Diaper rash is a common problem in infants that caused due to the prolonged exposure to the dirty diaper (that moist due to urine or stool). It is characterized by rash or inflamed skin in the diaper areas like buttocks, upper thighs, and genital area.
It is also caused due to food allergies, poorly laundered diapers, digestive problems, sensitivity to the diaper, etc. If not treated properly, it results in yeast or bacterial infection.
The acids in the urine and stool will make the area as acidic and thereby it causes the infection, redness, pain and other irritations on that area.
In this article, we learn all about how to naturally treat this problem with an amazing home remedy called baking soda. Let’s get started.
How does Baking Soda work to treat Diaper Rash?
- Baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate) has an alkalizing property that treats diaper rash or yeast diaper rash effectively.
- It balances the pH levels of the body and thus reduces the acid content of the urine and stool of the baby that causes diaper rash.
- It protects the baby’s skin from the infection causing acids and also prevents the growth of bacteria or yeast by neutralizing the acids.
- It exhibits antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that fight against the bacteria or fungus causing the diaper rash.
- It reduces the pain, irritation or inflammation of your baby with its anti-inflammatory property.
How to Treat Diaper Rash using Baking Soda?
Now, let’s know how to treat the diaper rash of your baby effectively with baking soda. Here are some best ways of using baking soda for diaper rash treatment.
Method – 1: (Baking Soda)
If baking soda applied directly (undiluted) then it causes some irritation on the baby’s smooth and tender skin. So, you have to dilute baking soda and use it as your baby’s diaper rash cream.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 4 – 5 cups of water.
- Then soak a clean cloth or sponge in this water and squeeze it to remove excess water.
- Now use this cloth to clean the diaper area of the baby.
- Leave the skin to get dry naturally before placing a new diaper.
- Continue doing the same process every time you change your baby’s diaper to get rid of the problem.
Note: Or simply use this water to rinse your baby’s bottom for treating their diaper rash.
Method – 2: (Baking Soda Bath with Milk Powder and Oatmeal)
Oatmeal soothes the baby’s soft skin and removes unwanted dirt and impurities with its saponin content. Milk reduces the redness and itching caused by diaper rash. So, this bath is very effective in treating diaper rash.
- Prepare a fine powder of 1/4 cup of oatmeal by using a blender.
- Then mix this oatmeal powder and 2 teaspoons of baking soda in 1 tablespoon of milk powder and store it in a bottle.
- Now add 2 tablespoons of this mix into the baby’s bathtub filled with warm water.
- Stir well and give a nice bath to your baby for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Dry their skin with a clean soft cloth before wearing a new diaper.
- Repeat the same for twice daily till you’re little ones get complete relief from the diaper rash.
Note: Or mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda in your baby’s bathtub and give them a nice bath for about 10 minutes. Dry the baby’s body before wearing a diaper. Repeat it regularly.
Method – 3: (Baking Soda with Aloe Vera)
Aloe vera soothes the skin to reduce redness, irritation, and pain caused by diaper rash. Baking soda forms a protective layer to prevent the acid effect on your baby’s bottom.
- Firstly, clean the baby’s affected area with cold water and pat dry it.
- Then mix 2 – 3 tablespoons of lard and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel (or vitamin E oil).
- Now apply this mix as a thin layer all over your baby bottom.
- Wait for few seconds and then apply a thin layer of baking soda over this lard mix.
- Leave it on for few minutes and then wear a new diaper to your baby.
- Do the same process regularly for getting quick relief from the problem.
Method – 4: (Baking Soda with Yogurt)
Yogurt provides a cooling or soothing effect to your baby’s irritated skin. Baking soda fights against the bacteria or fungus causing the rash along with neutralizing the body.
- Apply 3 tablespoons of yogurt to the diaper rash affected area.
- Rinse off with cold water after 2 minutes and let the area dry properly.
- Now mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 2 tablespoons of water and apply this mix on the baby’s bottom.
- Leave it on for 1 hour and then gently wipe it off.
- Finally, apply 1 tablespoon of olive oil on the affected area and massage gently till it absorbed by the skin.
- Wear a new diaper and repeat the same process regularly to get relief from the baby’s diaper rash.
Method – 5: (Baking Soda with Colloidal Oatmeal)
This process is used to treat yeast diaper rash, as yeast is generally present in the skin and grows in the warm, moist areas of the body like the diaper area. If the diaper is not changed in time, then it results in overgrowth.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of colloidal oatmeal (or Epsom salt) and 1 – 2 tablespoons of baking soda in your baby’s bathtub.
- Fill the tub with lukewarm water and give your little ones a soothing bath with this water.
- Regular follow – up of this process will help to soothe the irritation and prevent the yeast effect on the body.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- If your baby’s skin is dry or having any cuts or wounds then avoid baking soda bath, as it causes irritation and over dryness.
- You can also use baking soda containing soothing creams for treating your baby’s diaper rash problem.
- Never ever overuse baking soda on your baby’s skin, as it results in itching and irritation on their soft and smooth skin.
- Test yourself before applying baking soda and also add more water to dilute the baking soda, if you baby is having dry skin.
- Always remember to apply moisturizer to all over the body before wearing a diaper and clothes.
- It’s not recommended to use the stored mix of baking soda. You should always prepare a fresh one for every application.
- Make sure to rinse your baby’s body after having baking soda bath to clear the traces of baking soda on the body or else it causes itching and irritation.
- Consult the pediatrician if your baby didn’t get relief from the problem or if the symptoms persist, for immediate treatment.
Try these baking soda methods at home to treat your baby’s diaper rash. Share your experience with us in the below comments box.
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