As much as you may try to avoid it, the reality is that most babies will endure diaper rash at some point. And that irritation can flare up leaving their bottom sore and sensitive. There are a number of factors that can contribute to diaper rash, and here, we’ve outlined 5 of the most common ones.
Chafing from Wrong Diaper Size
When your baby wears a diaper that improperly fits their bottom, this can cause that tight diaper to rub and cause chafing against the skin. As this occurs over a prolong period of time, it can cause irritation and diaper rash along those areas. Try to ensure that your baby has the proper size diaper and that it isn’t too tight against the skin.
Prolonged Exposure to Urine or Stool
If your baby has been sitting in a dirty diaper for a prolonged period of time, that contact with urine and stool can irritate the skin. It’s important to check frequently whether their diaper is dirty and may be in need of a change.
Taking Antibiotics
If your baby is on antibiotics, or even if the mother has been taking them while nursing, this can sometimes cause your baby’s skin to become more sensitive since antibiotics kill both bad and good bacteria. It can also cause the skin to become dry and irritated.
Bacterial Infection
That area covered by the diaper can be a haven for bacterial infections to develop since it’s an area that is moist and covered – it can create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. It’s imperative to keep the area as clean as possible to reduce the potential for a bacterial or fungal infection to occur.
Introduction of New Foods
Introducing new, solid foods into your baby’s diet will alter the consistency of their stool and also the frequency of it. This is a common time when babies are more susceptible to developing diaper rash. Even when a baby is breastfed, different foods consumed by the mother can allow a sensitivity to occur in the baby.
Diaper rash is a very common occurrence among babies and one that yours will most likely experience at some point. These are some of the more common reasons for it to occur. But being diligent about keeping their bottoms clean and fresh is one of the most important things you can do to keep their bottoms happy, beyond wearing a baby sleeping bag.
