There’s nothing more delicate than your baby’s skin, but this softness also leaves your little one prone to irritation and breakouts. Almost 50% of babies will experience a rash at any point during their diaper-wearing years. Like any diaper rash, irritation can happen to nearly every baby, but this doesn’t need to be a daily thing: you should take extra steps to protect your baby’s bottom every time you change a diaper. Thus, you should know when to use diaper cream. Diaper cream is as necessary as the diaper itself. Because your baby wears diapers almost the whole day, their delicate skin is prone to moisture and bacteria.
Causes of Diaper Rash
If babies have diaper rash, they will cry more often, become fussy, agitated or restless, change their eating habits, and avoid urinating or pooping to avoid the pain associated with it. If this happens to your baby, you may wonder when to use diaper cream?
Sadly, diaper rashes are inherent in wearing diapers. Diapers create a restricted environment around your baby’s most sensitive body parts. The friction that’s caused by the diaper irritates its own. Also, your baby sits in urine, poop, and bacteria that love to thrive in these conditions, making their skin even more sensitive to irritation. Still, despite changing their diapers frequently and applying cream when and where you can, why is your little one still breaking out?
Here are some of the reasons why they have diaper rash and your signal when to use diaper cream.
They poop more than usual. Your baby’s poop is more irritating to your baby’s sensitive skin than urine. If your baby is pooping more than usual or is having diarrhea, it may increase the chances of diaper rash.
Their diapers are too tight. Chafing from a tight diaper or garments may irritate their skin and make them more exposed to rashes. Choose a diaper that fits well and avoid strapping them to provide your baby ample room to move without struggling against their diaper.
They may have a yeast infection. Yeast (fungal) infections are typical in babies because yeast prefers warm and moist places, which is precisely the condition a diaper provides. You will see a yeast infection along the folds or creases of your baby’s skin and often appear red dots. Treating this fungal infection would require an anti-fungal baby cream.
Their diet changes. A change in diet, specifically the introduction of solids, would change the texture, and frequency of your baby’s poop, which leads to skin irritation.
If your baby is still breastfeeding, they may be sensitive to something their moms eat.
Your baby has sensitive skin. Babies with atopic dermatitis or eczema often experience a greater rate. If your precious little one has sensitive skin, you may want to provide them with additional protection.
How to Spot Rashes?
Four signs indicate that a rash is either on its way or in progress. One of the most common symptoms is redness. Your baby’s skin will change its color from normal beige and pink to a bright, irritated, red color. The redness of the skin is usually accompanied by extra sensitivity. Once a rash leads to flaking or chafing, it’s going to be in full swing. This is the moment when to use diaper cream.
How do Diaper Creams Work?
One of the most popular misconceptions about diaper changes is that you only need additional products when your baby has already developed a rash. A diaper cream has two functions: It prevents and heals diaper rashes. Creams are usually used to prevent rashes and irritation by creating a thin wall between your baby’s bottom and the elements that usually irritate them.
Conclusion
Having a rash-free bottom is as important as soft and good-smelling skin for your baby. If your baby’s sensitive skin is prone to irritation and rashes, you need to decide when to use diaper cream. Diaper creams protect babies’ bottoms from the pains of wearing diapers by adding another layer of moisture and inhibiting chafing and susceptibility to irritants. While there’s no right or wrong way on how to use the cream preventatively, it is always best to consult with your pediatrician if your baby’s rash won’t go away. Taking good care of your baby’s bottoms will prevent rashes and make your baby feel more comfortable and relaxed. Get more tips on diapers.