Coconut Oil For Diaper Rash: Effective? Safe? And How To Use It

If you have a baby, it’s only a matter of time until you have to deal with diaper rash. This red rash is irritating and painful for babies which makes it irritating and painful for parents too! Thankfully, diaper rash doesn’t have to be a big deal. It is easy to manage with the right product. But what is that product? If you are reading this guide, you obviously want to know can I use coconut oil for diaper rash? Does coconut oil help with diaper rash? Is coconut oil safe for babies?

The short answer is yes! Using coconut oil as diaper cream is a great, natural solution.

Below, I share with you what causes diaper rash, why and how coconut oil and diaper rash go well together, and exactly how to use coconut oil for baby diaper rash. I also share a coconut oil diaper cream recipe if you’d like to take your coconut oil use to another level!

Let’s start!

What Causes Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash grows in warm, moist places which is why it loves baby bottoms! It can look like various variations of a red scaly rash, red shiny rash, or red bumpy rash – basically, it’ll look red and irritated.

Several different things can cause diaper rash:

• Leaving diapers on too long – baby’s skin will get irritated when a wet or soiled diaper is left to rub against the skin. This can also cause infections thanks to the bacteria and fungi that exist in waste products.
• Having diapers too tight – will also irritate the skin thanks to rubbing against the skin.
• Reactions to foods or products can also cause diaper rash. It is more common when trying new solid foods.
• Sensitive skin – some babies have more sensitive skin which is more likely to get diaper rash. It could be from chemicals in baby wipes, diapers, soaps, moisturizers, washers, etc. It could also be caused by the textures of these products.

The best way to prevent diaper rash is to:

• Change diapers frequently.
• Give baby some diaper-free time daily allowing plenty of air around the bottom region to dry.
• Clean the bottom gently during each change.

Once your baby has a diaper rash, you’ll want to do all the above points plus use some type of product to help protect the area as well as heal and soothe the rash.

Can You Use Coconut Oil On Diaper Rash Safely?

One of the potential products you could use to heal and soothe diaper rash while protecting baby’s bottom is coconut oil, but is coconut oil nappy rash cream safe?

Yes, coconut oil is safe for babies. As long as you don’t buy a processed variety, it’s natural with no chemicals added making it safe and soothing for baby’s skin.

A good coconut oil to buy is this one.

Is Coconut Oil Good For Diaper Rash?

So it’s safe, but does coconut oil help with diaper rash?

Yes, it does!

Coconut oil is a great product packed full of goodies that make using this oil for diaper rash a great idea. It has Vitamin E and other ingredients that naturally hydrate the skin and have moisturizing properties. It naturally has antioxidants, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties which all battle the causes of diaper rash, whether it’s because of a fungal infection or not.

It’s also a thick oil which means it creates a barrier on the baby’s skin to stop more moisture from causing problems and increasing the rash.

So basically, it will naturally form a barrier stopping more moisture from affecting the problem area while the other properties will battle the causes of the rash while moisturizing the skin helping to prevent any blistering or skin flaking.

Even better is that there are no harsh chemicals in coconut oil so it’s unlikely to have any negative effect on your baby.

Note that diaper rash can also happen in other areas of the baby’s body, like between skin folds, where there are moist, warm places. While not technically diaper rash in this case (as it’s not covered by a diaper), the solutions are the same and you can use coconut oil for this too.

Can You Use Coconut Oil For Yeast Diaper Rash?

As stated above, coconut oil contains anti-fungal properties meaning that you can use coconut oil for diaper rash yeast causes.

There have been studies into this and it has been found to be effective.

Personally, I have found if I catch a fungal infection early, coconut oil works great for getting rid of it. However, for bad infections, I’d find that the coconut oil would stop it from getting worse, but it wouldn’t get better either. In these cases, I use a medicated anti-fungal cream as well as coconut oil.

Exactly How To Use It For Diaper Rash

I recommend you keep some coconut oil wherever you regularly change your baby so you are all set to go whenever you need it.

Step 1: Take Off The Diaper And Clean Baby’s Bottom As Usual

Be as gentle as possible. If you use water to wash the baby’s bottom, pat dry.

Step 2: Take Some Coconut Oil and Rub It Gently On The Affected Areas

• Take about a tablespoon of coconut oil depending on how big the area you need to treat.
• Rub it between your hands to warm it up so it is in liquid form
• Rub it on the diaper rash

Step 3: Keep Baby’s Bottom Diaper Free For As Long As Possible

Try to give the baby some diaper-free time to help heal and dry out the area. Putting a towel underneath where the baby likes to play can help with this. At the very least, wait until the coconut oil is dry before placing a diaper back on.

