Diaper Rash 101
Why does diaper rash occur?
- Wet or Dirty Diapers – When wet or dirty diapers are left on the skin for too long, they can irritate baby’s skin and cause diaper rash. Additionally, if there is both stool and urine in the diaper, this can create ammonia, which can cause a burning sensation if the diaper isn’t changed quickly enough.
- Diarrhea – Frequent, watery stools can irritate baby’s bottom and cause diaper rash, especially if the diaper isn’t changed right away. Not only is diarrhea a common cause of diaper rash, but it can also exacerbate an existing case of diaper rash, which can be especially painful for your little one.
- Irritants – If your little one’s diapers are causing friction because they are too small or too big, this can lead to diaper rash. Additionally, if your baby has sensitive skin, their skin might be irritated to the soap or detergent used on their skin, clothes, or cloth diapers.
- New/Solid Foods – Changes in your baby’s diet, or the introduction of new/solid foods can cause diarrhea, which can then cause diaper rash.
Can diaper rash be prevented?
The key to preventing diaper rash is to try to keep your baby’s diaper as clean and dry as possible. We know—this can be challenging when your little one seems to have wet and dirty diapers constantly. Other ways include:
- Change your baby’s wet or dirty diapers frequently.
- Use bébé Bottoms™ Diaper Rash Crème Spray at every diaper change, even before a rash occurs. The zinc oxide provides a barrier against dampness to protect baby’s skin and help prevent diaper rash. The chamomile helps soothe irritated skin and includes antioxidants that are perfectly suited to the sensitive skin of babies and the calendula is a gentle and nourishing botanical that improves skin tone, strength, hydration, regenerative power.
- Allow baby’s bottom to dry completely before putting on a fresh diaper.
When to treat diaper rash
We recommend treating diaper rash before it begins by using bébé Bottoms™ at every diaper change. Unlike thick diaper rash creams, bébé Bottoms™ is made with TLC - Thin Layer Care™, our proprietary technology that has the efficacy of a thick cream but in a light formulation that requires a thin layer of application from the spray bottle, allowing the skin to still breathe as it heals. Each pump sprays a perfectly dosed thin layer of product. If you haven’t been using a diaper rash cream with each change, start using one at the first sign of diaper rash or irritation.
Baby Skincare Tips
Your skin has its own unique needs, and so does your baby's. Soft and new, baby skincare should be gentle—free from ingredients that may disrupt their skin barrier and cause irritation. Below are some quick tips on how to care for your baby’s delicate skin:
- Resist the urge to bathe your baby frequently. Bathing your little one more than three times per week (during the first year of life) removes the natural oils that protect baby's skin. Doing so may leave baby's skin vulnerable to irritation and dry, both of which can cause discomfort.
- To help prevent diaper rash, expose baby’s bottom to fresh air whenever you can and use a breathable diaper rash product such as bébé Bottoms™ Diaper Rash Crème Spray.
- Your baby's skin may be sensitive to chemicals in new clothing and to soap and detergent left on clothes after laundering. Washing new clothes and linens before your baby uses them with a gentle detergent and a thorough rinse cycle can help prevent skin irritation.