As a pediatric nurse and a parent, I’ve seen how fast diaper rash can happen — especially if a baby is stooling a lot.
💡 True story: One night, my newborn patient had clear skin at midnight. By 3 AM — diaper rash. It really can show up that fast.
Since having my own baby, I’ve been extra careful about preventing diaper rash. My baby is 5 months old — and he’s never had a diaper rash.
My #1 Rule: PREVENT, don’t wait to TREAT.
What works for us:
🔴 If I see even a hint of redness, I treat it right away so it doesn’t get worse.
🧴 Use diaper cream early and generously. (This is what I was taught as a nurse!)
✨ But please don’t stress if your baby has had one! Every baby’s skin is different, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
Below, I’d like to share some helpful tips I learned as a critical care pediatric nurse (y’all, critical care babies have very sensitive bums), along with some of my favorite products for preventing and treating diaper rash:
Tip 1: Apply Generously
Apply a thick layer of diaper cream—think of it like icing a cake. A thin layer won’t offer enough protection.
Tip 2: Treat Redness Early
At the first sign of redness around the anus, begin applying diaper cream with every diaper change to prevent worsening.
Tip 3: Layering Creams Works Best
Start with a zinc oxide-based cream (like Desitin), then add a layer of petroleum or lanolin-based cream (like Aquaphor) on top. This combo provides a stronger barrier.
Tip 4: Protect Skin Overnight
If your baby usually sleeps through the night without a diaper change, apply a thick layer of cream before bedtime to protect the skin during long stretches.
Tip 5: Pooping Overnight? Change Promptly
If your baby still poops during the night, they’re not ready for overnight diapers. Always change their diaper immediately after each poop to prevent irritation.
Tip 6: Choose Gentle Products
Use fragrance-free wipes, diapers and even laundry detergents whenever possible. When wiping, use a gentle dabbing motion rather than rubbing to avoid irritating the skin if rash persists.
Tip 7: Be Extra Vigilant During Illness or Frequent Stools
If your baby has frequent poops or a tummy bug, change diapers more often and apply cream with every change to prevent skin breakdown.
Tip 8: Keep a Stronger Cream on Hand
Have a high zinc oxide concentration product (like 40% Destin) available. Use it at the first sign of a rash to stop it quickly and speed up healing.
Tip 9: Skip Wipes When Skin Is Sensitive
Consider washing your baby’s bottom with luke warm water (no soap) instead of using wipes if rash persists, especially when the skin is irritated.
Tip 10: All About Zinc Oxide
Keep a product with a higher concentration of zinc oxide on hand, such as Pinkxav. Apply it at the first sign of a rash, then return to using products with lower zinc oxide levels once the skin improves.
By following these tips above, you should be able to keep your baby’s skin rash-free. For babies with extra sensitive skin, explore Tips 10 through 12.
Below are some product great for day to day diaper rash prevention:
🌟A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment $
-No zinc oxide
-Cod liver oil with vitamins A and D.
-Minty fresh scent.
-Contains fragrance; usually I avoid scented baby products, but my baby’s skin seems fine after using this. Other moms say it doesn’t bother their children. (For extremely sensitive skin, please test on a small area before full use.)
🌟Aquaphor ointment and diaper cream $
-A classic with soothing vitamin B5 and lanolin extract
-Diaper cream has 15% zinc oxide, ideal for daily use
-Layering Aquaphor with zinc oxide diaper cream is highly effective
🌟PINXAV $
– My top choice for diaper cream, featuring a high concentration of zinc oxide (30%)
– Apply at the very first sign of a rash for best results
– Unique inactive ingredients include soothing aloe vera and clove leaf oil among others
For babies with extra sensitive skin, explore Tips 10 through 12.
Tip 10: Check Diaper Absorbency
Some diapers leave skin damp and can cause rashes. If that’s the case, try switching to a more absorbent brand
Here are a few of my favorite diapers that keep your baby’s skin dry and comfortable.
Honest overnight diaper $$
-My personal favorite overnight diaper.
-Thin, can absorb A LOT
-Clean conscious, less/no harmful chemicals
-Leave skin dry and comfortable, extra helpful for overnight leakage
Parasol diaper $$$
-My top choice for daytime use.
-Helps soothe and prevent diaper rash
-Ultra-soft texture
-Keeps skin dry and comfortable all day
-A bit pricey, but well worth the investment
Huggies overnight diaper $$
– Ultra absorbent for long-lasting protection
– If your baby’s rash persists, try these diapers day and night for improvement
Tip 11: Could It Be Yeast?
If zinc oxide cream isn’t helping, the rash might be yeast-related. may wanna Check with your pediatrician.
Tip 12: Try a No-Sting Barrier Spray
Barrier sprays can form a protective layer and help shield skin from moisture without irritating.
No-sting barrier film
A secret weapon used in NICU
-How to use？
According to Benioff Children’s Hospital’s site：
“Apply 3M No Sting Barrier Film once daily to clean, dry skin, usually after a bath. The film should be placed directly on red areas, including any rash or open sores. Begin at the anal opening, swiping out in a circle about one or two inches from the anus where stool may come in contact with skin. The product goes on wet and dries in about one minute. While it is drying, hold the buttocks apart and don’t allow skin-to-skin contact until it’s completely dry.”
Tip 13: is there a diet change lately？food intolerance?
food intolerance can cause ph change and other changes in poop， which may lead to further skin irritation. Just something to keep in mind
Tip 14: skip wiping when it’s just pee
if the skin is irritated, skip wiping when it’s just pee. Apply diaper cream every single change.
tip 16：try product contain hypochlorous acid
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always check with your doctor.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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