Diapering Tips

How to Prevent Diaper Rash: 5 Easy Steps for Babies

Simple Steps to Prevent Diaper Rash

If you've ever had a rash, you know how uncomfortable it can be, so imagine how much worse it is for your baby's sensitive skin. Instead of treating the red, itchy skin that makes your little angel miserable, go on the offensive from the start with these simple ways to prevent diaper rash.

What Is Diaper Rash and What Causes It?

Diaper rash is usually caused by a combination of three things: moisture on your baby's skin, a lack of air circulating in the diaper area, and the presence of irritants such as bacteria from pee and poop or ingredients in diapers, wipes, laundry soap, bath products and lotions. So it's important to keep your baby's bottom as clean and dry as possible and to ensure the products you use don't contain irritants.

5 Ways to Prevent Diaper Rash

Change diapers often, every 2 hours or right after a poop, so your baby's skin isn't exposed to irritants for too long. Huggies® Skin Perfect Tape has dual-zone technology that helps separate pee and poo, and absorbs up to 93% of runny poo*.(Disclaimer: *Based on KC internal lab test results.)
Keep irritants away by using warm water and cotton balls or products without alcohol, fragrance or soap, like Huggies® Pure Clean baby wipes.
Give bottoms lots of airtime; pat dry gently before a fresh diaper and let the skin air dry whenever possible.
Add a protective barrier of petroleum jelly or zinc oxide cream every few changes to keep moisture and irritants off the skin.
Keep it loose, as a too-tight diaper can chafe and irritate. Huggies® Skin Perfect Diapers have a stretchy, adjustable waistband for a comfortable fit.

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FAQs on 5 Easy Ways to Prevent Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is usually caused by a combination of three things: moisture on your baby's skin, a lack of air circulating in the diaper area, and irritants such as bacteria from pee and poop or ingredients in diapers, wipes, laundry soap, bath products and lotions.

Change diapers often, keep irritants away, give your baby's bottom plenty of airtime, add a protective barrier of petroleum jelly or zinc oxide cream, and keep the diaper loose so it doesn't chafe.

Change your baby's diaper every 2 hours or right after a poop. This keeps their skin from being exposed to irritants for too long, which is the most vital step in preventing diaper rash.

Yes, a thin layer of petroleum jelly or zinc oxide cream prevents moisture and irritants from coming into contact with your baby's delicate skin. Apply some every few diaper changes for extra protection.

Yes, if a diaper is too tight it can chafe and cause irritation, so don't fasten it too tightly. Choose a diaper with a comfortable, adjustable waistband so it fits snugly without rubbing your baby's skin.