Combating Diaper Rash: Are Cloth Diapers the Answer?

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A baby calmly sleeping, wearing a cloth diaper.

Most parents have dealt with diaper rash at some point in their child’s life. It’s super uncomfortable for the baby and stressful on the parents and caretakers. Our skin needs to breathe and it prefers to be dry. But something like a soiled diaper pressed against a baby’s bottom can restrict airflow and create a moist warm environment for yeast and bacteria to thrive in, resulting in diaper rash. The itchy and painful condition makes things difficult for everyone involved, and there are many solutions to this problem. One solution is using cloth diapers.

Cloth Diapers

Some families prefer reusable diapers as they can be more economical and less of an environmental strain. Because cloth diapers aren’t made with plastics and other chemicals, many parents choose to use them hoping that they can avoid diaper rash. As wonderful as cloth diapers are, there are a lot of variables that should be factored into the efficacy of cloth diapers against diaper rash. Every child’s skin is different and will respond differently to different types of diapers. Not only do parents have to consider the type of material used in the diaper, but also the detergent used to launder them.

Best Practices

As much as possible, it is always best to deal with a soiled diaper right away. The longer the diaper is on the skin, the likelihood of developing diaper rash increases. It may not always be possible to be right on top of diaper changes, so it’s imperative that parents are mindful and check often. And don’t be afraid to try new things. You may need to change your detergent, the brand or the material. Parenting is all about flexibility and handling the pivots as best you can. So if you find something isn’t working, shake things up a little.

Other Solutions

In addition to cloth diapering, there are other solutions that can be paired in order to reduce the occurrence of diaper rash and to eliminate it whenever its red and bumpy irritation should rear its ugly head. Diaper rash creams that contain zinc can create a barrier between baby’s bottom and the moisture while healing the rash simultaneously. Air. It’s a very underrated treatment. When diaper rash is present, allowing baby’s bottom to be exposed to air as much as possible will do a lot to alleviate symptoms and heal it quickly. Breastmilk is another overlooked treatment option. Simply rubbing a little breastmilk on the affected area and allowing it to air dry can also speed healing and reduce the itch. Every family has different needs, and cloth diapers are a common tool to beat diaper rash. Whether you choose to make and launder them yourself, use a diaper service or buy them from your retailer of choice, know that you’re doing what you believe is best for your baby. Keep in mind that whatever you choose, you’ll want to look for signs of irritation, because catching it early makes it easier to treat.

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