9 Best Diaper Rash Creams of 2023, Tested & Reviewed - Good Housekeeping

A diaper rash is an angry-looking red rash on your baby's bum or genitals. If your baby is in a wet diaper for a long period of time, a diaper rash is likely to result.

But all kinds of other factors can bring on a diaper rash too. Truthfully, diaper rashes are super common. It's rare that you meet a family who says their baby reached their first birthday without ever having one!

This is just a partial list of triggers that can contribute to diaper rash, reviewed by Dr. Levine:

• A diaper that's too tight, not just one that's been left on too long, can lead to chafing and a rash.
• When your baby learns to sit, crawl or cruise, friction between their diaper and their skin might increase and that can spark a diaper rash.
• If it's hot and your baby is battling heat along with normal diaper wetness and friction, that's often a recipe for rash.
• If your baby is taking antibiotics for strep throat or other health reasons, this can unfortunately make a diaper rash a bit more likely.
• A change in diet, whether it's a breastfeeding mom eating something different or the baby trying new solid foods, can lead to a rash when the baby passes the new food out.
• Chocolate milk, with its combo of sugar and cow's milk, can trigger a diaper rash, as can highly acidic foods such as orange juice. If your toddler is suffering from diaper rash, pay attention to their diet and consider holding off on acidic fruits until your child is older, Dr. Levine says.
• Teething can contribute to diaper rash because a teething baby swallows more saliva than usual, and eventually that has to come out the other end.
• If your baby is suffering from diarrhea, that contains more harsh digestive enzymes and can lead to a rash (also it's messy, so it can cover more skin surface).
• Sometimes alcohol or fragrance in a wipe or a new-to-you detergent will lead to skin irritation in the diaper area. A highly fragranced bath soap or bubble bath can cause problems too. Mild, baby-safe formulas are recommended for anything that touches your baby's skin.
• Eczema-prone babies and toddlers are more sensitive overall and might be more likely to suffer from diaper rash.
• Fiercely independent potty trainers who want to wipe themselves may not do a great job and might get a diaper rash, even if they're in training pants and not diapers.

If you're unsure that what you're seeing is a diaper rash and still have questions about treating it, read the American Academy of Pediatrics page on common diaper rashes and treatments or bring your baby to the pediatrician for an examination.

Also, it's not just a baby's bum and private parts that can get red and rashy. You might notice a rash above your baby's lip when they have a runny nose or on their chin if they drool a lot. (Babies are yucky, but we love them.) In those cases, too, using a barrier ointment, such as Aquaphor, can protect their skin from wetness that leads to irritation. We've recently tested and liked the Aquaphor Balm Stick for treating areas such as your baby's face.