Cloth Diapers and Diaper Rash

A very common problem that I hear about cloth diapers, and have experienced myself, is how do you handle diaper rash? Creams and petroleum jelly are both possible with the right diaper liner, but what if you don't want to spend the money on liners? Anything you apply to the rash will cause damage to your diapers but if you leave it uncared for, your baby suffers.

Here are some tips and tricks I have learned that have kept my babies' bottoms painfree without costing a fortune or ruining diapers:

• Skip the wipes. A lot of wipes are filled with harsh irritants like perfumes and alcohol. Even if you purchase wipes that are specially formulated for sensitive skin, they are still going to leave a residue on your baby's bottom, causing mild irritation. The best thing you can use consistently is pure water. Nothing cleanses better without causing irritation. Consider using a spray bottle with water and washcloths and save the wipes for those occasional big messes.
• Baking soda baths. By sprinkling a little baking soda in your babies bath water and allowing them to soak for 10 to 15 minutes, it will lessen chances of infection while soothing the broken skin. Make sure not to get any in the child's eyes or near their face.
• Colloidal oatmeal baths. Much like baking soda, oatmeal has an antibacterial and healing effect. It may be less harsh on a younger child's skin and also works great to treat eczema and cradle cap. Try a homemade version for a great healing effect at a fraction of the cost.
• Air it out. Because little ones can fill diapers quickly, being constantly wet can start to irritate the skin. Allow your baby to go diaper-free for fifteen minutes a day. Make sure to keep cloth diapers or a diaper pad underneath them to make unexpected accidents easy to clean up.
• Tea tree oil and witch hazel. Tea tree oil is a gentle antibacterial and antifungal oil while witch hazel soothes and heals. Use caution not to over use these herbs as a baby's skin is very sensitive and constant use may make the rash worse. I strongly recommend California Baby Diaper Area Wash which contains tea tree oil, witch hazel and other organic soothing herbs making it gentle on a baby's skin. Not only does it cure diaper rash quickly, it even works in curing and preventing staph infections.
• Switch detergent. A lot of times, diaper rash can be caused by irritants in the laundry detergent. It can build up on the cloth diapers and, once wet, will saturate your babies skin with chemicals. I recommend a gentle homemade detergent. If you prefer to purchase regular laundry detergent, look for brands that are free of dyes, perfumes and especially optical whiteners. Also make sure to boil your diapers regularly to kill any bacteria that may accumulate and cause rashes.
• Breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, express some milk using a pump or by hand and rub it on the baby's bottom a couple times a day. Breast milk has so many natural healing properties and it is specifically created for your baby. No over-the-counter or prescription treatment can claim that!

Remember that not all diaper rash is the same. There are many different causes of diaper rash so one remedy may not work every time. If the rash does not clear up in a couple of days, it may be a staph or yeast infection which are both incredibly common in babies. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any serious or long term rashes.

So next time your little one's tushie turns red, don't reach for a disposable diaper and some cream. Instead, consider these easy, cheap and highly effective methods. That baby bottom will be smooth in no time!

Disclaimer: The above information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Make sure you consult your child's pediatrician before attempting any home remedies or herbal-medicating.

For more homemaking tips, check out: The Better Mom, Moms the Word, Growing Home, Far Above Rubies, Learning the Frugal Life, A Bowl Full of Lemons, Time-Warp Wife