1. Clean your baby’s skin
Always keep your baby’s skin as clean and dry as possible. That means changing wet or soiled diapers right away. Since you may not always know when your baby needs a change, check the diaper at least every two hours. In newborns or babies with diaper rash and/or diarrhea, you will need to check even more frequently.
If you use wipes during diaper changes, make sure you choose ones that are mild, gentle, and designed for your baby’s special needs. Your best choices are wipes that have been clinically tested or proven mild to the skin.
You may prefer to use a soft, wet washcloth to gently clean the diaper area. Warm water should do the job; use a gentle baby cleanser only if the stool does not come off easily.
Whether you use wipes or a washcloth, it’s important to avoid further irritating damaged skin. Use your wipe or washcloth to gently pat skin, being careful not to rub.
If you have already applied a diaper rash treatment at the previous diaper change, don’t worry about removing any leftover ointment. Clean the soiled, outer layer and leave the ointment on the skin to avoid damaging delicate skin.
2. Allow diaper area to dry
One key step to help healing diaper rash is keeping the area clean and dry. Once you have finished cleaning your baby’s bottom, pat it dry (no rubbing!) before applying a thick barrier of protection. Better yet, allow your baby to go without a diaper for a little while to let her bottom air-dry and then apply a thick barrier of protection when you do re-diaper.
3. Apply a DESITIN® Diaper Rash treatment to protect baby’s tender skin
Applying a barrier ointment,cream or paste protects from minor skin irritation due to diaper rash. It will also help prevent friction from the diaper. Apply a thick layer of a zinc oxide diaper rash treatment, such as DESITIN® Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Cream or DESITIN® Daily Defence Diaper Rash Cream, at each diaper change.
Always call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your baby or their behavior.