Must-know diaper hygiene

Diaper changes can be an ugly business, even when your baby or toddler is at her most cooperative. And when she’s squirming, arching her back, screaming and flailing her limbs, a diaper change can get awfully messy quickly.

Here are some tips on how to make sure you maintain proper diaper hygiene during the summer months:

1. Prevention: Use baby powder more frequently during the hot summer months to prevent diaper rash from starting. Equally as important is the frequent diaper changing. With a girl, always wipe from front to back to prevent the infection; that’s not an issue with boys. Also make sure to wash the area every time you change thediaper with enough water.
2. Air is the best medicine: If your baby does develop diaper rash, try to let his or her little bottom air out by giving the diaper a few hours off-duty. As silly as it sounds the best treatment is ‘naked time.’ A cool dry butt heals up better than a warm, wet butt. Let your baby hang out after changing in no diaper at all, just allowing a little summer breeze to do its magic. Be prepared with some extra towels, just in case!
3. See a doctor if getting worse: Most diaper rashes will resolve within a few days with home care, like frequent changes, naked time, and using a thick zinc oxide paste with changes. If they’re getting worse and worse, or if your baby seems very miserable, or has a fever or is acting ill, it’s best to see a doctor.My second daughter had a diaper rash that lasted well over a week a few summers ago and seemed to be getting worse. Turned out, she actually had a fungal, or yeast infection, that required anti-fungal ointment. Eek. So if that diaper rash just doesn’t seem to be going away, or seems to be spreading with contact, get it checked out.
4. Wash your and baby’s hands: Whether or not you have actually seen your baby touch anything nasty during a diaper change, it’s still a good idea to wash her hands once you’re done. If you’re not near a sink, you can use sanitizer or alcohol-based cleanser; just make sure to keep the bottle out of baby’s reach.
5. Clean and disinfect the changing area: Regularly wipe down the changing table, or if you’re using a cloth, make sure you wash it with cold water in summers.

Caring for a baby can be hard—it is very daunting to be responsible for the needs of a new born, but with a little practice, some basic instruction, common sense and a routine, these tasks become easier. Have a happy and clean diapering!

Share your tried and tested tips and tricks to get rid of diaper rash in the comments below!