Many mothers and fathers find themselves fighting the inevitable battle of the diaper rash. There are many creams on the market claiming to rid each child of the pain and discomfort associated with nappy rash. However, many parents may be surprised to discover that the best thing to do for a child with diaper rash may begin before the cream is even applied.
Best Way to Treat Diaper Rash Starts With Time
The diaper change is where the treatment for diaper rash begins. Many factors may contribute to the most effective way to change a diaper. The first factor is time. When a baby sits in a dirty diaper for too long, this increases the chance of diaper rash and worsens the rash if it already exists.
Cleaning the baby's bottom is imperative because baby's skin is very delicate and sensitive, so it won't take much to irritate the skin and cause a problem. A parent needs to be particularly diligent when it comes to changing a baby's nappy if her child already has a diaper rash, because sitting in a dirty diaper for any amount of time is unfavorable for the baby.
Cleaning Treatment for the Diaper Rash
Parents can let the diaper rash air-dry in order to help the skin heal, but there are other effective ways to treat the condition. Depending on the severity of the nappy rash, cleaning treatments for the baby may differ.
For the diaper rash that is only persistent, but not to the point to where the baby screams during every diaper change, air-drying along with a good diaper cream will be suitable. However, it the skin condition makes a baby scream and squeal with every change, different methods may need to be considered.
Best Nappy Rash Treatment Instruction Step-by-Step
This treatment combines the air-dry method with other methods to help lessen skin irritation on the baby's bottom.
- Before the diaper change begins, start a warm water bath in a sink or tub and add a couple teaspoons of baking soda. Baking soda helps to neutralize the acids from feces that are on the baby's bottom, and helps lessen the irritation of the rash.
- Remove the baby's diaper along with as much waste as can be wiped off using the diaper itself. No wipes are needed.
- Let the baby sit in the warm water/baking soda bath for as long as needed. The baby will hopefully be comfortable in the bath. If the baby appears to be in pain, add cold water to minimally reduce the temperature of the water.
- When the baby is done soaking in the warm water bath, he should be taken from the bath and laid down. This is the time that the baby's bottom needs to be assessed for any poop that may not have come off during the soak. A bulb syringe filled with water left from the soak can be used to squirt off the baby's bottom to ensure that there is nothing left over.
- After the soak and bulb syringe procedures are completed, the baby's bottom needs to dry for a few minutes prior to cream and diaper application.
Best Diaper Creams for Nappy Rash
There are many diaper creams on the market, but not all babies react the same way to each cream. Some creams may heal some babies, and do nothing for others. Many nappy creams are used to help keep the rash from getting wet, which is great for maintenance, but when a diaper rash needs to heal, other creams should be explored. A couple suggestions of highly recommended ointments by parents are:
Lansinoh Diaper Rash Ointment – This cream uses a "Triple Protection Formula," which helps to heal and soothe a diaper rash. This ointment is also winner of the iParenting Media Award.
A pharmacist and pediatrician formulated Boudreaux Butt Paste. Many pediatricians will recommend this ointment for the treatment of diaper rash, and also to help prevent it from recurring.
Burt's Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment – For parents who prefer to use all natural products, this ointment is 100% natural and contains sweet almond oil. It uses vitamins, chamomile, along with other natural ingredients to help soothe and moisturize the delicate baby bottom.
Best Diaper Rash Treatment is Worth the Effort
It may seem that the best way to treat diaper rash is time-consuming, but it really is not. When it comes to the overall health and comfort of a baby, there is no procedure too time-consuming. The best way to treat a nappy rash is by responding quickly to a dirty diaper, using a baking soda soak for every diaper change, and applying creams to help soothe irritated skin. For a happy baby, the time and treatment invested are worth it.
Source:
AskDrSears.com. "Skin Care – Diaper Rash" (accessed August 28, 2010).
Megan Kelly - I am a twenty-six year old mother of two. I have written for many freelancing companies as a contributing author and ghostwriter. I am ...
