Parents often get concerned when they see their baby’s smooth bottom having patches of pale red and subtle bumps, especially new mothers. But there is no need to worry too much because your little bundle of joy is just having the most common irritation of babyhood. This, of course, refers to diaper rash and could easily be remedied.
It’s best to ask your pediatrician what the best choice for your babies would be delicate tush, especially when the rash lingers, and OTC creams are not working. Baby products today, particularly diaper rash creams, are specially formulated not just to prevent but to treat diaper rash as well. Most of these creams have zinc oxide as a main ingredient because this can give your baby serious relief from pain and itch.
Aside from this ingredient, creams can also have natural ingredients like lavender and calendula. These contain anti-microbial properties that can help eliminate rashes. You need not worry about diaper rashes, more so if you respond to their presence immediately and continuously. Choose creams that have been proven to be effective. Rashes will always happen as it’s some sort of a rite of passage.
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Aquaphor Baby Diaper Rash Cream
You can use this first product on our list to protect your baby’s skin from diaper rash. It effectively provides soothing relief to diaper rash and helps treat it too. The cream contains panthenol and zinc oxide which creates a protective barrier to protect your little one’s skin even throughout the night.
Use the Aquaphor Baby Diaper Rash Cream as soon as you see signs of diaper rash. You can also use the cream to prevent the occurrence of the diaper rash in babies. This is a multi-purpose cream which can be used for different skin issues aside from diaper rash.
The cream is effective for scratches, scrapes, dry skin, and more. It will provide extra gentle care which is important for baby’s delicate and sensitive skin. With this cream, your little one can stay healthy, happy, and well-protected. It even comes in a great size, so you can bring it along wherever you go in case you need it for diaper rash flare-ups.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic diaper rash cream that’s free of fragrances and preservatives.
- Contains zinc oxide which can help treat and soothe flare-ups of diaper rash.
- Comes in a perfectly-sized tube which you can bring around wherever you go.
Cons
- It has a thin consistency.
- It’s a bit greasy.
Baby Anti-Monkey Butt Cream
We’re not monkeying around with this diaper rash cream. This product was created to treat and prevent the problem of diaper rash effectively. The cream includes Peruvian balsam as well as a special blend of calendula extract and calamine. All these ingredients are important because they’re well-known for their superb healing properties.
The Baby Anti-Monkey Butt Cream soothes the delicate skin of babies. It’s gentle, safe, and it will work wonders on your little one’s skin issues such as diaper rash. It’s specially formulated for the skin of babies, and it can also help protect the skin from wetness.
This versatile product can help treat and prevent chafing, diaper rash, and other skin irritations which aren’t severe. This is a unique, high-quality product which can help maximize your baby’s daily comfort. It’s truly one of the best products out there.
Pros
- Contains calamine and is specially formulated for babies.
- Also, helps protect your child from wetness.
- Prevents and treats minor skin irritations, chafing, and diaper rash.
Cons
- It’s expensive.
- Some customers don’t appreciate the smell.
Vanicream Diaper Rash Ointment for sensitive skin
This product can also help in the treatment and prevention of diaper rash and other mild skin irritations. It will leave your little one’s skin feeling smooth and soft. The Vanicream Diaper Rash Ointment for sensitive skin contains zinc oxide with a maximum strength which will help reduce the severity and the duration of the diaper rash. It also contains dimethicone which seals out the wetness to prevent the reoccurrence of the skin irritations.
Pros
- Dermatologist tested cream that provides maximum strength.
- Non-greasy cream that applies easily.
- Gluten-free, odor-free, and is suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Cons
- It has a liquid consistency.
- It’s quite challenging to wipe off.
Babo Botanicals Soothing Diaper Cream
This Babo Botanicals Soothing Diaper Cream is all-natural making it suitable for newborns and babies. It’s ideal for those with sensitive skin as it will soothe and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. The cream contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and vitamins. It even contains non-nano zinc oxide which helps prevent inflammation and redness. The organic calendula and colloidal oatmeal also help protect babies’ delicate skin.
Pros
- An all-natural cream which is suitable for newborns and babies.
- Soothes the skin and helps maintain the moisture barrier.
- Also, helps prevent inflammation, redness, and diaper rash.
Cons
- Has a runny consistency.
