Diaper rash

It happens when skin is irritated by urine and bowel movements. Baby's skin becomes sore and hurts when the diaper is wet or soiled. There are several things you can do to heal the diaper rash.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Do the following several times a day:
1. Remove the baby's diaper.
2. Clean baby's bottom and all skinfolds well with mild soap and water. Rinse the skin well and pat dry
3. Turn baby on his or her stomach and put a folded diaper underneath.
4. Let baby play on his stomach with the diaper off. The air helps dry and heal the rash
5. You may put a soothing ointment on baby's bottom as ordered by your doctor. Do not use baby powder.
6. If the rash does not improve, call your doctor.

SPECIAL HINTS
o Change the diaper as soon as baby wets or has a bowel movement.
o Gently wash and dry baby's bottom every time you change the diaper.
o It is helpful to lay your baby on a towel or diaper with his bottom exposed to air.
o Plastic pants or disposable diapers may make diaper rash worse. Try not to use these while your baby has a rash.
o If the diaper has a strong ammonia odor, give the baby more water to drink between feedings. o If the bowel movements are loose or runny, cut down on the fruit juice you give.
o Do not use diaper wipes because they may irritate the skin.

HOW TO WASH CLOTH DIAPERS
Soak the diapers in cold water. Then wash diapers in hot water using inild soap. Rinse well and dry. If the rash continues, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the last rinse, then dry the diapers well. OR, you may put 1 crushed tablet of Diaparene in 2 quarts of water. Soak clean diapers in Diaparene solution, then dry the diapers well.