Last Updated on August 26, 2021
It’s not fun for anyone when your baby gets a diaper rash. Your baby is upset and you’re in a panic to try and figure out what to do about it. You might be hesitant to try certain creams or recommended ointments. After all, your baby is precious and you don’t want to accidentally expose him or her to harmful chemicals.
Luckily, there are safe, natural remedies for diaper rash. One such remedy is cornstarch which is so easy because you probably already have it in the pantry. If you’re hoping to treat your baby’s diaper rash naturally, keep reading to see how to use cornstarch for diaper rash.
Contents
There are a few ways to use cornstarch for diaper rash, so feel free to pick whichever way works best for you. Do keep in mind though that while cornstarch isn’t as unhealthy to inhale as baby powder, you still don’t want to breathe it in too heavily.
Whenever you clean your baby’s bottom and change their diaper, you can use cornstarch. Before sprinkling it on, make sure to wipe your baby’s bottom completely clean with a wamp, damp towel. Let the skin dry and then sprinkle a little bit of cornstarch directly on the diaper area.
Ideally, you won’t be reaching into the same container as your cooking cornstarch every time you clean your baby’s bottom. You should have a separate container that holds cornstarch for your baby instead, that way there’s never any doubt about what could be in the cornstarch.
When you’re looking for what to put the cornstarch in, you might be tempted to reach for a bottle for baby powder. This won’t actually be the best method though, so grab a plain container and a spoon.
If you choose to sprinkle the cornstarch on the diaper area directly, we recommend spooning some into your hand and then sprinkling it over and gently rubbing the area to spread the cornstarch. Wait five minutes or so before putting on a new diaper and after that, you’re good to go! This is the quickest and easiest way when using cornstarch.
Another way to use cornstarch is by mixing two tablespoons of it with one tablespoon of petroleum jelly. Mix it together until it makes a thick cream, then gently apply the mixture to the diaper area. After applying the cream, wait 10-15 minutes before getting a clean, damp towel and gently wiping it away.
The final method when using cornstarch is to mix it with coconut oil and vitamin E. You’ll want equal parts cornstarch and coconut oil, but only about a cap-full of vitamin E. Mix the paste together then gently apply it to the diaper area. Again, let it sit for about 10 minutes then gently wipe the paste away with a clean, damp towel. Let the skin dry before putting on a new diaper.
Whichever method you choose when using cornstarch, there’s very little chance it will hurt your baby. However, if you notice the diaper rash getting worse, this may be because it’s caused by yeast. Since cornstarch is a food source for yeast, it can make the problem worse.
If you have any doubts, always consult a doctor before using cornstarch. They’ll be able to confirm that your baby’s diaper rash isn’t being caused by yeast and that you are safe to use cornstarch.
Cornstarch is great for diaper rash because it is similar to talc, but without as many potential hazards. While baby powder can get into your baby’s lungs and cause severe health problems, cornstarch won’t. Especially since cornstarch is used in many foods, you can rest assured that it is a safer option.
Many doctors actually recommend cornstarch over baby powder because of the potential health hazards. As more parents become aware of the hazards with baby powder, more and more are opting for the natural option even without a doctor’s note or recommendation. This is really how you can be sure it’s safe.
Cornstarch helps prevent the gathering of moisture and the resulting friction when your baby moves. The build-up of moisture and movement combined is what causes most diaper rashes and bacteria growth. To combat this effectively, cornstarch builds up a barrier between the moist diaper and your baby’s skin quickly and safely.
Even for babies that have sensitive skin, cornstarch is a fantastic option. It has a neutral pH so it won’t hurt your baby’s skin or make their rash feel worse than it already does.
Again, cornstarch creates a safe barrier between your baby’s skin and the moisture in the diaper, but this doesn’t just prevent future rashes. This helps your baby’s current diaper rash heal by keeping your baby’s skin dry and smooth.
Diaper rash is most commonly caused by moisture or unclean skin. In order to prevent the majority of diaper rash cases, make sure to always keep your baby’s skin clean and dry. Whenever you change their diaper, allow their skin to dry before putting on the new one. It’s best if you apply a diaper cream as well or other sort of preventative product.
Change your baby’s diapers often. Leaving messy diapers on for hours can encourage the growth of bacteria that causes diaper rash. Besides, no one wants to be sitting in their own waste, not even babies.
Another cause of diaper rash could be diapers that are too tight. When your baby has outgrown his or her diaper size, the diaper can rub against your baby’s skin, causing a painful rash. Also, take note of overtightening your baby’s diapers.
The diaper size might be correct but you might be accidentally pulling the tabs too tight, preventing crucial airflow and causing a moist environment to develop. As an alternative, you can also try using Boudreaux Paste, Desitin, or Aquaphor diaper rash cream for your baby.
Also Read: How to Stop Diaper Leaks at Night?
Cornstarch is rising in popularity as a safe alternative to baby powder. It’s very effective in preventing and treating diaper rash, thanks to how it helps to remove moisture so go ahead and give it a try for your baby.
Related Articles:
Join our newsletter for the latest updates!
