Diaper to Prevent Diaper Rash

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Diaper to Prevent Diaper Rash

You’re so careful when it comes to protecting your baby’s skin, you:

• Keep their little bottom clean and dry
• Change their diaper after every feeding and when it’s wet or soiled
• Use a protective barrier cream when rash is present
• Wash your hands before and after every diaper change
• Launder baby’s clothes separately with infant-friendly detergent
• Bathe baby with gentle cleansers and patting—never rubbing—baby’s skin dry

Yet that day comes when you look at your baby’s bottom and think, “Oh my goodness what IS that?”  You’re not alone in wondering what the red bumps, blotches and blisters on your baby’s bum may be. Rashes—and managing rashes like diaper rash—are parent’s top infant skin care concerns, according to results from a Healthy Mom&Baby poll at Health4Mom.org. Let’s look at how to prevent Diaper Rash. Thanks to newer, high-tech disposable diapers and disposable diaper inserts, experts say it’s possible to diaper to help prevent some forms of diaper rash, particularly contact dermatitis, which develops when baby’s skin reacts to urine or stool, or sometimes to ingredients in products you’re using on her skin or clothes, such as alcohol, dyes or perfumes. Even baby-specific products can cause reactions in some infants. Follow the advice in our ABCDE’s of diapering to prevent diaper rash and you’ll be well on your way to helping baby keep her bottom dry, clean and healthy. SEE ALSO: Debunking the Myths About Vaccinations.

ABCDE’s of Diapering to Prevent Diaper Rash

AIR: Allow baby’s skin to air dry for as long as possible between changes and regularly give baby some diaper-free time.

BARRIER: Zinc-oxide diaper cream and petroleum jelly provide a barrier between the diaper and urine or stool while your baby’s damaged skin heals. Use at every diaper change if your baby develops rash frequently, and speak to baby’s healthcare provider about baby’s reoccurring rash. Simply wipe away any soiled diaper cream and replace with clean cream.

CLEANSE: Always wipe gently and pat when cleaning baby’s diaper area—never rub while cleansing baby’s skin. Irritant-free wipes may actually be more effective than warm water when cleaning stool.

DIAPER: Use a super-absorbent disposable diaper or wrappers with absorbent inserts; avoid cloth diapers. Change your baby’s diaper as soon as it’s soiled or at least every 1-3 hours during the day, and once during the night.

EDUCATION: Take note when and how your baby experiences diaper rash and ask your nurses for their advice on how to prevent diaper rash for your baby.

AWHONN thanks its partner, Huggies, for support of the Diapering Zone. For more everyday diapering tips, visit resources from our partner, Huggies.

DID YOU KNOW that one in three families do not have all the Diapers they need to keep their youngest clean, dry and healthy? Click on DIAPER DRIVE where you can both donate diapers to families in your community or receive diapers from your local diaper bank. Diaper Rash Care Guide How Mindful Diapering Enhances Baby’s Development Bond with Your Baby Diapering That Nurtures Your Baby Prevent Diaper Rash The Great Diaper Debate  

AWHONN thanks its partner, Huggies, for support of the Diapering Zone. In partnerships with Huggies, we’re proud to say, “We’ve got you, Baby!”