Herbal and Natural Diaper Rash Remedy

Looking for a diaper rash cure or diaper rash remedy? Diaper rash can be an issue for babies regardless of parents’ diapering choices. It’s uncomfortable for the baby and a few simple tips can help eliminate 90% of rashes that occur.

I have used cloth diapers for both of my children and have discovered some secrets for preventing and treating diaper rash.

How you wash your diapers can be your diaper rash cure!

First of all, consider the products you use for cleaning the diapers. Many babies have sensitive skin, so mild natural soaps are essential. We’ve had good luck with Country Save and our midwife recommends the Seventh Generation laundry products. I use only about a quarter of the soap I would use in a regular laundry load when washing my diapers. A little really does go a long way.

I use Seventh Generation bleach once a month for extra whitening and occasionally will add some vinegar or tea tree oil to a load to kill bacteria. One friend washes her diapers with just a small amount of vinegar. This simple household item really does have amazing cleaning power, and is very easy on babies’ sensitive skin.

The key is to experiment, and find a soap that works for your baby’s skin. Truly, they are not all the same, even in this regard.

Another aspect to this experimentation process is to realize that soap from previous loads of laundry may remain in the washer even after the load has been removed. So, if you use a different detergent for other loads, consider running a rinse cycle before putting the diapers in the wash.

Another diaper washing issue related to diaper rash is diaper soaking. I’ve stopped putting water in my diaper pails all together. Here in the northwest, wet diapers are a great trap for molds. I simply rinse dirty diapers in the toilet and then put them in a pail and run a load of diapers every few days so they don’t have time to get moldy. You can run a rinse and soak load before the washing cycle for extra cleaning.

Disposable diapers are also not all the same, and babies can react to the chemicals in various brands, so if you are choosing the disposable route and are having diaper rash problems, I suggest experimenting with a different brand. Find a brand of diaper that works with your baby’s skin.

Not all diaper rashes are the same?

Now, I’d like to share some ways of treating diaper rash once it’s present. First, it is important to determine what sort of rash it is.

Some diaper rashes are caused by yeast, and they are very persistent and bumpy and may even become raw or open sores if not treated. If you suspect a yeasty rash, try cutting sugar out of the baby’s diet (and the mother’s if you are breast feeding.)

You can treat the rash with a mixture of baking soda and water each time you change the diaper. This is another diaper rash remedy. If the rash still persists, consider seeking help from your pediatrician.

What remedy or herbal ointment can a I apply to my baby’s butt?

Most basic rashes can be easily treated with a simple oil of chickweed (Stellaria media) or with a basic healing salve.

I’ve been amazed by how quickly a rash will disappear with one or two applications of the salve, and it’s so easy to make yourself. It feels great to be able to make a diaper rash remedy using herbs I’ve grown to love.

A couple more tips on your diaper rash cure…

When changing your baby, be sure her skin is dry when you’ve finished cleaning her. This simple practice will also go a long way in preventing rashes.

Oh, one last thing… If a diaper rash persists and just continues to get worse and you’re using cloth diapers, consider switching to disposables for just a day or two to give the rash a chance to clear up. It’s such a relief to see the baby’s skin heal, and then you can begin again with your detergent experiments, until you find just the right thing for your family.

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