Does Taking a Bath Help Diaper Rash?

In addition to changing up to 10 diapers a day, new parents may find themselves fighting diaper rash. This red, sore rash is most common in babies 8 to 10 months old, though babies of any age may get diaper rash. Parents can do a lot to relieve a baby's diaper rash and to prevent future cases from appearing again, including giving him or her a warm water bath.

  1. Does Bathing Help Diaper Rash?

    • Diaper rash is best suited to a modified bath, says Boston Children's Hospital. If you have to use soap when bathing your baby, use a mild one. Otherwise, soaking your baby for several minutes in lukewarm water can clean and relieve your baby's discomfort. Cleaning your baby with water from a spray bottle during diaper changes can provide similar benefits. While your baby has diaper rash, you should avoid using diaper wipes, which may burn.

    Other Care Methods

    • When changing your baby's diaper, allow the affected area to air dry and apply a layer of petroleum jelly or diaper rash ointment, advises Boston Children's Hospital. Rubbing or scrubbing the affected area will only cause more irritation, so parents should try to clean their babies gently. Between diaper changes, use a soft, clean, dry cloth to pat your baby's diaper area dry.

    Prevention

    • Changing your baby's diaper several times a day, soon after she has urinated or had a bowel movement, can reduce the chances that your baby will develop diaper rash, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Diaper rash may also be the result of an allergic reaction to a particular brand of diapers, or a reaction to diapers that are too tight. Parents should not put airtight rubber pants on their children, as these are more likely to cause diaper rash, notes Boston Children's Hospital. If you are nursing and taking antibiotics, or if your baby is taking antibiotics, ask your doctor about how this may affect your baby's risk of developing diaper rash.

    Additional Help

    • If your baby has recurrent bouts of diaper rash, or if the diaper rash gets worse, does not disappear after 3 days or involves sores or blisters, contact your pediatrician for help. Your baby may not have diaper rash, but another infection that needs treatment, according to KidsHealth, a child development site.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Negative Environmental Factors in Infant Development
      Every parent wants the best for her child. This includes the best environment. Your home and immediate area impacts your child’s overall development. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 200 million children fail to reach thei
    • Baby Scooting Instead Of Crawling: Concerns And How To Help Them Crawl
      Rolling, crawling, and scooting are techniques that babies adopt to move. You may see your baby scooting before they begin crawling. Scooting is an adorable way that many babies use when they start moving independently.Some babies may try scooting al
    • Why babies have sugar?
      Its important to clarify that babies dont need added sugar in their diet. In fact, too much sugar can be harmful to their health. Heres a breakdown of why babies have sugar and whats important to remember:* Natural sugars in breast milk and formula: