Homemade Remedies For Diaper Rash

So, we are using store bought disposable diapers and wipes because we thought we were going to be living in a hotel for 3-6 weeks with no close laundry mat. This normally wouldn't be a problem, however (and I was so hoping this wouldn't happen) my girls can get diaper rashes in disposable diapers and especially when we are not using our cloth wipes with the homemade cloth wipe solution. :/ Not fun. This time my oldest did just fine, but my youngest was not so lucky. So, I thought I would share the Diaper Rash Remedies my family uses. The great thing about these remedies is that they are safe to use with your cloth diapers and disposable diapers!

Extra Virgin Cold Compress Olive Oil ~ Olive Oil is a hypoallergenic deep skin moisturizer. It is an antioxidant which renews and rebuilds skin cells. It also soothes skin irritation and itchiness. Not all Olive Oils are the same grade. When choosing your Olive Oil realize that the more refined the oil is the less properties are found in the oil. Extra Virgin Olive Oil has the most properties. Next are Virgin Olive Oil, Olive Oil, and then Light Olive Oil.

Extra Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil ~ Coconut Oil heals and repairs damaged skin. It is a moisturizer that prevents dry and flaky skin, reduces inflammation, and soothes skin irritations, itchiness, blisters, and rashes. Coconut Oil properties are antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, and are an antioxidant. Coconut Oil is some amazing stuff. However, not all Coconut Oil is the same grade. When choosing your Coconut Oil realize that the more refined the oil is the less properties are found in the oil. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil has the most properties, then Virgin Coconut Oil and then regular Coconut Oil. Also Unrefined Coconut Oil has more properties and a different smell than Refined Coconut Oil. 

Crisco Shortening ~ Crisco Shortening is a moisture barrier. You can use it in place of petroleum and it does the same thing. But, it doesn't have all the side effects of petroleum because it is all natural. It also relieves dry and itchy skin.

Cornstarch ~ There is some controversy whether to use Cornstarch anymore. However, we have used it before I knew the debate and it worked fine for us. Cornstarch is derived from food and therefore when moist can promote bacterial or fungal growth. However if kept dry, put on a dry bottom, and changed when the diaper is dirty or wet we had no issues with the Cornstarch. We used it as an alternative to baby powder, because talc powder has been found to be dangerous when inhaled. Though Cornstarch is a heavier powder, you still want to be careful to make sure it is not inhaled. We have rubbed the Cornstarch on the rash to bring relief as well as put it in the diaper to help soak up acidic poo. Another use is to put 1/2 cup in a bathtub of water or 2 tablespoons in an infant’s tub of water to relieve and soothe itchy and irritated skin. 

Baking Soda Bath ~ Baking Soda can be used just like the Cornstarch. Put 1/2 cup in a bathtub of water or 2 tablespoons in an infant’s tub of water to relieve and soothe itchy and irritated skin. 

Oatmeal Bath ~ Oatmeal is great for skin. It soothes irritation, takes away redness, relieves dry skin, relieves inflammation, and moisturizes. Just like the Cornstarch and Baking Soda, Colloidal Oatmeal can be added to the bath to soothe and relieve itchy skin. Colloidal Oatmeal is uncooked oatmeal ground into a fine meal. You can grind the Oatmeal in a food processor, blender, or coffee grinder. Another trick is to put Oatmeal into an old sock and tie the end. Let the sock and baby soak in tub. The baby needs to soak in the bath tub for 15-20 minutes.

Air Time & Sun ~ Air time is when you let your baby lay out or run around butt naked. This allows the irritated skin to breathe and heal. Diapers hold in moisture which encourages growth of bacteria that causes rash and infection. The Sun kills bacteria where it touches. So if your baby gets air time in the sun then it is all the better!

Breast Milk ~ Yes, breast milk! Lactoferrin is a protein found in breast milk that helps inhibit certain organisms, like yeast, from growing. Lysozyme is a protein that helps protect against inflammation. Bifidus factor is a protein that helps fight against harmful bacteria. Vitamins found in the mother’s diet are also passed through breast milk which helps the skin. Breast milk has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It has antibacterial and healing properties, as well as contains strong antibodies and antitoxins. So next time your baby gets diaper rash put some on their little bottom. If you don't have any, you might just want to ask your friend for some. 

These are different home remedies we have used for diaper rash. We use them for different reasons and at different times of the day or for different events. Some people might consider what they have in their pantry. But I can say that these have worked for us. I have heard of other remedies like Maalox and browned flour, but I haven't tried them. If you know of any other home remedies or have tried any that work, please share them with us in the comment section so that we can all choose what one works best for our babies. Thank you!