It can be heartbreaking for parents when they see angry red sores on their baby’s sensitive skin. Many mothers and fathers have experienced that feeling of not knowing what they can do to make their children feel more comfortable.

However, many things can be done to help these rashes heal. If your cloth diapered baby is suffering from diaper rash, here are some things you can do to help these irritations disappear.

Change your Baby’s Diaper Often

Diaper rash can happen for many reasons, and sometimes it’s impossible to figure out why it’s happening. A process of elimination may be one way to come up with a solution, and you may have to try various methods hoping one will work. Changing your baby’s diaper often can be an excellent way to start.

Diaper rashes can occur if your baby’s skin is in contact with a wet or dirty diaper for a prolonged period. This could be even more of an issue with a cloth diaper which is typically not as absorbent as a synthetic one. Newborns should be checked every 60 to 90 minutes while older babies should be checked every 2 to 4 hours.

Avoid Irritants

It is possible that the items you are using on your baby’s bottom are causing diaper rash. This could include baby washes and moisturizers, soap, fragranced wipes, detergents and more.

Avoid irritants that may lead to diaper rash by using plain warm water with or without mild soap to clean your baby’s diaper. Also, allow your baby’s skin to dry thoroughly before putting on another diaper. Avoid scented soaps and baby wipes that contain alcohol and perfumes.

Choose a Soft, Comfortable Diaper

Diaper rash can occur if your baby’s diaper is too tight and rubs against your baby’s skin. This is why we design FuzziBunz with elastic to be the best fitting cloth diaper on the market!

Naked Time

Sometimes it is best for a baby to have some time without a diaper. This will allow his or her skin to breathe and dry appropriately while freeing them from the diaper's uncomfortable restraints.

Start by making sure your baby is patted dry. To avoid accidents, place an absorbent pre-fold under your baby. If your baby is already mobile, a loose, fitted pre-fold soft diaper or cover trainer will work.

Ointments

Ointments can also be used for diaper rash, but most are not recommended for use with cloth diapers as they can coat the fabric of the diaper and cause repelling issues. However, some salves work well, and these include Northern Essence Diaper Salves and Grandma El’s Rash Cream.

Another solution is to place a piece of fabric between your baby’s bottom and the cloth diaper. This will serve as a barrier, keeping the ointment residue from transferring onto the diaper.

Remember, there is no evidence that synthetic diapers are less likely to cause diaper rash than cloth diapers. But in any event, we always want to keep our babies as comfortable as possible. These helpful tips will help in keeping your baby’s skin looking smooth and clear, for a happy baby and a happy mommy and daddy. 

Inspired by keeperofthehome.org