Test Your Knowledge

Parents can take several steps to substantially reduce the risk that their baby will develop diaper rash. Many of these rules also apply to adults who hope to prevent their own diaper rash. They include:

• Wash hands. Any person changing a diaper should wash their hands thoroughly both before and after the diaper change. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria or yeast.
  
  
• Change diapers often. Diapers should be checked often and wet or soiled diapers should be changed promptly.
  
  
• Rinse the bottom with water during each diaper change. Sinks, tubs or water bottles can all be used for this purpose. Moist washcloths and cotton balls may be used, but wipes that contain alcohol or fragrance should be avoided. Parents should also occasionally soak their child's bottom in warm water between changes.
  
  
• Pat the bottom dry with a clean towel. Scrubbing may further irritate the skin. It is also important to ensure that the skin is completely dry before a new diaper is placed on the child.
  
  
• Try a different type of diaper. Recurrent rashes may be caused by a reaction to the diaper. If cloth diapers are used, try disposable, while if disposable diapers are used then try using cloth. Changing to a different brand of disposable diaper may also help. Some of the dyes and perfumes in disposable diapers may be irritants. Some of the detergents used to clean cloth diapers can also be irritants, so changing detergents may also help.
  
  
• Avoid diapers with plastic edges and do not over-tighten diapers. Individuals should be sure that airflow to the diaper region is not restricted. Proper airflow prevents a buildup of moisture that can lead to diaper rashes. Diapers that are too tight may lead to chafing at the waist or thighs.
  
  
• Avoid using plastic pants. These pants can trap moisture and increase temperature in the diaper region.
  
  
• Occasionally leave the baby's bottom uncovered. Exposing skin to air is a natural and gentle way to let it dry. Parents may want to lay a baby on a large towel and engage in some playtime during these periods.
  
  
• Wash cloth diapers carefully. Heavily soiled cloth diapers should be presoaked and washed in hot water with a mild detergent. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets that may contain fragrances should not be used because these may cause irritation. It is also recommended that cloth diapers be double rinsed. Those who use a diaper service should make sure the service also follows these steps.
  
  
• Use diaper liners and breathable diaper covers. Diaper liners in cloth diapers can keep skin drier. Breathable diaper covers allow air to circulate.
  
  
• Use ointment regularly. Applying a barrier ointment during each diaper change can prevent skin irritation in babies prone to diaper rash. Petroleum jelly and zinc oxide are often found in these ointments.
  
  
• Increase the baby’s fluid intake. This may help to make urine less concentrated and thus reduce the amount of ammonia the baby’s skin is exposed to. Children over 12 months of age may be helped by drinking cranberry juice to make the urine less concentrated. However, check with a pediatrician before adjusting the baby’s diet.

New mothers may also wish to consider breastfeeding their infant. Babies who are breastfed tend to have fewer diaper rashes because their stools contain fewer enzymes and other substances that irritate the skin.

There is no evidence that either cloth diapers or disposable diapers are more likely to help prevent diaper rash. Parents may experiment with each to determine which is better for their baby.