If you have children or have ever taken care of a baby, you probably have heard of diaper rash. It’s a common problem that a majority of babies will encounter, and it is not something that anyone wants to see a child experience. Here’s a look at the issue of diaper rash, and which wipes are best to use for little ones suffering through this situation.
What is diaper rash?
Diaper rash is a condition that is extremely prevalent and most babies will experience it in their early years. It can run the gamut between mild and severe, depending on a number of different things.
It is characterized by a rash, hence where it gets its name. This rash may be hot to the touch and painful. In minor cases, there may be a few red bumps on the skin, but in extreme cases, there will be large sections of severely irritated skin that span to all areas that are covered, when a tot is in a diaper.
Causes
There are a few things that might cause this skin problem, all of which are easy to keep an eye on.
Infection
Since where a diaper sits on a baby is dark and stays pretty moist, it can be a breeding ground for germs. They may be at risk for getting a number of infections, including yeast infections, which will cause diaper rash symptoms to appear. They are exposed to yeast through antibiotics, whether they are taking them or a breast-feeding mother is.
Change in diet
When a child starts to eat solid foods or has drastic changes in their diet, it may lead to their stools being different as well. This means that skin folds and crevices can get waste trapped in them, therefore allowing this problem to develop.
Cleaning agents
You always want to keep your kiddo clean, so you may think that stronger chemicals or products are a safe bet. In actuality, this might not be the case. When delicate skin is exposed to harsh chemicals, it may upset the balance and cause a rash to show up.
Medicines
Besides just antibiotics, there may be other prescriptions that cause this issue. Make sure you ask your doctor of possible side effects before you give anything to your offspring. This can help you be better prepared, if you think diaper rash might occur.
Chafing
As with any type of underwear or diaper, there is a chance of chafing. Furthermore, when it isn’t kept properly clean or becomes too severe, it can lead to larger problems.
Treatments
There are a few different ways to help treat diaper rash. Some of these things can also help prevent future occurrences.
One thing you can do is make sure that you are changing your tyke’s diaper as often as possible. When wetness isn’t allowed to build up, there is less chance that they can start to develop a rash.
If your baby is already suffering, there are a variety of creams and ointments you can make use of, to keep them clean, and to help get rid of the painful bumps and discomfort present.
Moreover, one of the best products you can use no matter if you are trying to prevent diaper rash or help treat it, is special baby wipes. These will help you keep your kid clean and will be gentle enough to not cause any additional problems. Here is a look at some of the best baby wipes for diaper rash to use.
Amazon Elements Baby Wipes
These wipes are made with pharmaceutical grade water, meaning it is water that is about as clean as it can possibly get. There will not be any irritants in this water, limiting problems from arising. They contain chamomile and aloe, which are soothing ingredients that will keep skin soft and protected. Also, these substances shouldn’t cause reactions either. The wipes are larger than others out there are, so you are getting a good bit of surface area with each one. The one thing that you should be aware of is that they may still cause issues for those with the most sensitive of skin. If you know that your infant has extremely sensitive skin, you may see some bumps and need to try something else.
If sourcing is important to you, it may impress you that this product tells you where they get each of their ingredients. You can do your own research with this information, so you will feel better about the wipes you’re purchasing.
Pros
- Made with pharmaceutical grade water
- Contains chamomile and aloe
- Large in size
- Tells you where ingredients are sourced
Cons
- May cause rash for some
WaterWipes Sensitive Baby Wipes
If you are looking for a simple product, this is something that is worth looking into. It is made of 99.9% water with a bit of fruit extract as well, which works as an antibacterial agent. These are so gentle that they can be utilized as soon as a baby is born. They have even been recognized by a leading eczema organization as being mild enough to use on skin.
This may be because they are hypoallergenic, and are unlikely to cause a rash in anyone, young or old. Some other uses for this product are for wiping off faces, hands, and even the mouths of babies, especially when they are teething.
There aren’t preservatives to keep these wipes fresh for very long, so you may find mold in yours upon occasion. Keep them in a dry and cool place to keep this from happening.
Pros
- Can use at birth
- Consists of 99% water
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- May become moldy
Huggies Natural Care Unscented Baby Wipes
Huggies offer some of the most popular wipes on the market and these are no exception. They are pH balanced, and will not mess with skin’s equilibrium. They also have a type of skin conditioner on them, so when you they are used, you are adding moisture back into the area, in addition to cleansing it.
A great thing about the containers these wipes come in is that it can be used one handed. Imagine having to change a baby that won’t stay still and needing to use two hands to get the wipes out of the package. There’s no need to worry about this when you get this product.
Another thing that users love is that they are thicker than many other brands out there. You should be able to get the job done with them. Of course, you will still have to be careful since they can rip or break.
Pros
- pH balanced
- Only need one hand to use
- Thicker than other types
Cons
- Must be careful with them
Seventh Generation Free and Clear Baby Wipes
As with all the items in this list, these are well suited for use with sensitive skin and areas of the body. They are very unlikely to cause rashes or redness of any sort. Plus, they’re alcohol free, and don’t have any parabens either.
There are fewer chemicals in the wipes than some other brands, and they stay together well to boot. You won’t need to get your hands dirty each time you change a messy diaper, which can really set your mind at ease.
One thing that is not great is that the containers don’t always stay closed. You will need to stay on top of this and make sure everyone in your house puts the lid down properly, to keep the product from drying out.
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
- Alcohol free
- Hold together well
Cons
- Containers won’t always stay closed
Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes
Another popular wipe is Pampers, since they are one of the leading diaper brands as well. This type is tested by dermatologists, and chosen in many hospitals, which is something pretty impressive.
They contain no perfumes and may be able to restore the pH balance to skin, which lessens chances of chafing or developing dry skin. Additionally, they’re printed with a special texture, to keep delicate areas clean.
In some cases, the packages may come without a sticker to open and close them. If this happens, you will have to cut them open with scissors and be sure to keep the container closed if you don’t want any wipes to become unusable.
Pros
- Have special texture
- Contain no perfumes
- Tested by dermatologists
Cons
- Packaging may have to be cut to open
Bloom Baby Sensitive Skin Hypoallergenic Baby Wipes
There are many harmful substances that are missing from these wipes. They do not contain chlorine, lanolin, or other products that you want to keep away from kid’s skin. They are made from plant-based products, which add vitamins.
Bloom wipes are good to use, no matter what type of skin you have, even if other items frequently give you rashes. They are also designed not to smear material around and to clean it up instead. This could help you use less of them at a time, so they will last longer. Some parents do not care for the fragrance, but it is not something that is overpowering either, since they are unscented.
Pros
- Good for all types of skin
- Made with plant based products
- Designed not to smear
Cons
- May not like the fragrance
Conclusion
Diaper rash is likely something that you’d prefer to prevent in your household, but now that you know what may cause it as well as how to treat it, you don’t have to be afraid of it anymore. Since it is a condition that many babies experience in their lifetime, it’s beneficial to have options when it comes to keeping them clean. Make sure you check out some of the products in this list as part of your preventative measures, or to help treat an issue. They are very useful and can make you and baby’s life easier.