‘A stitch in time saves nine’ goes the saying, and it is true for nappy rash as well. If the rash is not treated in time it can become a yeast or bacterial infection which will only worsen matters. Read more about Nappy rashes in my earlier article. Nappy rash is inevitable, dear mummies, so never feel guilty of putting your little one in diapers because even in cotton nappies babies are prone to get rashes. All you have to do is take keen precautions to keep diaper rash at bay and be ready to cure when they come. You will find these diaper rash solutions extremely simple! So, let’s start

5 basic dos and don’ts

  1. Let the skin breathe, some ‘bare bottom’ or ‘nappy free’ time is essential.
  2. Change the nappy after 3 hours or a maximum of 4 hours.
  3. Don’t keep it too loose, don’t keep it too tight. Nappy should be just right. Rightly fitted with some room for air to squeeze in.
  4. Don’t use talcum powder − it causes friction and can aggravate rashes. Clean thoroughly and ensure baby’s skin is clean and dry before putting baby in a new nappy.
  5. Use a safe diaper rash cream which does not have worrisome ingredients to lock the wetness and cause rashes.

5 natural soothers in your home

    • Coconut oil – Coconut is known for its antifungal properties and antimicrobial goodness. It can provide relief from pain and heals rashes sooner. It is a great moisturizer so you can also add a tablespoon in water before bathing the baby.
    • Oatmeal – Oatmeal is known to contain a chemical compound called saponin which helps in cleaning skin pores and removing unwanted oil & dirt. Add one tablespoon of dried oatmeal in water and give bath to your baby twice daily to heal rashes. Let your baby soak in the bath tub for 8-10 minutes.
    • Cornstarch – Cornstarch helps in keeping the baby’s skin dry. It can reduce diaper rubbing against the skin and hence prevent rashes. Just sprinkle a bit after thoroughly cleaning the bottom and patting it dry. Let it be bare for some time before putting on a fresh nappy. Do not use cornstarch if it is yeast infected.
    • Aloe Vera – Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties to heal rashes. Cut off one leaf and slice the leaf through the center. Apply aloe vera gel directly on the baby’s bottom.
    • Olive oil – Olive oil is a naturally effective remedy for diaper rash. Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of water. Apply on the skin and let it dry completely. It will work.

5 wonders to look for in a diaper cream

Choose a cream that does not have toxins and is safe and pure. A cream that will heal and also prevent infections. Check out MamaEarth diaper rash cream, a clinically tested formulation with natural soothers like Shea butter, Calendula extract, Wheat germ, Almond & Olive Oil. Lets have a look at them closely:

SHEA BUTTER:

It comes from the seeds of the fruit of Shea (karate) tree. Its rich in vitamin A & E. It moisturizes, smoothen skin and reduce inflammation. A study was conducted (source : benefits of shea butter) which found that it is particularly good because of lupeol cinnamate which is abundantly present in shea butter.

Calendula:

It is a flower that looks like marigold. It has great healing properties. It is known for weakening microbial activity. It is often used for laceration, abrasions and skin infections.

Wheatgerm:

Wheatgerm is hardly 3% of a wheat grain weight but it carries 25% of the protein, vitamins and minerals. It is very high in vitamin E and that makes it a natural anti-oxidant. It helps formation of new cells, improve circulation, and to help repair damages to the skin. It is also used to help relieve the symptoms of dermatitis.

Zinc Oxide:

What a chemical substance doing in a natural ingredient based product? Zinc oxide is produced synthetically too but mostly zinc oxide can occur naturally as mineral zincite (for more details check : Wikipedia ). When you mix it in hot water, the end result is powder and water. When you mix it with butter and oil it will sit on top of the mixture like water droplets. If you rub it on your skin and wash it you will have water droplets there. This is what it does in a diaper rash cream it locks wetness by forming a layer and does not allow poo and pee touch the skin.

Almond Oil:

It is a natural protector and moisturizer of the skin. It calms down eczema, itching, soreness, dryness and inflammation; which is highly common in babies. Mamaearth cream is formulated to provide the extra gentle care that your baby’s tender skin needs. It can be applied twice daily (as a precaution) to ensure baby stays rash free. What’s more is that it is a multipurpose cream which can be used for your baby’s skin needs, from diaper rash to minor scrapes so your baby stays happy and there are no more rashes under the nappy. Go ahead and use it liberally, with no worry and be guilt free happy Mommy!