Diaper rash can occur when the stool or urine comes in contact with your baby's skin for prolonged periods of time.  This increases the skin's pH, breaking down the outer layer of the infant's skin.  Your baby can develop diaper rash with both cloth and disposable diapers.  There are some types of diaper rash that are caused by a yeast infection.

There are several things you can do to help prevent diaper rash.

• Check your baby's diaper at least every hour.  Change the diaper as soon as it is wet or soiled.

• Clean your baby's diaper area with warm water and a mild baby wash.  Diaper wipes may contain alcohol and irritate your baby's diaper area.

• When changing your baby's diaper, be sure you have cleaned every hard to reach fold and dimple.

• Allow your baby's bottom to dry before applying a new diaper.  Although it is not very practical, allowing your baby's diaper area to air dry is an excellent way to help prevent and cure diaper rash.

• Apply a cream specifically made for diaper rash with each diaper change.

• If your baby's diaper rash does not get better within three days, call your pediatrician.  If your baby's rash concerns you in any way at any time, call your pediatrician.  Additionally, you should call your pediatrician if your infant has a fever greater than 101.5 F.

• Change your baby's diaper often.

• Clean your baby's diaper area with warm water and a gentle baby wash.

• Allow your baby's skin to air dry after each diaper change.

• Use a diaper rash cream with each diaper change.

• Add a bit of bleach to your wash if you are using cloth diapers.

A continued diaper rash problem may be a sign your baby is intolerant or allergic to dairy or something you are eating if breastfeeding.  Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has diaper rash for more than three days.