- May cause dryness in some babies.
Weleda Baby White Mallow Cream for Eczema, Diaper Rash Cream
This is another great cream for you to consider. It’s a fragrance-free product that’s specially formulated for babies with sensitive skin. The Weleda Baby White Mallow Cream for Eczema, Diaper Rash Cream is fast-acting, effective, and safe to use. It contains organic ingredients to soothe the skin, moisturize it, and help heal the skin irritations such as diaper rash. And the great thing is that it doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives, colorants, and fragrances.
Pros
- Fragrance-free diaper rash cream which is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
- Effectively alleviates diaper rash and protects the skin.
- Contains organic ingredients and helps moisturize the skin.
Cons
- May cause irritations in some babies.
- It leaves a white layer on the skin.
Babyganics Diaper Rash Cream
If your little one needs serious help in healing the diaper rash, you can use the Babyganics Diaper Rash Cream. Remember that your little one has sensitive skin, so you need a gentle but effective product to use. The non-petroleum, zinc oxide-based formula can help treat as well as prevent diaper rash. It also seals out the wetness to protect the skin that’s already chafed. It contains plant-based ingredients as well as essential vitamins.
Pros
- Contains natural, plant-based ingredients which are gentle on the skin.
- Helps in the treatment and prevention of diaper rash.
- Doesn’t contain artificial colors, fragrances, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and other harmful ingredients.
Cons
- It’s clumpy.
- Doesn’t spread on the skin easily.
Era Organics Diaper Rash Cream
This cream will provide instant relief for your baby. The Era Organics Diaper Rash Cream doesn’t contain any hidden toxins making it safe for your little one. You can use it to help repair, soothe, and prevent diaper rash, minor skin irritations, and chafing of the skin. It contains organic ingredients which will help nourish the skin too. The gentle cream is also hypoallergenic which means that it’s also ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Toxin-free diaper rash cream which will soothe your baby’s skin.
- Has a gentle formulation and it’s hypoallergenic too.
- It’s totally effective but also very safe even for those with sensitive skin.
Cons
- It’s quite expensive.
- It doesn’t spread too well.
Burt’s Bees Baby Daily Cream to Powder, Talc-Free Diaper Rash Cream
The Burt’s Bees Baby Daily Cream to Powder, Talc-Free Diaper Rash Cream goes on smoothly and dries quickly. It’s a 2-in-1 cream which will help absorb the wetness to leave your baby’s skin dry, smooth, and soft. The cream is 99% natural, and it doesn’t contain petroleum, parabens or phthalates. It’s safe to use so you can apply it liberally to your baby’s skin to soothe and treat the diaper rash.
Pros
- Pediatrician tested diaper rash cream which goes on smoothly.
- Soothes the skin and helps prevent diaper rash,
- Provides gentle comfort and a calming relief to babies.
Cons
- It’s quite oily.
- Some customers don’t appreciate the smell.
Organic Manuka Honey Baby Diaper Rash Cream
The most important ingredient of this cream is the healing Manuka honey which helps protect the skin from damage. This component also helps stimulate the production of specific cells which will repair the tissues damaged by the rash. It’s also easy to apply and gentle on sensitive skin. The cream is organic, non-GMO, and can also be used for other types of mild skin irritations aside from diaper rash.
Pros
- It’s easy to apply and is gentle on the skin.
- It’s perfect for the treatment of diaper rash even in newborns.
- The cream is versatile as you can use it for different conditions.
Cons
- It’s quite greasy.
- It may cause itchiness.
Live Clean Baby Gentle Moisture Diaper Rash Cream
Just because this product is the last one our list, that doesn’t mean that it’s not effective. The Live Clean Baby Gentle Moisture Diaper Rash Cream is another superb product you can consider. It contains zinc oxide and other healthy ingredients which will help soothe your baby’s skin and create a protective barrier for the moisture. It’s vegetarian, plant-based, and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
Pros
- Vegetarian diaper rash cream that’s completely plant-based.
- Doesn’t contain sulfates, parabens, and other harmful chemicals.
- Contains aloe, chamomile, and organic lavender which soothes the skin.
Cons
- It isn’t fragrance-free.
- May cause redness.
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Who Needs Diaper Rash Cream?
