When my daughter was around six months old and just starting her journey with solid foods, she got one of the most terrible diaper rashes I had ever seen. Her little bottom was bright red, sore, and she was so uncomfortable.
As a breastfeeding mother committed to a natural lifestyle, I was determined to figure out what caused it and how to bring her sweet skin back to health. We also have a post titled Diarrhea in Breastfed Babies if you want to have a look as it’s also amazing and can help you understand some of the connections with diaper rash!
Why Diaper Rash Happens
Diaper rashes are no fun for babies or parents. While some diaper rashes happen because of irritant diaper rash or a bacterial infection, introducing new foods can sometimes be the main culprit, especially for breastfed babies. Your baby’s digestive system is still maturing, and certain types of food can lead to acidic stools, loose stools, or even an allergic reaction.
Common Foods That Can Trigger Diaper Rash
Here’s what I learned from my daughter’s experience and talking to other breastfeeding mothers:
- Citrus fruits and acidic foods: Oranges, tomatoes, and other acidic foods can create more acidic poop, irritating your baby’s sensitive skin.
- Dairy products: Some babies have a milk allergy or lactose intolerance, which can cause loose stools and trigger rash symptoms.
- Spicy foods: If you’re breastfeeding and eating a lot of spicy foods, that can sometimes upset your baby’s digestive tract.
- Fruit juices and starchy foods: These can alter your baby’s bowel movements, leading to diaper dermatitis.
- Whole grains and solid foods: While healthy, they can be a new challenge for a baby’s diet and digestive system, increasing the likelihood of diaper rash.
Natural Ways to Soothe Baby’s Skin
Seeing red patches and sore skin on your baby’s bottom is heartbreaking. Luckily, there are some gentle, natural ways to help:
- Let them air dry…yes, let their bum out with nothing else! With my daughter, this worked better than any other method. I covered the living room floor with old blankets and towels and let her roam free. I noticed improvement straight away.
- Change diapers frequently to avoid moisture buildup.
- Use mild soap and warm water or moist washcloths instead of baby wipes, which sometimes contain irritants.
- Switch to cloth diapers if you use disposable diapers and find they trap too much moisture.
- Skip fabric softener and choose a gentle laundry detergent when washing cloth diapers.
- Pat the diaper area dry or use a squirt bottle of water and cotton balls to keep skin clean.
- Apply a barrier cream like zinc oxide or petroleum jelly. A natural diaper cream can create a shield to protect your baby’s bottom.
- Avoid talcum powder and opt for natural powders if needed.
- Consider your baby’s diet and cut out the particular food that may be causing the reaction.
- Check with your health care provider if you suspect a food allergy or see signs of severe diaper rash.
When to Worry About Yeast or Bacterial Infections
Sometimes, diaper rashes can get worse and develop into a yeast diaper rash or bacterial diaper rash. You might notice red patches, open sores, or a rash that doesn’t respond to your best treatment. In those cases, an antifungal cream or a chat with your health care provider is a good idea.
Trust Your Instincts and Your Baby’s Symptoms
Introducing new foods is an exciting time, but it’s always good to watch how your baby’s skin reacts. Every baby is different. What caused my daughter’s terrible diaper rash might be just fine for yours. Pay attention to your baby’s bottom and bowel movements, those little clues can help you keep diaper rashes at bay.
Watching my daughter struggle with diaper rash taught me the power of paying attention to new foods and the natural ways to support her skin. Whether you’re using cloth diapers, disposable diapers, or trying different rash treatments, remember: you’re doing your best. By tuning in to your baby’s diet and skin sensitivities, you’re giving them the gentlest start possible.
Do you have a story about your baby’s worst diaper rash? I’d love to hear how you found relief for your little one’s sensitive skin.
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