Those dreaded diaper rashes that leave your baby’s bottom red and raw can be so hard for a parent to see! After all, that fresh, new baby skin on their bottom is so incredibly soft that it’s upsetting when a rash occurs.
When looking for a way to improve your baby’s diaper rash, you may have stumbled onto all of the natural and medical treatments. Sometimes the creams don’t work and you’re left struggling with an alternative to help your baby’s diaper rash get better.
I’ve tried all the creams and have heard all the helpful tips, and sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. But have you ever heard of giving your baby a baking soda bath to cure that pesky diaper rash?
If not, here is why you might want to try a baking soda bath to cure your baby’s diaper rash.
Why Do Diaper Rashes Occur?
A baby’s bottom is very tender and soft, therefore that fresh baby skin is very easily prone to diaper rashes. Excess moisture on their new skin can develop redness and rashes on their bottom.
Although leaving wet or soiled diapers on for too long can certainly create a diaper rash, that’s not the only reason. Diaper rashes can happen even if your baby isn’t sitting in their diaper that long.
In certain cases, a wet diaper and the resulting irritation might lead to serious injuries for the infant. The skin on your baby’s bottom, genitalia, and thighs may seem red and irritated. During diaper changes, your infant may get irritable or scream often.
What are the benefits of baking soda?
“Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has many benefits, including neutralizing acid, removing odors, and soothing skin irritation.” states Brian Clark BSN, MSNA, United Medical Education.
Why is Baking Soda Good for a Diaper Rash?
“The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities of baking soda can help calm and cure sensitive skin. Moreover, it has a pH-balancing function that neutralises acidic compounds that may be causing diaper rash.” states Dr. Jennifer Silver, Macleod Trail Dental.
Baking soda is a natural way to treat diaper rash that helps relieve pain and itching. It’s also preferable to other options for newborns with sensitive skin since its components are known, unlike many other lotions.
How can a baking soda bath treat a diaper rash?
Baking soda can treat diaper rash by adding a small amount to a warm bath, which can help relieve discomfort and reduce redness. The addition of baking soda to a baby’s bathwater can provide a calming and healing environment for the skin.
For kids with extreme skin sensitivities, (ones that can’t use soaps or fragrance which most diaper creams have), baking soda is a natural option that should not cause skin irritation.
How fast will baking soda baths treat diaper rash?
The time it takes to treat diaper rash with baking soda baths may vary based on the severity of the rash and other variables, such as the sensitivity of the baby’s skin. In general, it may take a few days of constant use to notice a significant difference.
What age babies is baking soda safe for?
Before using baking soda on infants younger than six months old, it is advisable to consult a paediatrician.
How to Give Your Baby a Baking Soda Bath for a Diaper Rash
Jen Darnell, a mom of four, states “I have used baking soda for my kids who have suffered from diaper rash with extreme skin sensitivities. Baking soda sitz bathes are really the only thing that helps her little bum start to feel ok again.”
Steps to a Baking Soda Bath
To treat a diaper rash with a baking soda, you’ll want to add the baking soda to a warm tub before placing your child in it. Depending on the size of the tub, will vary how much baking soda to add.
A full-size tub would require a lot more baking soda to not get completely diluted by the water. If you have an infant, using a baby tub would allow you to add less baking soda.
You can also use a sitz bowl (which many moms should be familiar with) if there is a larger child who can no longer fit in a baby tub. They can soak their bottom in the small tub that way.
For an infant, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to a warm baby bath tub and soak the baby for 10 to 15 minutes.
I probably use about a 1/4 cup of baking soda swirled in a large tub. My child will sit for about 20 minutes and then get out without rinsing.
Can you just sprinkle baking soda on to help with diaper rash?
While you can sprinkle baking soda on the diaper area, it is not advised because it may irritate the skin further or trigger an allergic reaction.
It is best to dissolve it in water to avoid irritation. An alternative to putting baking soda in a bath is to apply it directly to the affected region as a paste to help dry and heal the rash.
Which baking soda is best for this?
“Any brand of baking soda can be used as long as it is pure and without added fragrances or ingredients.” states Susan Anderson, The Worthy Goods.
Safety
Are Baking Soda Baths Safe for Babies?
Although baking soda is regarded generally safe, it may cause skin irritation or allergic responses in certain infants. If any bad reactions occur, discontinue use and consult a physician.
Are there any risks to using baking soda for a diaper rash?
Baking soda is generally safe for babies, but it is best to consult a healthcare provider before use—somee risks associated with excessive use of baking soda, such as skin irritation or alkalosis.
Can I use baking soda if the diaper rash is bleeding?
If the diaper rash is bleeding, seek medical attention immediately. This may be indicative of a more serious infection or disease requiring medical attention.
In addition, discontinue a baking soda bath if the diaper rash is bleeding because you would not want the baking soda to enter an open wound.
Other Alternatives When the Diaper Rash is Not Going Away
Alternatively, you can produce a thick paste by combining baking soda and water, and then apply it directly to the affected region.
If your baby has been experiencing recurrent diaper rashes, or even if this is their first one, a baking soda bath may just be your ticket to freedom.