Step 4: Repeat Whenever You Change the Baby’s Diaper

Keep repeating using coconut oil for diaper changes until the rash is gone.

What Kind Of Coconut Oil For Diaper Rash?

The best coconut oil for diaper rash is virgin organic coconut oil like this. This means the coconut oil is pure and hasn’t been refined which keeps it as natural as possible.

The main thing you want to avoid when picking coconut oil for nappy rash is one that is processed with anything added. You want the coconut oil to be natural so it has as many benefits as possible with no worries about the harsh chemicals which may make the diaper rash worse.

If you are wondering if you can use coconut oil for diaper rash with cloth diapers, you can. It should not cause problems for your cloth diapers.

Click here to buy organic virgin coconut oil now.

Coconut Oil For Diaper Rash Prevention

If your baby doesn’t have a diaper rash right now but you want to prevent the baby from getting it, you can also use coconut oil.

Coconut oil creates a shield on the skin to help stop the moisture getting in that causes diaper rash. It also moisturizes the skin which helps keep the skin healthy as well.

Coconut Oil Diaper Rash Cream Recipe

While you can use coconut oil right out of the jar without doing anything else, you can also choose to make a special coconut oil diaper rash treatment that includes some other ingredients which also have properties to help with healing diaper rash and protecting bottoms.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1 cup shea butter
• 5 drops lavender oil (great for healing and skin inflammation)
• 2 teaspoons zinc oxide (for disposable diaper users) OR
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for cloth diaper users)

It’s best to avoid zinc oxide for cloth diapers.

1. Melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler or in a microwave
2. Let it cool
3. Blend the melted coconut oil and shea butter with the lavender oil and zinc oxide/cornstarch until fully mixed
4. Store it in an airtight jar or container

FAQs

How can coconut oil benefit diaper rash?

Coconut oil offers several benefits when it comes to treating diaper rash:

• Natural moisturizer: Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that helps nourish and hydrate the skin, creating a protective barrier against irritants.
• Antibacterial and antifungal properties: Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties that can help fight off bacteria and fungi commonly associated with diaper rash.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: The fatty acids present in coconut oil, such as lauric acid and caprylic acid, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort caused by diaper rash.
• Gentle and soothing: Coconut oil is generally well-tolerated by most babies’ skin. It can provide a soothing effect on irritated skin, helping to alleviate itching and discomfort.
• Nutrient-rich: Coconut oil contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote skin health and aid in the healing process.

Can I use coconut oil for both the prevention and treatment of diaper rash?

Yes, coconut oil can be used for both prevention and treatment of diaper rash. Its moisturizing and protective properties make it suitable for daily use as a preventive measure, especially if your baby is prone to diaper rash.

In cases where diaper rash has already developed, coconut oil can be applied to the affected area to help soothe and heal irritated skin.

Is coconut oil safe for all babies?

Coconut oil is generally safe for most babies. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to a small patch of your baby’s skin and monitor for any adverse reactions, such as redness or irritation.

Can I use coconut oil with other diaper rash remedies?

Yes, coconut oil can be used in combination with other diaper rash remedies. Some parents find it effective to use a combination of coconut oil and zinc oxide cream or a diaper rash ointment containing other healing ingredients. This oil can provide moisturization and soothing properties, while the additional products may offer added protection and healing benefits.

Can coconut oil stain cloth diapers?

Coconut oil is an oil-based product and can potentially leave stains on cloth diapers if not properly removed. To minimize the risk of staining, it’s advisable to:

• Use a thin layer of coconut oil to avoid excessive oil transfer.
• Thoroughly wash the diapers after each use using a gentle detergent.
• Consider using diaper liners or disposable inserts during periods of using this oil for diaper rash.
• If stains occur, treat them promptly by using a stain remover specifically designed for cloth diapers. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the care and maintenance of your cloth diapers.

Can I use coconut oil alongside prescription creams or ointments?

It’s always important to consult with your pediatrician or healthcare professional before using coconut oil alongside prescription creams or ointments. They can provide guidance on the appropriate combination of treatments and advise you on any potential interactions or contraindications.

Conclusion

Coconut oil is a great natural way to treat diaper rash and to help your baby’s bottom.

I hope you have found this guide to using coconut oil to treat diaper rash useful. I have covered that coconut oil is safe for babies, how to use organic coconut oil for diaper rash, and how to use it to prevent problems.

I have many other guides on how to use awesome coconut oil for many purposes such as for head lice here, leather here, skin discoloration here, and shaving here. Click here for all of my coconutty guides.