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Diaper rash refers to any irritation of your baby's bottom, from a slight red flush to a full-blown pustular outbreak.

What Causes Diaper Rash?

Even if you're the most vigilant and hygienic of parents, your baby will probably get diaper rash because the humidity and warmth in a baby's diaper makes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, and her soft skin is easily irritated. In fact, "diaper dermatitis" (the fancy name for diaper rash) is the most common childhood skin disease.

When your baby has a diaper rash, it's important to determine if it's caused by yeast or an irritant, as the treatment is different. If you have a question about which it is, consult your pediatrician.

Preventing Diaper Rash

• Perhaps the most common piece of advice is to let your baby air out as much as possible by laying him, without a diaper, on an absorbent cloth because moderate sunlight on his diaper area will help prevent diaper rash and help clear up a rash if he has one. However, this isn't always practical or desired (Are you really going to leave a diaper off your diarrhea-prone baby?), especially because you want to prevent your baby from having too much sun exposure.
• Diaper rash is often caused by chemicals in baby products, even "hypoallergenic ones." Clean with warm water and mild soap, if soap is needed, and avoid putting lotions and oils on your baby.
• Change your baby's diaper often, even if he doesn't seem wet. The more air on his tush, the less likely he is to get a rash.
• Babies wearing cloth diapers are five times less likely to develop diaper rash. Keep in mind, however, that cloth diapers will need to be washed properly.
• Wash cloth diapers with gentle detergents.
• Ask your doctor for diaper cream recommendations. Some contain zinc oxide, which will create a barrier between your baby's pee and poop and his skin.
• Allergies to certain foods can also cause diaper rash, usually in the form of a red ring around the anus. Once the food is eliminated from the baby or the breastfeeding mom's diet, the rash should go away.

Safety Notes

• Do not use a hydrocortozone cream unless you talk to your doctor first. You want to make sure you know what's causing the rash to determine whether it's an appropriate treatment.
• If your baby is on antibiotics, he may develop a diaper rash caused by yeast because the antibiotic also kills "healthy" bacteria. This is not a reason to stop your baby's antibiotic series! Consult with your pediatrician about the diaper rash, and he will be able to suggest a proper treatment. Also, if your baby's old enough, add plain yogurt and acidophilus to his diet.