Diaper Rash and Home Remedies
Most babies will get diaper rash sooner or later. They have been getting diaper rash since diapers were invented. The best home remedy (or any other remedy) is simply to give the baby’s bottom some air. Wash the baby with just plain warm water, place it on a sheet with waterproofing underneath and let the baby go without a diaper at all as long as possible.
The very next thing to do is to quit using perfumed baby powders on the baby’s bottom. They will simply irritate the diaper rash. Go look in your kitchen cabinet and get the box of corn starch or baking soda to use as baby powder until the diaper rash is cured. Both corn starch and baking soda are soothing and drying and will help to cure the rash as well as make the baby more comfortable in the process.
Keep the baby’s diaper changed. Don’t let the baby stay wet or dirty for any period of time; the acid will only make the diaper rash worse. Wash the baby’s bottom with clean water only at each diaper change. Don’t use the baby wipes; they will only serve to burn the tender little bottom. Just use plain water and a soft, nonabrasive cloth. Sprinkle corn starch or baking soda liberally on the baby’s bottom every time he is changed.
Switch from disposable to cloth diapers until the diaper rash is healed. Soak the cloth diapers in a vinegar solution before they are washed to kill any bacteria that could linger and cause further irritation.
Older babies can be given some cranberry juice to help lower the pH balance of their urine, and that will help to clear up diaper rash. This should never be given to very small babies, however.