There’s nothing worse than beating a case of diaper rash only to have it come back a few weeks later. If you’re dealing with recurring diaper rash and are not sure why it keeps coming back, you might be making a few common mistakes. Because diaper cream can be expensive, it helps to know how to make the most of it so you can eliminate diaper rash quickly and keep it from coming back.
To help you get your money’s worth, here are five tips for getting the most out of your diaper cream:
- Clean The Area And Let It Dry Before You Apply
In order for diaper cream to do its thing, you need to fully clean your baby’s bottom and give its skin time to dry before applying diaper cream. This is because lingering moisture might help feed the bacteria that’s causing the rash, making it harder for diaper cream to do its job. Once you’ve cleaned your baby’s bottom, pat the diaper area dry and let it air dry until all the moisture is gone from the skin. Around 10-15 minutes should be enough to let things fully dry.
- Lay It On Thick
Another reason diaper cream might not be working well enough is if you’re not putting enough of it on. Don’t be afraid to apply a thick layer of cream to the areas where the skin is most irritated. It’s okay to do a thinner layer in places where there’s no rash, but don’t be stingy elsewhere. Don’t wipe off any of the excess cream, but do put on a fresh diaper right away and keep an eye out for the next time they need a diaper change.
- Give The Baby Some Diaper-Free Time
A great way to get diaper rash to go away quickly is to minimize the amount of time the baby’s skin is in contact with the diaper. Try and give the baby an hour or two a day of diaper-free time, either on a water-proof mat or rubber sheets where you can have easy cleanup in case of any accidents. The more time the baby’s skin is spent dry and exposed to air, the faster the diaper rash will clear up.
- Use Diaper Cream As A Preventative
Although this might seem counterintuitive, sometimes using diaper cream as a preventative actually makes things cheaper in the long run. Many diaper creams use zinc oxide to create a barrier against the skin that seals out moisture and prevents irritation. If you use a thin coating of diaper cream during diaper changes, you can reduce the likelihood of diaper rash. If you’d prefer to use it a bit more sparsely, you can begin using diaper cream anytime you see the start of irritation to cut off diaper rash before it gets too bad.
- Choose A Diaper Cream That’s Effective And Affordable
This is the best piece of advice for getting the most out of your diaper cream because a cream that’s expensive or ineffective is a waste of money. Try to find something that is effective at eliminating diaper rash, doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals or preservatives, and is affordable enough to use as a preventative.
If you want our recommendation, Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream checks all those boxes and then some. This cream uses a mixture of zinc oxide, oat extract, and beeswax to nourish, moisturize, and protect the skin. It’s pediatrician-recommended and good at treating mild to severe rashes, helping you knock out diaper rash as quickly as possible. If you want to use it as a daily preventative, it’s gentle enough for daily use and affordable enough not to break the bank.
If you follow these tips, you can keep diaper rash at bay and save money on diaper cream. Make the most of your diaper cream by choosing a reliable brand that prevents irritated skin without harsh chemicals or unnecessary ingredients.
