Home Remedies for Yeast Infections on Babies

Yeast infection is an overgrowth of candida albicans, a type of fungus that normally lives on the body. Many babies can experience this type of infection, which may cause fussiness, mouth pain or discomfort in the diaper area. A yeast infection is not a serious condition and usually can be treated at home. Be sure to contact your baby's pediatrician before applying anything to your baby; some yeast infections may need to be treated with prescription medications.

  1. No-Wipes Wiping

    • A yeast infection in your baby may appear in the form of a diaper rash. Unlike a standard diaper rash, a yeast infection in the diaper area is beefy red in color, has a raised border and may not disappear after a few days. Your baby's sensitive skin should not be treated with harsh products at this time. Do not irritate it further with commercial baby wipes. Instead, when you change your baby's diaper fill a bulb syringe with warm water and squeeze the water on her bottom. This will clean the area and give her some relief from the discomfort. You can also gently pat the area with a warm washcloth. Be sure the washcloth has not been laundered in harsh detergents.

    Gentian Violet

    • You can use gentian violet to treat a yeast infection that appears in your baby's mouth as a white film, commonly known as thrush. Gentian violet is absorbed into your baby's mucous membranes to attack the candida overgrowth, killing the yeast on contact. This is an old remedy that pediatrician and lactation consultant Dr. Jack Newman recommends highly. Dip a clean cloth in the gentian violet and swab your infant's mouth. You can also apply gentian violet to your nipples before your baby breastfeeds to help clear up the candida overgrowth that may be occurring in your system as well. Gentian violet leaves a purple stain on clothes and skin (skin stains will fade after a few days), so be careful when using it.

    Oil Recipe

    • You can make a baby bottom oil recipe for a yeast infection diaper rash to soothe and heal your baby's skin. Mix 4 ounces peach kernel oil, 2 ounces calendula oil, 1 ounce jojoba oil, 1 ounce camelina oil and 2 drops lavender oil. Pour the mix into a glass jar and store in the refrigerator. Apply a small amount to your baby's bottom whenever you change his diaper. After you put the oils on your baby, lay him on a towel for some diaper-free time. This could get messy, but letting his bottom air out will work wonders for his rash.

    Treat the Mother

    • Often, if a newborn has a yeast infection her mother has one as well. If this is the case, be sure to treat yourself along with your baby. Breastfeeding moms and babies, in particular, may share a common candida overgrowth condition. You may experience a burning pain in your breast while your baby breastfeeds, or you may see redness, scaling or cracks on your nipples. Be sure to contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

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