricky because newborns pee and poo often and randomly. My favorite way to air out was during a nap or during tummy time. I’d place a disposable changing pad on the bobby lounger or tummy time mat. When we had severe diaper rash, I did this 1-3 times a day. Otherwise, this was not needed.
- Nap set up: I kept baby dressed in a rolled-up, unbuttoned onesie. Once asleep, placed him on the lounger. Baby bum should be open and not clasped to ensure it can dry out. I adjusted baby’s legs a little if he didn’t fall asleep in a position that allows for this.
- Tummy time set up: Kept baby on the disposable changing pad while he played away. I had to occasionally readjust them to ensure they are getting air where needed.
5. Use Creams and Ointments
Oh the debate! I am sure you can relate. In my opinion, A&D AND Desitin. But if the rash is truly severe, it does not matter what cream you use. The most important items will be #2, #3 and #5. Our preferred applications in newborn stage:
- No rash: A&D as a barrier to prevent moisture
- Start of rash: Desitin (max)
- Severe rash: Desitin as the base and added a layer of A&D on top to seal it in
6. Understand What is Causing the Diaper Rash
If you are regularly changing the diaper, putting the diaper on when it’s dry and providing opportunities for your baby to air out and baby still has severe diaper rash, there could be another reason.
This took us a VERY long time to figure out with our 1st baby. Together with his pediatrician, we spent WEEKS trying different creams, airing out, praying, and eventually an Rx. Our issue is that he was constantly soiled (poop and ongoing sharts) and that’ when we realized he had a sensitivity to my milk.
There began the elimination diet for me which was impossible, and he still had issues because it takes 2-3 weeks for allergens to make their way out your body. Therefore, we started supplementing breastmilk with formula (in ratio of 1:2 and eventually increased more breastmilk to 2:3). Literally from one day to the next our babies’ diaper rash ulcers started to heal. In about a week they were GONE altogether. I’m glad we discovered this because it came up again with our 2nd after 3 months of breastfeeding and we knew exactly what it was.
So its worth trying what you can, but when you have, their could be another reason causing it and best to talk to your baby’s pediatrician.
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