Causes and Remedies for Diaper Rash
Your baby’s skin is incredibly delicate and can easily get irritated by the friction from a diaper. Think about how uncomfortable it feels when a clothing tag rubs against your skin until it becomes raw. One simple solution is to loosen the diaper a bit and allow your baby’s skin to air out. You might also want to apply an organic, protective ointment.
Allergic reactions can also trigger diaper rash. These reactions might come from detergents, wipes, diapers, or clothes. Consider switching to an all-natural laundry detergent and using natural diapers and baby wipes, such as Seventh Generation. It’s also crucial to dress your newborn in organic clothing; brands like Hanna Anderson or UnderTheNile.com offer great options.
Stool or urine can irritate your baby’s skin and create an environment that promotes diaper rash. These bodily wastes can contain bacteria, yeast, parasites, or other toxins. To prevent this, change your baby’s diaper frequently and clean their skin thoroughly. Applying an organic solution can help form a barrier against these harmful substances. Sometimes, diaper rash is caused by heat, known as prickly heat rash, which occurs when your baby’s skin gets too hot under the diaper. This can be alleviated by airing out and cooling your baby’s skin regularly.
When moisture stays on the skin for too long, it makes the skin more permeable and prone to bacterial or yeast infections. Frequent diaper changes can help reduce discomfort and symptoms. Switch to a more absorbent, all-natural diaper to further prevent this type of diaper rash.
Are Diaper Rash Creams Safe?
Using a commercial diaper rash cream on your baby might actually expose their sensitive skin to toxic chemicals. For example, talc, a common ingredient in many children’s products, is also a known carcinogen. Be cautious of the following ingredients in diaper rash creams or powders:
DMDM Hydantoin: A type of formaldehyde.
Parabens: Can cause skin irritation and immune system issues.
Triclosan: Linked to hormone disruption.
How to Make My “Organic Diaper Rash Remedy”
I came up with this formula at the request of many mothers and my wife. I’ve personally used it with my two children, who have never had diaper rash, and I’ve recommended it to many new mothers. Making an organic, toxin-free diaper rash remedy at home is economical, fun, environmentally friendly, and great for your baby’s skin.
Ingredients Needed:
3 ounces of organic extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil
3 ounces of organic hempseed oil (I use the Living Harvest Brand)
1 ounce of organic raw unprocessed extra virgin coconut oil (solid at room temperature)
9 drops of organic lemongrass essential oil
9 drops of organic tea tree essential oil
Directions: Combine the olive, coconut, and hemp oils in a glass bowl (Pyrex bowls work well) and place over the lowest heat setting on your stove until the coconut oil has melted and blended with the olive and hemp oils. You can also hold the glass bowl slightly above the burner. As soon as the oils are melted, remove from heat, stir, and let cool for 5 minutes. Add the 9 drops of lemongrass and tea tree oils and stir to mix well. Store the solution at room temperature with a lid at your changing area. Apply to the diaper area with an organic cotton ball after cleaning your baby’s skin and just before putting on a new diaper, 2-3 times daily or every third diaper change. If your baby has a reaction, discontinue use immediately and let me know.
It’s best to make small batches to keep the oils fresh and active, so I don’t recommend doubling or tripling the recipe to make larger batches. Avoid refrigeration, as this will solidify the oils. This combination of oils will not only moisturize your baby’s skin but also protect and disinfect it without disrupting its natural protective properties. Let me know how this works for you!
