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4 natural treatments (plus home remedies) for diaper rash.

Last Updated: December 14, 2021


When your baby has diaper rash, you’re instantly on the hunt for the right diaper rash remedy. Learn about the best natural diaper rash home remedies from Grove.

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When your little one is suffering from diaper rash, your goal is to find the most effective diaper rash remedy as soon as possible. Diaper rash is a common problem babies deal with, but providing your baby with some tender loving care isn’t as difficult as you think.


There are several natural diaper rash home remedies that may bring the condition under control in a matter of minutes. Learn about some of the best natural remedies for diaper rash from Grove.

First, what is diaper rash?

In a nutshell, diaper rash is a form of inflamed skin that looks like a patchwork of bright red skin on your little one’s bottom. Although diaper rash may seem alarming, it’s actually pretty easy to clear up with the right natural home treatment and more frequent diaper changing.


Also referred to as diaper dermatitis, diaper rash is a common skin problem that toddlers and infants experience. Any child who wears a diaper can suffer from mild to severe diaper rash.

What causes diaper rash?

Diaper rash can occur in diaper-wearers of any age and is likely to happen whenever your little one:


  • Starts sleeping through the night with fewer diaper changes
  • Begins transitioning from baby food to solid food
  • Is prescribed antibiotics
  • Has diarrhea or a cold

According to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, the biggest contributors of diaper rash are friction from frequent movement and wetness. Sometimes, babies and toddlers can be allergic to certain soaps as well as diapers and wipes.


Learn about the 6 best eco-friendly and natural diapers as determined by Grove members!

What are the types of diaper rash?

The two main types of diaper rash are diaper dermatitis and yeast rashes. Accurately identifying your child’s rash is crucial for treating it properly.

What is diaper dermatitis?


Diaper dermatitis is the most common type of diaper rash and is the result of irritation caused by whatever’s in the diaper or the diaper itself.


Diaper dermatitis appears as tiny red bumps, and in severe cases, these can turn into lesions that may bleed and become infected.

What is yeast diaper rash?


Yeast diaper rash infections look similar to diaper dermatitis infections, but they may also include white, fluid-filled blisters or swollen areas that have a scaly, white outer layer.


If these blisters burst, they may become infected.

What does diaper rash look like?

Wondering what the different types of diaper rash look like in real life? Check out this video to view images of the most common types.


How to treat diaper rash

1. Change diapers as soon as possible

The most important way to prevent diaper rash is to change your baby’s diaper as soon as possible once it’s wet or soiled.


Even if the diaper is just wet, changing it will reduce the moisture content on your baby’s skin and reduce the risk of a rash.

2. Be gentle when cleaning the diaper area

Use a soft washcloth, water, and baby wipes that are fragrance-free and alcohol-free. Gently pat the skin, but don’t rub.


Your best bet is wipes that are clinically tested for use on sensitive skin.

3. Allow the skin to dry completely

After cleaning, allow your baby’s skin to air dry completely so it can heal faster.


If possible, let your little one go diaper-free until the skin is completely dry.

4. Call your doctor immediately if symptoms worsen

If the rash doesn’t go away in a few days, or it gets worse — or keeps coming back, make an appointment with your pediatrician.


Signs of a diaper rash infection may include severe inflammation (redness), blisters, fever, pus, or bleeding.

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The best remedies for diaper rash

While natural baby lotions and some diaper rash products contain natural ingredients that may soothe a baby's sensitive skin without harsh or drying chemicals, a few natural home remedies for diaper rash may also help soothe baby’s skin and promote healing of the rash.


If the remedy doesn’t work after a few days, or the symptoms worsen, stop using the remedy, and visit your pediatrician.


  • Apple cider vinegar: When your baby sits too long in a wet or poopy diaper, the skin can become too alkaline. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a bowl of lukewarm water, and soak your baby’s bottom for at least 10 minutes. Gently pat dry, and allow the skin to completely air dry. Follow up with a natural moisturizing cream.
  • Aloe vera gel: While pure aloe vera juice might be a little runny, a pure aloe vera gel stays put and soothes your baby’s sore skin. Dab a small amount of aloe vera gel onto the affected areas with your fingers. Aloe vera is antimicrobial, nourishing, and moisturizing — and the antioxidants it contains promote super-fast healing.
  • Baking soda: The highly alkaline salts in baking soda help neutralize the acidity and bacteria caused by diaper rash. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with lukewarm water, and apply to your baby’s bottom with a soft cloth for instant relief.
  • Natural diaper rash creams:: Brands like Burt’s Bees and Weleda combine all the natural ingredients mentioned above for you in an all-encompassing diaper rash cream that you can use without all the DIY mixing.

Know what else baking soda is good for? Cleaning the house! Grove writer Kristen tried it — see how it all turned out.

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