How to Prevent Baby Rashes: A Guide for Moms

It’s common to see a few marks on your newborn’s tender skin. Tiny bumps and flaking may creep up unexpectedly, though they’re usually harmless and will fade on their own. But when it comes to baby rashes that last for weeks on end, prevention is key. Here are strategies to keep your baby’s skin happy and rash-free.

Waiting until your bub’s diaper gets dirty and smelly before attending to it might be too late. Urine contains ammonia and other compounds that can irritate the skin. The enzymes present in a baby’s poop (lipase and protease, to be specific) can cause inflammation if left on for too long.

Babies often give subtle signals whenever they’re answering nature’s call. Yours may scrunch up their nose, grunt, pout their lips, or stare off into space with such intensity. When you notice any of these cues, you know it’s time to clean their little bottom and change their diaper.

Once or twice a day, you can soak their buttocks with warm water for five minutes after cleansing them. This helps remove any residue and soothe baby rashes. Pat the area dry with a soft towel and apply baby rash ointment if you see crusting or tiny bumps.

Allowing your sweetling some diaper-free time is a simple yet effective step in managing baby rashes. Irritations and infections are typically due to excess moisture and friction, so by letting the skin breathe, it can heal much faster.

Exposing baby’s skin to the morning sun for about 30 minutes helps inhibit bacterial growth that causes diaper rashes, research says. On top of that, multiple studies have shown that allowing them to walk naked would speed up their motor skills development.

A newborn’s skin is incredibly sensitive and thin. It loses water five times faster than adults, making it more prone to dryness. If you or your partner have a history of skin conditions, your baby is likely to develop similar issues. As a preventive measure, the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends applying moisturizer all over baby’s skin daily. According to a 2020 study, doing so can lower the risk of developing atopic dermatitis by half.

Choose a baby moisturizer with a gentle and pH-neutral formula, like Baby Dove Rich Moisture Lotion. The ingredients provide essential hydration and help maintain the skin barrier. Use it after bathtime and your little one’s skin will stay smooth all day.

Wiping slobber off an infant’s mouth is part of parenting. Excess saliva can trigger chafing or what’s known as drool rash. This type of contact dermatitis occurs around the mouth, neck, and chin areas – sometimes, it spreads to the chest.

There’s no stopping your baby from drooling. After all, it’s a normal behavior, especially during the teething phase. But you can minimize their risk of developing baby rashes by limiting pacifier time to naps, or going cold turkey. That way, there won’t be any saliva trapped between the binky and the skin.

Cradle cap, characterized by yellowish, scaly patches on the head, is a common condition many newborns experience. The problem? Overactive oil glands along with dead skin buildup.

To prevent this from happening, washing your baby’s hair daily is the golden rule. Using your fingertips, slowly massage Baby Dove Hair To Toe Rich Soothing Moisture onto the scalp to help loosen flakes. This hypoallergenic baby shampoo is as gentle as water and has earned the approvals from dermatologists, pediatricians, and ophthalmologists. Plus, it contains Dove’s signature ¼ moisturizing cream that works to nourish sensitive skin.

Bottom line, maintaining proper hygiene and choosing gentle skincare products can help your bundle of joy safe. If you have further concerns about baby rashes, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a healthcare professional.