One of the most uncomfortable things for a baby is a diaper rash. Whether you use cloth or disposable diapers, chances are your little one is going to experience this irritation at one time or another. My Homemade Diaper Rash Cream is an excellent all-natural alternative to toxic chemicals.
It’s intensely moisturizing and cures diaper rashes from the inside out. This cream is a perfect tool for you or a valuable gift for a new Mama.
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Why Should I Keep Diaper Rash Cream on Hand?
Diaper rashes can happen for many reasons. A wet diaper gets ignored too long, your baby is allergic to something in the diaper itself, or maybe your little one just ate something that doesn’t agree with them. No matter the reason, a diaper rash can be painful and stubborn to heal. There are various diaper rash ointments on the market, but if you look at some of the ingredients, you’ll probably decide it’s not worth the risk.
Popular brands contain ingredients you wouldn’t want to put on your child. Here are just a few of the main offenders.
Petroleum: Companies use this ingredient to create a moisture barrier. Petroleum jelly can cause aspiration pneumonia when used around the mouth or nose. (1) Now, most parents wouldn’t put diaper rash cream around their child’s mouth area, but little ones get into everything. My little ones have stuck their hands near their diapers and put their fingers in their mouths many times!
Carcinogens: Otherwise known as cancer-causing ingredients, carcinogens are commonly found in most body-care products. A major carcinogen in diaper rash creams is phthalates. These toxins feminize male newborns and cause congenital reproductive disabilities in girls. (2)
They’re also linked to lower IQ! This is not an ingredient you want around your little one.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg! There’s little research on many other ingredients found in drugstore diaper rash cream. A great example of this is synthetic fragrance. You can’t thoroughly research what is labeled “fragrance” because the manufacturer isn’t required to disclose what ingredients they use.
Our skin is our largest organ, and it absorbs everything we put on it. Our children’s skin is no different! We can create a brighter, healthier future for them by eliminating as many harmful toxins as we can. This diaper rash cream is a great way to start. Little ones with rashes need to find relief, and keeping an all-natural diaper rash cream on hand means that your child will find comfort in a non-toxic way.
6 Ingredients, 1 Soothing Solution
You want all of the ingredients in your diaper rash cream to be gentle enough for a newborn’s skin. They should also be nourishing! It’s a total bonus if it’s made of natural anti-inflammatories that will actually cure a diaper rash, not just mask it. This recipe is safe, effective, and affordable. Here’s more information!
Shea Butter: Shea butter contains potent antifungal properties. (3) If yeast or some other fungal infection is part of the cause of your little one’s rash, this moisturizer would provide a lot of relief! Shea butter is an excellent alternative to petroleum jelly, as both give the skin a protective barrier.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil isn’t just deeply moisturizing. It also contains antimicrobial properties that fight against present bacteria and prevent future bacterial infections from forming. (4) Many skin diseases stem from bacteria, so this is the perfect addition to a diaper rash cream. Plus, this ingredient is readily found at your local grocery store. If you can, get the organic kind!
Beeswax: Beeswax is a natural humectant, instantly attracting moisture to dry skin. Beeswax gives the skin a heavy protective layer. A little of this ingredient goes a long way! If you desire a vegan option, you can use kokum butter, which is another defensive moisturizer.
Vegetable Glycerin: Glycerin is a plant-based humectant. It helps the skin retain moisture and can speed the healing of wounds. (5) Diaper rashes can quickly turn into painful sores, and the faster they heal, the less likely they are to get infected.
Essential Oils: We use Roman chamomile and lavender essential oils in this DIY. Both options are completely safe for the baby, and they are calming. Severe diaper rashes can make little ones feel emotionally off, so they need a scent to bring them emotional balance.
Lavender essential oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, and Roman chamomile helps heal skin wounds. (6) Both instantly soothe the skin. Bonus: This combination of EOs is famous for helping little ones fall asleep and stay asleep!
3 Tips to Help Eliminate Irritated Skin in Babies
Here are some helpful tips for using this diaper rash cream.
- Remember to clean your baby’s skin well and let it completely air-dry before applying any ointment. Doing this means you’re not locking in extra moisture or applying cream to a dirty bum! That would defeat the purpose and make the rash worse.
- Always change your baby’s diaper frequently and reapply the diaper rash cream until the rash is eliminated. Letting body fluids and waste sit on the bum will worsen the inflammation. It’s best to check the baby’s diaper at least once every hour.
- If you can, let your baby go diaper-free and “air out.” Fresh air does everyone good!
If you’re a breastfeeding mother, remember that your diet can impact this situation. That’s why when I give new moms tried-and-true breastfeeding tips, I always stress the importance of an allergen-free diet. This will help stop diaper rashes before they start! But of course, nothing is 100% fool-proof when it comes to sensitive baby skin, so a homemade diaper rash cream you can whip up right out of your pantry ingredients is fabulous when needed.
- ½ cup shea butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets, yellow or white (if a vegan option is desired, consider organic kokum butter as an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons organic vegetable glycerin
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops Roman chamomile oil
- Supplies:
- Saucepan
- Double boiler
- Glass salve jar for storage
- Fill a small saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and place over medium-high heat. Place a double boiler in the pot, or make one by setting a glass jar in the pot. Bring the water to a boil, then turn it down to medium-high.
- Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax to the double boiler.
- Melt the ingredients thoroughly, add vegetable glycerine, and mix until well blended.
- Remove from heat, add essential oil, and mix.
- Store in a small glass salve jar and use as needed.
How to Make Homemade Diaper Rash Cream
While this recipe does require a stovetop, it comes together in a cinch. Here’s what you do.
Step One: Add the Moisturizers
Fill a small saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and place over medium-high heat. Place a double boiler in the pot, or make one by setting a [url:6]glass jar[/url] in the pot. Bring the water to a boil, then turn it down to medium-high.
Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax to the double boiler.
Step Two: Melt the Ingredients
Melt the ingredients thoroughly, then add the glycerin.
Step Three: Add Essential Oils
Remove from heat and add the essential oils of choice. Mix thoroughly. Store in a glass salve jar and use as needed.
If you want even more fun DIY baby products, try our body wash, which is made just for kids!
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/petroleum-jelly/expert-answers/faq-20057784
- https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/121/2/e260?sso=1&sso_redirect_count=1&nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token
- https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1597&context=ebl
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32602684/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18510666/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15314339/