It’s one of those things nobody really warns you about. You bring home your fresh, squishy newborn... and within days you’re staring at an angry red rash and Googling whether it’s your fault.
Spoiler: It’s not.
But it’s also not a coincidence that diaper rash is so common in the U.S. In fact, it’s more common here than in many other countries.
So what’s going on?
Why is diaper rash so common in the US?
Turns out, it’s not just bad luck or overly sensitive skin.
From the products we use to the habits we’ve picked up, a few everyday choices might be making our babies more prone to diaper rash than they need to be.
1. We use a lot of wipes
In the U.S., disposable wipes are the go-to. They’re convenient, they smell nice, and they promise to be “gentle.”
But most wipes are loaded with ingredients that can actually irritate sensitive baby skin - like alcohol, fragrance, and preservatives.
Even “sensitive” wipes often have a long list of stuff babies just don’t need on their butts. And using them at every change (especially when wiping over and over) can wear down the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it more vulnerable to rash.
2. Diaper creams are doing too much
Don’t get us wrong, there’s a time and place for a good diaper balm (especially when there's already a rash happening). But the typical American diaper routine leans heavily on thick, pasty creams to fix a rash, rather than to prevent one.
The better approach? A daily routine that cleanses and protects the skin before it breaks down, not after (read all about it here!)
3. We’re changing less often than we think
Let’s be honest, between the middle-of-the-night fog and the 3-outfit days, diaper changes aren’t always as frequent as we plan. But when diapers stay on too long, especially in hot or humid weather, that moisture + friction combo is a fast-track ticket to diaper rash.
European parents, especially in places like France, tend to change diapers more frequently and use different diapering products altogether (more on that in a minute).
4. We don’t know there’s another way
This is the big one.
Most American parents don’t even know there’s a different, simpler way to do diapering.
In France, for example, moms use a product called liniment - a creamy oil-and-water blend that gently cleanses, moisturizes, and protects in one step. It’s been a staple in French nurseries for generations.
It’s like if a wipe, a lotion, and a diaper cream had a baby, and that baby spoke French and had excellent taste.
So what’s the takeaway?
American diaper routines aren’t wrong, they just haven’t been updated in a while. And babies’ skin is paying the price.
The good news?
Diaper rash doesn’t have to be inevitable. With the right products and a gentler approach, you can prevent most rashes before they start.
And if you're curious about this magical French method, we've got you 💛
Petites pensées
Sometimes less really is more, especially when it comes to baby skin.
Simpler routines, fewer ingredients, and a little French know-how go a long way.