Any parent of a newborn will tell you that preventing diaper rash
is an ongoing fight where constant vigilance is needed. Although you can
probably manage diaper rash without a doctor visit, it can still be a painful
process for the baby and for you. And if the rash does become infected, a visit
to the doctor’s office will be necessary.
There are a number of causes of diaper rash. One of the most
common cases is wetness. Even if you buy the most absorbable diaper, it won’t
clear moisture away completely. If your baby is experiencing diarrhea, the
combination of that with urine can be especially irritating to the baby’s skin.
Leaving a baby with a soiled diaper for too long can also lead to diaper rash.
Other causes of diaper rash
include a bacterial or yeast infection, chafing, and introducing new foods to
the baby’s diet.
Why Is Diaper Rash More Prevalent in the Summer?
The weather is heating up, which might not be the best thing for
your baby’s bottom. If you are sweating from your forehead, your baby may be
overheated as well, and this could lead to more moisture in the diaper area. In
addition to that, people are often more distracted in the summer months. There
are summer vacations, barbecues, and
other activities that can cause new parents to not change their baby’s diaper
as frequently.
So what can you do to prevent summer diaper rash while enjoying
some great family time under the sun too? First and foremost, know that
prevention is the key. Frequent diaper changing is a must. If you do find yourself
getting distracted, set a timer. You may also want to use talc-free baby
powder. In regard to cleaning your baby during a changing, you should dry your
baby’s bottom completely by patting the skin dry. You can also use ointment if
your baby is prone to diaper rash.
In addition to these and
other tips for prevention, consider the type of diapers you buy. If your baby
is getting diaper rash often, you may want to consider changing the type of
diaper you are using. Shop for baby
diapers that offer as much absorption as possible. Also, please know that
some instances of diaper rash are caused by chemical irritants. If this is the
case with your baby, you will want to buy diapers that do not include those
chemicals.
