Diapering Basics-Peeing, Pooping and Diaper Rash with Dr. Jen
LET'S TALK ABOUT THE D-WORD (DIAPERS)
Q: How can I tell if my diaper fits my baby?
A: Diapers should always be snug, but not too tight on the legs that it leaves marks or indentations. The diaper should appear straight across your baby’s tummy, be equally proportioned on either side and sit right under the belly button. Instances of leaks can be reduced if you have the proper fit.
Q: Is there an age or phase that babies go through where diaper rash is more common?
A: Diaper rash can occur at any age, however, there are certain periods in a baby’s life where they are more common. Often times, diaper rash occurs because newborn skin is extremely sensitive. Since babies tend to have many bowel movements over the course of a day, the wet feces against the skin can lead to skin irritation. A common time to experience diaper rash is around the 4-6 month mark when babies are introduced to solid food. This triggers a change in digestion, which in turn can trigger rashes. Additionally, any time a baby picks up an illness that causes loose bowel movements or diarrhea, diaper rash becomes more common.
Q: What causes diaper rash?
Diaper rash can have many different causes. Often times, it occurs because the diaper area is warm, moist and covered. Diaper rash can occur when stool or urine is exposed to the skin for long periods of time. Yeast infections occur because fungus likes to grow and multiply in a warm, moist environment, causing a bright red, pimply rash. Diaper rash can be an irritation because of a too-tight diaper, a component in the diaper, a new food, or an illness. Even antibiotics can cause diaper rash from the increase in loose poop/diarrhea and from an overgrowth of yeast due to antibiotics' effect on killing the “good” bacteria in baby’s body.
Q: How do you prevent diaper rash?
A: One of the best ways to curb diaper rash is by changing the diaper frequently, particularly after every bowel movement. It’s best to avoid wipes that contain alcohol and fragrances, as those can irritate a baby’s delicate skin. If an irritant or contact rash occurs, using a diaper cream with a high concentration of Zinc Oxide is very effective.
Q: What is the best way to cure diaper rash?
A: The best way to cure diaper rash is to prevent the rash in the first place. That said, once a diaper rash occurs, it can take a few days to a week to resolve completely. A few of my insider tips: Make sure when using diaper cream you apply it very thick like you are icing a cake. Also, it’s important to remember never to scrub a baby’s bottom clean -- this actually prevents the skin from healing. Just rinse with warm water or use some mineral oil on a cotton ball to cleanse after a bowel movement. Additionally, make sure the area is completely dry before putting on another diaper.
Q: Is it true that certain foods cause diaper rash?
A: Juice, due to all the concentrated sugar, can lead to diarrhea which in turn, can cause diaper rash. In addition, some acidic foods like citrus, tomatoes, and berries, can aggravate a baby or child who already has diaper rash, so you may want to hold off on these foods while they are healing. Conversely, there are certain foods that can help while a baby is healing from diaper rash. Bread, pasta, grains, eggs, and applesauce are binding foods that decrease the frequency of bowel movements and firm up stool.
Q: How often should you change a diaper?
A: This varies, but on average, diapers should be changed every 3-4 hours, or sooner if a bowel movement happens. It isn’t necessary to wake up a sleeping baby with a soiled diaper, but it’s advisable to change him or her right when they wake up.
Q: How will I know if my baby is allergic to a diaper or if it’s just a diaper rash?
A: It can be very difficult to tell if a baby is allergic to a diaper itself. It could also be some other product like a wipe, detergent or ointment containing an offending substance. It’s important to take note of any recent changes in the baby’s routine or the introduction of any new products when trying to determine the root cause. Allergic reactions can be very red, swollen or even appear as hive-like rashes on the area where it is in contact with the baby’s skin. If you have concerns about any diaper rash or if it could be an allergy, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician for further evaluation.
Q: When shopping for diapers, what should I look for in terms of the ingredient list? Are there any big 'no-nos' (like parabens, fragrances, etc.)?
A: Because baby skin is so sensitive, I recommend diapers (like these) free of fragrance and dye, along with no parabens, phthalates, alcohol, and 0% chlorine bleaching.
Q: In terms of poop, what color stool is normal?
A: Poop can be a variety of colors from yellow to orange to bright green and all shades of brown. It all depends on the baby’s diet, as well as how long it takes to go through the gastrointestinal tract and the added amount of digestive enzymes and bile acids mixed in. You should be concerned if you see any red in the stool, as that could be a sign of blood. If you’re concerned, you should consult with your pediatrician.
Q: What is the best way to diaper when the baby still has the umbilical cord?
A: It can take up to two weeks or more for the umbilical cord to dry up and fall off completely. Before that time, it’s advised to keep the cord dry, clean and open to air. I recommend when diapering, to either use a newborn diaper that has the cord area notched out or to simply fold the diaper below the cord.
Any other questions about pooping, peeing or diapering your baby? Let me know in the comments . And because busy parents like you, want the answers on the go 24/7 check out Pediatrician in Your Pocket, the only science-based, mom-tested, no-judgment, video guide for new parents. Advice and tips from me, a board certified physician and mom of three.