Nappy rash is a common thing that affects most babies at some stage, and it can be uncomfortable and sore. Here are our favorite home remedies to treat nappy rash and soothe your baby's bottom.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a tried and tested remedy for diaper rash in babies. It provides relief from the pain. The high amount of protein in oatmeal soothes a baby’s soft skin and helps preserve the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Add a heaped tablespoon of dried oatmeal to bath water, and let your little bub soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Be gentle and do not rub as rubbing will only aggravate the condition. Do this twice a day to heal nappy rash.
Baking soda
Baking soda has fabulous healing properties that can help to treat nappy rash. It helps balance pH levels and removes the unwanted bacteria and fungi from the baby’s skin.
Simply add two tablespoons of baking soda to a bath of warm water. Bathe your baby in the water for 10 minutes, three times a day, and make sure to pat the baby’s skin dry after bathing.
Cornstarch
Diaper rashes are partly caused by moist conditions, so it's important to make sure your baby's bottom is as dry as possible. Cornstarch is great at absorbing moisture. Once you've cleaned your baby, carefully apply some of the powder to their bottom. Put on a clean diaper as normal. *** Just be sure to keep cornstarch (or any powder) away from little lungs.
Coconut oil
Coconut oiI has anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, and can be used to treat nappy rash. It can also have a soothing and healing effect on the baby’s soft skin. Wash your baby’s bottom with warm water and dry it using a soft towel. Next, take half a tablespoon of coconut oil and apply it on the affected area after washing your baby’s bottom. Coconut oil can also treat yeast diaper rash effectively.
Breast milk
Breast milk is the best (and cheapest) way to cure diaper rash. It helps to fight infection and soothe the skin, and there is no risk of an allergic reaction that could worsen the rash. For best results put on fresh diapers once you have tried this remedy.
Yoghurt
Plain yoghurt (that means no added sugar or cornstarch) can be used to treat diaper rashes and inflammation. Apply a thick layer of the yoghurt on the rash-affected area, and the rashes will disappear within a couple of days. You can use plain yoghurt just how you’d use diaper rash cream. Use room-temperature yoghurt on the affected area then put on a diaper.
Aloe Vera
If your baby’s diaper rashes accompany severe inflammation, then you should use aloe vera gel. You can either use fresh aloe vera gel or bottled version – both are natural and would provide relief to your baby.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is known for its high magnesium content and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix half a cup of Epsom salt in warm bath water and let your baby soak in it for 10-15 minutes. Follow it up with a bathing session and repeat this two to three times a week to keep the problem of diaper rash at bay.
Make your own diaper rash cream
Make your own natural diaper cream, such as the protective barrier balm found on the Mommypotamus blog. The balm combines olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil (an antifungal that can tackle yeast diaper rash) and zinc oxide. In between diaper changes, store your homemade diaper rash cream in the refrigerator. Before applying the cream to your baby, warm it up by rubbing it between your hands first.
Keep Diapers Clean
Diaper rash usually stem from moist diapers. So after bathing your baby or cleaning his diaper area (and before putting on a new diaper), make sure you pat dry his bottom. Also, use a mild soap while bathing him and clean his diaper area well (do not scrub!). Remember to change diapers often and do not use alcohol-based wipes.
**** Please note: The above home remedies are not medical advice and should be used at your own discretion.
Sources:
https://www.mummypages.ie/
https://parenting.firstcry.com/
https://www.care.com/