Diaper rashes will always find their way in every child’s bottom. Luckily, we have medications that can bring relief to the child… and the mother. Some cases, however, can be problematic, especially when not immediately treated. Of course, the symptoms are all too familiar. These include a red diaper area, possible small bumps, the warm feeling when touch.
It sounds almost like a sunburn but without the sun. And there is, of course, the constant crying of the distressed kid. Diaper rashes can become serious when open sores and blisters start to form. This is the time when you will need to bring the baby to the doctor.
As earlier mentioned, there is no total escape from diaper rash. You can have the most absorbent diapers, and you can change them as often as you can. Rashes will still happen because the baby’s bum is very sensitive to many kinds of irritants. Rashes can be caused by the diaper itself (through chafing or fragrances) or by the acids that are naturally present in pee and poo. Introducing new foods to the baby or the use of antibiotics can also trigger rashes.
At the first sign of rashes, treat them immediately to soothe and calm the baby’s raging red skin. Long contact with moisture can make the rash worse. Change diapers as often as necessary. It would even be better to go diaper free for uncomfortable cases. This may be messy but going diaper less is sometimes necessary. The diaper rash cream will serve as a protective barrier against moisture. It should be applied after every diaper change to prevent diaper rash.
What Are the Benefits of Diaper Rash Cream?
Diaper rash is an irritation that will forever be a bane on babies as well as parents. It’s a persistent problem which needs to be dealt with, especially during the earlier months of infancy. This is mainly caused by diapers being stuck or is in constant contact with the baby’s bottom, and this may cause the baby’s bottom to swell then become sore.
Improper placements of diapers and diapers that cannot lock liquids properly can also cause the same irritation. The most common way to avoid these rashes is using diaper rash cream. Applying the cream to your baby’s bottom will protect his skin from injuries as the cream will create an ideal environment for the healing of the skin and stay healthy.
Try feeling the cream’s consistency before applying it. The feel is smooth and clean. Its application will prevent friction between the skin and the diaper, and this will minimize any irritations. Apply the ointment on the baby’s bottom every time you change diapers to maintain the skin’s smoothness and protect it being irritated. The very best types of diaper rash creams generally have a good consistency.
It’s primarily the zinc oxide content of creams that forms the protective layer that can prevent friction inside the diaper. Its consistency can also protect the skin from moisture. Diaper rash creams can also keep the baby’s skin safe from the different enzymes found in baby stool which might cause irritations as well. The cream can prevent diaper rash, but it can also help in the healing process for babies who are already suffering from the irritation.
Zinc oxide works as a topical product for the skin that can prevent and protect abrasions and irritations especially in babies. In ointment form, it can help in the healing of diaper rash and chafed skin and can work both as astringent and as an antiseptic. The main feature of a zinc oxide cream is to provide a protective layer between the baby’s skin and the diaper.
If you aim to prevent the occurrence of diaper rash, you can use an ointment with a mild concentration of zinc oxide. On the other hand, if you’re treating diaper rashes, you can go for the more potent concentration of this component. By the way, zinc oxide also has an absorptive property which makes it more ideal for treating diaper rashes.
It’s best to consult your pediatrician before using any diaper rash cream because the effects of the cream can differ from one baby to another. Don’t take the word of just anybody regarding a cream’s effectiveness. After all, this will concern your child. A doctor or a pharmacist will know best and will prescribe for you the ointment.
Apply the cream on your baby. But first, wash the area using soap and water. A clean bottom will ensure that the cream will do its job well. If the baby already has the rash, apply the diaper rash cream after every diaper change. Repeat the procedure until the redness fades away. If you want the best results, change the diapers and apply the product as frequently as needed.
This will ensure that the baby’s bottom will never be under attack against moisture from pee and enzymes from poop. If all these were to be followed, both mother and child could rest easy at night knowing that long-time diaper use cannot be harmful to the baby with nappy cream on the tush.
Again, it’s important that you use only the cream that the doctor or pharmacist has prescribed. Store the cream at room temperature. Also, keep it away from moisture and sunlight.
What Are Diaper Rash Creams?
Diaper rash creams are effective both for preventing and healing rashes. Their purpose is to provide a protective layer between baby’s bottom and the diaper. Some of these creams can also have soothing ingredients meant to calm inflammation and heal irritation. If the rashes persist, there are some simple things that can prevent it from recurring.
