8 Causes of Diaper Rash

So your baby’s behind is suddenly red, sore, and making them uncomfortable?

From first-hand experience, we know that diaper rash is the worst. Not knowing what caused it can make the situation even more stressful and leave you feeling at a loss for how to prevent your baby’s diaper rash from getting out of control.

So let’s get to it.

Here are 8 causes of diaper rash to help you avoid the problem in the future, as well as some tips for getting rid of it. 

1.  Exposure to pee and poop

Prolonged exposure to pee and poop can irritate your baby’s skin and cause diaper rash. Change your baby’s diaper regularly (every 2-3 hours), removing wet or dirty diapers as soon as possible if your baby is already showing signs of diaper rash.

 If your baby is in childcare, ask the staff to change your baby’s diaper more regularly.

2.  Wipes

The wipes you’re using to clean your baby’s bottom are likely to contain a few unpleasant chemicals that can cause diaper rash. The water in the wipes can also leave your baby’s bottom damp between changes which can lead to irritated skin.

3.  Chafing 

Tight diapers and clothes can rub against your baby’s skin and cause rashes. You might also notice a pattern when dressing your baby in certain fabrics or using a particular brand of diaper.

4.  New products

Any product that you use on your baby’s bottom, diapers, and clothes will come into contact with their delicate skin. Consider the washing powder or detergent, fabric softener, baby wipes, baby powders, lotions, and oils that you’re using to clean your baby’s skin and launder their diapers and clothes.

5.  Infection

Your baby’s diaper area is consistently warm and, therefore, the perfect breeding ground for fungal infections. To recognize an infection, look for irritated skin that begins to spread. In particular, your baby may have a rash or spots in the creases of their skin.

6.  New foods

As you introduce your baby to solids and their stools begin to change, you might find that your baby suffers from diaper rash more frequently. If you’re breastfeeding, the food that you’re eating may also be causing your baby’s diaper rash.

7.  Sensitive skin

Some babies are simply born with more sensitive skin than others. If your baby’s diaper rash is caused by sensitive skin, you’ll likely have noticed that your baby has sensitive skin on other areas of their body too. 

8.  Antibiotics

Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, including the bacteria that keep yeast growth in check. Antibiotics can also cause diarrhea - another cause of diaper rash. It’s worth noting that antibiotics can also make their way into your baby’s system if you’re breastfeeding.

Diaper rash prevention is key!

Let us give you some key habits to minimize the risk of seeing the undesirable rash show up!
  • Change diapers often - every 2-3 hours and immediately after a poop
  • Use organic diapering products that are kind to your baby’s skin
  • Use cotton pads or washcloths and organic diaper lotion instead of wipes. Not only will they clean your baby’s skin perfectly but they will also leave it hydrated and protected and will prevent the rash.
  • Let your baby’s skin air dry
  • Don’t overtighten your baby’s diaper
  • When weaning, introduce one new food a week to rule out intolerances
  • Let your baby spend some time naked every day
  • Apply an organic barrier ointment during every diaper change or as soon as you notice unusual redness on your baby’s skin
  • Use the process of elimination to work out the cause of your baby’s diaper rash

✨💛 HAPPY DIAPERING 💛✨

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