Diaper Rash in Newborns: What Parents Can Do at Home
Share
Diaper rash is extremely common in newborns. Most mild diaper rashes are caused by moisture, friction, and prolonged contact with urine or stool.
Frequent diaper changes, gentle cleaning, allowing the skin to dry, and using a thick layer of fragrance-free barrier ointment can often help mild irritation improve.
- Change wet or soiled diapers promptly.
- Clean irritated skin gently rather than scrubbing.
- Allow the diaper area to dry before putting on a fresh diaper.
- A fragrance-free barrier ointment such as zinc oxide or petrolatum can protect irritated skin.
- Bright-red rashes involving skin folds may sometimes be caused by yeast and may require different treatment.
- Blisters, pus, open sores, spreading redness, fever, or an ill-appearing newborn require medical attention.
Why Do Newborns Get Diaper Rash?
A newborn's skin is delicate and spends much of the day covered by a diaper.
Moisture, friction, stool, urine, and frequent wiping can irritate the skin and damage its protective barrier. Stool can be particularly irritating, especially when a baby is having frequent bowel movements.
The result is often an area of pink or red irritated skin where the diaper touches the baby's bottom.
With an ordinary diaper rash, one of the most effective treatments is also one of the simplest.
Get the irritant off the skin and put a protective barrier between your baby's skin and the next diaper.
What Does a Typical Diaper Rash Look Like?
A mild irritant diaper rash usually causes pink or red skin in areas that have the most contact with the diaper.
The skin may look dry or mildly irritated. A more severe rash can become very red, raw, uncomfortable, or occasionally bleed.
Not every rash in the diaper area is an ordinary diaper rash. The location and appearance can sometimes provide clues about what is causing it.
What Can I Do at Home?
- Change wet and soiled diapers frequently.
- Gently clean stool from the skin and skin folds.
- Use warm water or fragrance-free wipes if they do not irritate your baby's skin.
- Pat the skin dry instead of rubbing.
- Allow some diaper-free time when practical.
- Fasten the diaper loosely enough to reduce friction and allow airflow.
- Apply a generous layer of fragrance-free barrier ointment or diaper cream.
What Kind of Diaper Cream Should I Use?
Barrier products containing ingredients such as zinc oxide or petrolatum can help protect irritated skin from moisture and stool.
Think of the ointment as a protective shield. You do not need to scrub every trace of barrier cream off at each diaper change if the underlying skin is clean.
Avoid heavily fragranced products on irritated newborn skin.
Should I Use Baby Powder?
Baby powder is generally unnecessary for treating diaper rash.
Powders can become airborne during application and may be inhaled by a baby. A barrier ointment is generally a better way to protect irritated skin.
Could the Rash Be Yeast?
Sometimes.
A yeast diaper rash can look bright or beefy red and may involve the skin folds rather than sparing them. Small red bumps or spots may appear around the edges of the main rash.
Yeast rashes may occur after antibiotic treatment or when a diaper rash persists.
Because several different rashes can resemble one another, especially in a newborn, contact your pediatrician if you suspect yeast or if the rash is not improving as expected.
Could the Diapers or Wipes Be Causing It?
Occasionally, fragrances, preservatives, dyes, or other ingredients in diapers, wipes, soaps, or creams can irritate sensitive skin.
If a rash appeared soon after changing products, consider switching to a fragrance-free product that your baby's skin previously tolerated.
Contact your pediatrician if:
- The rash is getting worse rather than better.
- It is not beginning to improve after about 2–3 days of good diaper care.
- The rash is very raw or bleeding.
- It spreads well beyond the diaper area.
- You see pimples, blisters, boils, yellow crusts, open sores, or drainage.
- The rash is very painful or your baby cries whenever the area is touched.
- You suspect a yeast infection.
- You are unsure whether the rash is an ordinary diaper rash.
- Redness is rapidly spreading.
- The skin is peeling extensively.
- There are grouped blisters or unusual sores, particularly in a young newborn.
- The diaper area looks infected with increasing swelling, warmth, pus, or yellow crusting.
- Your newborn feeds poorly, becomes unusually sleepy, or otherwise looks ill.
- Your baby has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
Newborn skin infections deserve particular attention because very young babies can become ill more quickly than older children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a diaper rash take to improve?
A mild irritant rash should usually begin improving within a few days once the skin is kept clean, dry, and protected.
Should I wipe off all the diaper cream at every change?
Not necessarily. If there is no stool underneath it, you can gently remove what is soiled and leave some of the protective barrier in place rather than repeatedly scrubbing irritated skin.
Can frequent pooping cause diaper rash?
Yes. Stool is very irritating to skin, so babies who stool frequently or have diarrhea are more likely to develop diaper irritation.
Are fragrance-free wipes better?
They are often a good choice for sensitive skin. If wipes sting or seem to worsen the rash, gently cleaning with warm water and a soft cloth may be more comfortable.
Most diaper rash treatment comes down to three things:
Clean gently. Keep the skin as dry as possible. Protect it with a barrier.
If those simple measures are not helping within a few days—or the rash looks unusual—have your pediatrician take a look.
💙 Join the Parent Club
Get practical pediatric guidance for your baby's first weeks and months, along with new resources from Dr. G.
Join the Parent ClubReferences & Medical Sources
Related Parent Resources
Have another question about your new baby? Visit the Newborn Care Library →
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your baby's pediatrician or another qualified healthcare professional. Every baby and clinical situation is different. If you are concerned about your baby's health, contact your pediatrician or seek appropriate medical care. If you believe your baby may be experiencing a medical emergency, seek emergency medical attention immediately.