Change your little one’s diapers often. To ensure that the baby is always kept dry, change diapers every 2-3 hours or when the baby moves bowels. Remember that moisture will attract rashes, so always make sure that the baby is dry and clean.
Try to avoid using wipes whenever possible. The main point is keeping the baby’s bottom dry. True, wipes could be convenient. However, they can keep conditions moist in that area. Also, wipes could irritate the baby’s skin. Use warm water along with a clean cloth to refresh your baby. After that, use a towel to dry the area before putting on the new diaper. Spending a few more minutes is worth it, especially if your baby is rash-prone.
Make sure to purchase the correct size. Tight diapers can rub against the baby’s legs and tummy, and this can cause chafing which can make the baby uncomfortable and irritable. Diapers should have a snug fit without being tight. Also, use the diaper cream every day. We have discussed diaper rash creams and their importance in the prevention and healing of rashes.
Keep in mind the adage; “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” Buy some cream even if the baby has no rashes, not yet anyway. It’s far better to spend a little more than to see your baby experiencing pain, knowing that something could have been done about it.
Diaper rashes don’t stay for long if measures are to be followed. Improvements could be seen in just a few days, and they can be gone in a couple of days. If no improvements should take place and the rashes seem to be getting worse, take the baby to the doctor as soon as possible. It may not be rashes but a more serious condition like seborrhea, impetigo, yeast rash or an allergy. In any such case, some other form of treatment may be necessary.
What Safety Issues Should You Be Aware of for Diaper Rash Creams?
Parents should be aware of some information when they start to use cream to treat their baby’s diaper rashes. This is important. When using creams, don’t make use of baby powder. Children may inhale powder when applied, and it can enter the lungs. This is unhealthy. Furthermore, powder contains cornstarch which happens to be a source of food for yeast. This could make matters worse, especially if your child has a yeast rash.
You can still use baby powder though. Mix it with the diaper rash cream or with some petroleum jelly and make a paste. Place this mixture in an airtight container and presto; you have a custom-made diaper cream that’s ready-to-use. Always wash hands using water and soap after you apply the diaper cream.
The hands will always be susceptible to contamination when applying the cream. Fecal matter will always contain bacteria. Using wipes after diaper changes won’t kill bacteria and will not sanitize the hands. After diaper changes, wash hands with soap and water.
By the way, it’s alright to apply cream around the vaginal areas of girls but never apply the cream inside. For boys, the cream can be applied to the scrotum and penis areas. If the boy is uncircumcised, NEVER forcibly retract the foreskin as it may cause pain and discomfort and in extreme cases, bleeding.
Diaper creams may contain allergens. Always read the labels of diaper rash creams for ingredients that can be potential allergens like lanolin, mineral oils, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and more. Diaper creams are also expensive, and one would want to make them last if possible.
So, you must choose the right product. Whether it be cream, an ointment or a medication, as long it does the job with maximum effectiveness. You can use petroleum jelly as your daily moisture barrier and use the more expensive cream when the baby has diaper rashes that need to be treated.
Diaper rash creams are meant to be laid out thick. For day to day treatment where use is more for prevention, you can use less cream. You can increase the thickness when the child’s bum needs special extra care. Use just enough cream, don’t apply too much. A dime-size amount is enough to cover the baby’s bum.
How to Apply Diaper Rash Creams Properly
The usual areas of application of diaper cream are the baby’s buttocks where there is constant contact with diapers. But to be sure, apply some in between the buttock cheeks and on the surrounding area of the anus as well, especially for babies who tend to develop rashes on such areas.
There is no danger of applying the cream on a boy’s penis or a girl’s vaginal areas, but not inside it. These areas don’t usually develop dermatitis as much. Skipping application in such areas is all right. Rashes can develop on boy’s scrotum. Apply cream if necessary.
Diaper cream is sometimes applied to the thigh creases where the diaper meets the legs. This is completely safe, but it isn’t recommended because the cream can meet the baby’s clothes. Also, diaper creams might leave stains on fabrics.
