Ever noticed tiny, red spots, bumps, or a warm reddish patch on your baby’s chubby little bottom? That is diaper rash is – an inevitable part of your baby’s early days. All babies from the age of 9 to 12 months suffer from it at least once every couple of months. In some cases, the rash does not seem to go away at all.

What Causes Diaper Rash?
There are several factors responsible for the red itchy spots on your baby’s bottom. Some of them are:

• Wetness: No matter which brand you use, the truth is that even the most absorbent diaper leaves a little moisture on your baby’s skin. And when your baby’s urine mixes with bacteria from his/her stool, it breaks down into ammonia, which can cause diaper rash. However, a baby left in a wet diaper for too long is more likely to develop diaper rash than a baby whose diapers are changed at regular intervals.
• Chafing/Rubbing against Diaper: Diaper rubbing against your baby’s skin, especially if your baby is sensitive to chemicals, could be the cause of your baby’s diaper rash.
• Solid Food: Diaper rash is also a common occurrence when your baby first starts eating solid food. New food changes the composition of your baby’s poop, and the acids present in certain food can cause trouble in some babies.
• Yeast/Bacterial infection: Your baby’s bottom is warm and moist – perfect for bacteria and yeast to build a home. So, it is perfect for a bacteria and/or yeast infection to grow there and cause a rash, especially in the folds of your baby’s skin, which is usually the bottom.
• Antibiotics: Babies on antibiotics sometimes get a yeast infection, because these drugs kill the healthy bacteria that keep yeast in control, along with the harmful bacteria that cause the illness. Consumption of antibiotics can also cause diarrhoea in babies, which is another cause of diaper rash.

Types of Diaper Rash

• Yeast infection: A tender, bright-red rash that usually starts in the creases between the abdomen and thighs, and gradually spreads.
• Chafing: Redness often accompanied by bumps and spots in the diaper region.
• Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis): A deep red rash with yellow scales that appears on the heads of babies, but it can also start to make its way down to the diaper region.

Tips to Avoid Diaper Rashes in Babies
Even though it is nearly impossible to avoid diaper rashes in babies, here are a few tips to keep your baby’s bottom free from rashes.

• Check your baby’s diaper often, and change it on a frequent basis once it is soiled
• Do not forget to wash your hands before and after changing diapers.
• Use a mild cleanser to wipe off poop from your baby’s bottom. If you use wipes, choose the mild ones that are alcohol-free. Or, it is best to use a clean and soft cloth.
• Pat your baby’s skin gently while cleaning it. Do not rub.
• Keep your baby’s bottom clean and dry before putting on a fresh diaper.
• Use a mild ointment to protect your baby’s skin from irritation and rashes. Do not use powders.
• Put on your baby’s diaper in a way that allows proper air circulation.
• When your baby starts eating solid food, it is best to introduce one item at a time.
• Wash cloth diapers in hot water and use fragrance-free detergent.
• Let your baby take probiotics when he/she is on antibiotics because probiotics encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the stomach, which may help in reducing your baby’s chances of getting a diaper rash.

However, if the aforementioned measures do not help, and if your baby is suffering from any of the following conditions, it is best to see a doctor.

• The rash gets worse and doesn’t heal in one or two days.
• The baby has a fever or is sluggish.
• You see yellow, fluid-filled blisters/pustules and crusty areas. This could be a symptom of bacterial infection.
• You notice symptoms of a yeast infection.

All of these can also be treated with oral antibiotics, an antifungal ointment or a steroid cream.