Diaper rash is the pits. Of course, your heart goes out to a suffering wee one with a flaming red bum and such noticeable physical discomfort. But, let’s face it – we all have a vested interest in keeping babies satiated and comfortable in the name of sleep and household sanity.

The good news is there is plenty you can do to avoid diaper rash or minimize flare-ups when they occur.

Find ways to go diaper-free

The cleaner and drier the bum, the less likely it is to develop diaper rash. If you’re home with your newborn, or your nanny or caregiver is open to it, try to find windows of time during the day for the baby to go diaper-free.

Did you know that babies often wake to go to the bathroom (not always to feed, as you might think) or that they often go to the bathroom right after they wake up? These are some of the tenets around which the diaper-free movement was founded.

Have you considered going diaper-free? You don’t have to make it a full-time endeavor. Even a few pees or poos outside of a diaper support healthier baby skin.

While you do not have to take a diaper-free lifestyle to the limit, offering your baby the toilet or sink right after s/he wakes up from a nap saves a diaper. Then, lay the baby on a blanket, with an extra pad, towel, or blanket underneath, to play for a while. These additional minutes/hours add up over weeks and months, meaning his/her netherregions have lots of air and time to breathe.

Choose the right diapers

Mainstream diapers have come a long way, but the majority still use bleach, chemicals, and synthetic fillers to yield their white, “super absorbent” attributes. Alas, many babies have ultra-sensitive skin that would prefer fewer chemicals and synthetics - and more frequent changes. Some babies get rashes with one brand and not with another, so experimenting with different brands may lead you to the one best suited to your baby’s skin.

Make sure you’re choosing a high-quality diaper, wipes, and creams – that are free from bleaches, fragrance, or synthetic chemicals.

Visit my post Diapers: How to Choose a Brand That’s Right For You, for more information on what to look for when choosing diapers and diaper-related products for your baby.

Use healthy diaper changing practices

Along those same lines, babies can react to all kinds of different chemicals or even “natural products,” making it hard to tell what’s actually causing the problems. For example, the lavender essential oil that’s providing a “calming” or “soothing” effect in your baby’s lotion may not be calming at all if s/he happens to be allergic to lavender. It’s best to start with completely fragrance-free, alcohol-free products to eliminate any chances of reactions.

If your baby is experiencing diaper rash misery, stop using diaper wipes and other products altogether. Warm water on a soft cloth is all that’s needed to sufficiently clean his/her wet or soiled bum. Pat it completely dry or let it air dry before donning the new diaper.

Leave the diaper a little looser than normal

You may be fastening the diaper a little tighter than it needs to be, which further prevents air circulation and keeps urine and fecal matter trapped tighter against the skin between changes. Make sure you can easily stick a finger or two between the leg holes and waistband. If you use cloth diapers, use a breathable diaper cover.

Use a moisture-resistant diaper rash ointment

If your baby seems particularly susceptible to diaper rash, a moisture-resistant, diaper rash ointment can help. These balms or salves provide a protective layer between the baby’s skin and the offending irritants. Look for the gentlest ingredients out there.

Always remember to dry the baby’s skin entirely before putting the salve or ointment on. Otherwise, you may unintentionally make things worse.

Analyze your baby’s diet (or your own…)

Babies with food sensitivities or allergies are more prone to diaper rash and other skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. You might find that an elimination diet minimizes internal inflammation, translating to reduced external inflammation (aka, “diaper rash) as well. If you are breastfeeding, evaluate your diet as well, just like you might have with working out your morning sickness. The foods you eat, which convert into breastmilk, can contribute to diaper rash.

High-fat and high-sugar foods tend to exacerbate diaper rash, while starchy foods (without added sugar) can help soothe it. Then, there is a list of foods that can aggravate diaper rash. This happens because your baby is sensitive to the ingredients from the inside and/or certain food products irritate the skin when elements come back out and make contact on the outside.

Foods to consider diminishing or avoiding for a while (to see if it helps) are:

· Citrus fruits and foods with higher acid content such as oranges, lemons, tomatoes (including tomato-based pasta sauces), pineapple, etc.

· Grapes

· Raisins

· Strawberries

Then there are fruits and foods more apt to cause diarrhea, which irritates the skin and causes diaper rash. These foods are:

· Cow milk (try goat or other non-dairy options)

· Apple, pear, and cherry juice

· Pears

· Apricots

· Prunes and prune juice

· Peaches

Fortunately, some foods can be good for diaper rash. These are:

· Lentils and beans

· Bread/toast (slow-fermented rises or gluten-free if there’s possible gluten-sensitivity)

· Rice

· Potatoes

· Plantain bananas

· Crackers (low/no-sugar)

Having a diaper rash is no fun. And, plus, you want to maintain a nice, smooth, happy bum for those cute newborn and toddler pictures.

My name is Marcela Limon, and I’m the owner of Lemonshoots. I spend my days photographing beautiful pregnant mamas and their newborn babies. I can vouch first-hand that no diaper rash means a happier baby, so put these tips to use. Ready to capture amazing, one of a kind images of your happy newborn? Contact me to schedule a photo session.

How to Avoid Diaper Rash