Applying the diaper rash cream after every change is up to you as parents. Those who apply the cream often do so as a preventive measure to avoid diaper rash. Others would use it only when needed, especially when the child shows signs of discomfort. There is no wrong or right answer. But applying the cream on the baby’s bottom can be considered when the baby has or is showing signs of a rash like redness and irritations.
Also, if the baby is pooping black-tar poop. This is to keep the poop from sticking to the baby’s delicate skin. Use the cream when the baby is experiencing diarrhea. Do this to prevent irritations that can develop due to the stool. Also, babies who are teething, have colds or are taking antibiotics will need cream slathering because they may have looser stools.
Babies with sensitive skin who can easily develop rashes may need the ointment after every change of diaper. Finally, applying diaper cream every night is also a good idea, especially when babies sleep for long periods. Overnight is when their skin is most exposed to excrement and moisture, and developing rashes is most likely. An application of cream can minimize the occurrence of rashes.
Important Factors to Keep in Mind
Ingredients of the Diaper Rash Cream
Nobody would want to apply creams that can be harmful to the sensitive skin of babies. Look for creams with natural ingredients like almond oil, vitamin D and essential oils like calendula. As much as possible, avoid those with dye or fragrances because these may have side effects on babies with sensitive skin.
Features of the Diaper Rash Cream
When choosing the diaper rash cream, consider the features of the diaper rash cream. It should be soothing. Many creams can bring discomfort when applied to red, irritated areas. Choose those with many natural oils or even aloe vera. These can provide instant relief.
It should be compatible with your baby’s skin. Those who use cloth diapers have found out that some creams can leave residues that are impossible to remove. For cloth diaper adherents, beware of this. The cream must be light. There should be ease of application for the cream. Some have consistencies of pancake batter. Choose those who are lightweight and easy to apply thinly.
Finally, choose a cream that is not greasy. Even parents will avoid creams that would leave their hands greasy. What more for their child? Search for non-greasy options.
The Type of Rash You’ll Treat the Diaper Rash Cream With
Don’t get impulsive when buying the right cream for your child. There are different creams for different rashes. You first need to gather information about what kind of rash your child has. In addition to this, there is also a wide range of products and brands for each form of diaper rash which can have various effects as well as ingredients.
For a child with common diaper rash, the traditional diaper cream will work just fine. For a yeast rash, what will be needed is an antifungal cream because regular creams won’t work. Diaper rash can generally be treated with creams that have the specific elements that can alleviate pain and discomfort in the child.
Creams with zinc oxide would be the first choice, and its effectiveness has been proven to work best on diaper rash. Choose the cream with zinc oxide and, if possible, choose those with additional substances like essential oils, calendula, aloe and so on.
Your Baby’s Diapers
Choosing disposable diapers when applying cream should pose no problem. They are more recommended than cloth diapers. Using the latter can cause some ingredients of the cream or ointment to clog the fibers, making them less absorbent. If you still prefer cloth diapers, you can use diaper creams that do not have petrolatum or zinc oxide. You may also want to use disposable liners.
Types of Products for Diaper Rash
Diaper rash can either be in the form of creams, paste or ointments. Creams are water-based. They can be absorbed by the skin easily and are also easy to apply. They are the best in soothing the skin and relieving discomfort.
Pastes are much thicker in consistency and can protect the baby’s skin, usually with the component zinc oxide. Pastes can contain conditioners. Their downside is that they can leave stains on clothing and aren’t recommended for cloth diapers it’s quite a challenge to get stains out of fabrics.
Ointments are oil-based. They can stay longer on the baby’s skin and can provide good protection against irritants. They are, however, oily and greasy. Powders are also used to prevent diaper rash. They may also absorb the moisture on your child’s bottom. However, there are reasons why these aren’t frequently recommended. First, they could get airborne and could be inhaled by the child. They also contain cornstarch, food for yeast which can aggravate the rash if the child gets a yeast infection.
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Conclusion
Diaper rash is inevitable and can occur at least once in a baby’s life. Luckily, the condition is temporary, and with proper care, the rash will leave in a few days. But there are cases where they could linger longer, and parents will need the services of their pediatrician.
The most common prescription for diaper rashes is diaper creams which could be used to either prevent or heal the condition. Choosing creams will depend on what kind of rash is involved so it will be necessary to get some information about the child’s rash. This way, you will be ensured of buying the right cream.
