When you have a new baby, there are so many things to learn. You want to be there to take care of every pain and uncomfortable feeling they feel. But with the amount of diaper changes–and let’s face it, giant poos–a baby goes through daily, diaper rash can sometimes be inevitable.

Diaper rashes are usually red, irritated skin that can appear warm to the touch, puffy, and even bumpy.  Here are some easy ways to remedy even the most stubborn diaper rash.

Store Bought Remedies:

1. CJ’s Butter:  This stuff is amazing. I have used the stick form and spray form on both of my kid’s bums. The best part about this product is it is completely cloth diaper safe. CJ’s Butter comes in a variety of creatively named scents as well as unscented. “Monkey Farts” and “Narwhals and Unicorns” have been my favorites. You simply rub it on baby and wait for the magic to happen.
2. Balm Baby Diaper Balm: I have recently discovered Balm Baby and I am in love. I have used the Pucker Up lip balm and Glowing Mama scrub. Now, to try the diaper balm! This is also cloth-diaper safe and made of healing herbs and healing oils from Hawaii. It can be used on baby’s bum along with other areas to treat eczema and even cradle cap.
3. California Baby Diaper Rash Cream: French lavender and organic tea tree are in this cream that can be used on newborns and older babies alike. This cream has soothing and healing powers.

Home Remedies:

1. Colloidal Oatmeal Application: Allow baby to soak in the tub (if older) or just apply to the skin. Be sure to wash and dry thoroughly.  The oatmeal will soothe the pain and dry the skin.
2. Make Smart Choices: Stop using wipes with fragrance and alcohol. Consider switching to cloth wipes and water or use a cloth wipe solution that you can make easily at home. Be aware of irritants from laundry detergents and switch to one that works best for your family. I love Charlie’s Soap.
3. Baking Soda: Allow baby to soak in the baking soda which will soothe and also regulate the pH balance of the affected area.
4. Calendula Extract: This is from a marigold flower. Find it in an anti-inflammatory water based cream. California Baby also makes a cream with this extract!

Tips for Preventing Diaper Rashes:

1. Keep baby’s skin dry.
2. Change diapers frequently and make sure you are laundering your diapers correctly.
3. Get some air down there!
4. Use ointments to create a moisture barrier when things start to become irritated.
5. Pat your baby’s skin instead of rubbing it with wipes.

Whatever you choose to do, just take care of your little one. Diaper rashes aren’t fun, so make sure you get in some extra snuggles and kisses, too.

Karyn Meyerhoff is a mom of two in Northeast Indiana. She loves happy babies, and she hates to see her little ones in pain