What is the best way to protect my baby’s skin from diaper rash?

All parents are concerned about the possibility of a diaper rash flare-up. There is also a major misconception that cloth diapers lead to a higher incidence of this. So, what is the best way to protect your baby’s skin from diaper rash?
Multiple studies actually point to a switch to cloth diapers as being directly responsible for a reduced incidence of diaper rash, and while reusable cloth diapers are already a way to help prevent diaper rash, you can do even more to keep your baby’s bum from becoming irritated. Prevention is more than half the battle when it comes to diaper rash.
The top three ways to help prevent diaper rash are:

1. Change your baby often. If you’ve been keeping your baby’s diaper on for too long, it can cause a wetness irritation and lead to a nasty diaper rash.
2. Ensure your baby has been cleaned thoroughly, and is dry. This is especially important for any skin folds or leg creases. 
3. Have some diaper-free time (if possible). We all know wriggly babies and accidents can happen during changing, but lay down a waterproof mat, flat diaper, or whatever is on hand that can help catch little messes while your baby’s bottom gets some much needed air. Also keep in mind that after a bath, make sure your baby’s bottom is nice and dry before placing on their next diaper.
4. Try to keep diaper wetness away from your baby’s bottom as much as possible. By this we mean using diapers that already have a stay dry layer built into the diaper, like our Everyday Diapers, or to add a Stay Dry Diaper Liner to your current diaper system that you have. These liners are double sided with a soft fleece side and an athletic wicking jersey side so you can choose what works best for your little one. They pair nicely with our Deluxe Diapers and if you use prefold diapers, flat diapers, and/or terry cloth diapers.

If you find that your baby already has a diaper rash, then you’ll want to act quickly to try to start the healing process. You can use at-home cloth diaper safe creams (note that zinc will stain) with the use of a diaper liner so that absorbency of the diaper will not be affected. See your doctor for the best ways to treat your individual child’s diaper rash if simple remedies prove insufficient.
If you have any concerns about diaper rash, or wish to ask us for any advice on this topic, please let us know and we’ll be glad to help in any way we can.