Is Cornstarch For Diaper Rash A Good Remedy?

So, you let it slip that your baby has a diaper rash at family dinner. Now every grandma, mom, and aunt sitting around the table has tips on how to deal with it. After all, a diaper rash is a common type of skin irritation that affects babies and young children.

One home remedy that many parents turn to for diaper rash is cornstarch. However, as we will explore in this article, cornstarch for diaper rash treatment is not the best solution, and better alternatives are available.

diaper change - cornstarch for diaper rashes remedy

Why Does Aunt Karen Keep Recommending Cornstarch for Diaper Rash?

Cornstarch is found in various household products, including culinary, baking, and personal care items. Specifically, it is used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking. It is also often used in personal care products as talcum powder, a powder used to absorb moisture and prevent friction.

It is also commonly found in baby powder, foot powder, and other goods of a similar kind. Therefore, it really isn’t a surprise that for a long time, many parents also used cornstarch for diaper rash treatment at home.

There are three main reasons parents have used this remedy in the past:

Cornstarch is a common type of diaper rash treatment since it is affordable and readily available in most households.
Many parents have heard that cornstarch can help soothe and heal diaper rash, so they resort to it as a quick and easy solution.
Another reason people use cornstarch is that it is a powder, which gives the impression that it absorbs moisture and dries out the rash.

Despite being a go-to remedy for many years, it is critical to remember that using cornstarch to treat diaper rash is useless and may exacerbate the rash rather than heal it! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), even recommends against using ANY cornstarch or talc-based baby powders.

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Use Cornstarch For Diaper Rashes

There are several reasons why you should avoid using cornstarch to try and treat diaper rashes. These reasons include the following:

It can leave the skin dry and diminish its natural oils. This is the main reason why you should avoid using cornstarch to try and treat diaper rashes.
It can produce friction when applied to the sensitive skin in the diaper area, aggravating the rash.
Cornstarch can create a breeding ground for germs when combined with warm water, potentially leading to infection.

That all being said, there are much safer and more effective ways to help heal your baby’s diaper rash and you are going to want to drop Aunt Karen’s advice in this case.

Alternatives To Cornstarch

There are several options for treating diaper rash if you are looking for long-term treatment. Here are a few examples:

Tubby Todd Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste

I absolutely love Tubby Todd and our bathroom cabinet is always well-stocked with our favorites. Their products are all-natural and totally safe for babies. Read more about all of our Tubby Todd favorites here!

The Tubby Todd Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste is made of natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. It is intended to protect and soothe the skin, as well as to reduce friction and prevent diaper rash. Grab yours here!

Boudreaux’s Butt Paste

This is a well-known diaper paste containing zinc oxide, known for its ability to dry and minimize diaper rash. It also has no parabens, dyes, or talcum powder, making it suitable for use on sensitive skin. Grab yours at Walmart!

Mustela Baby Natural Diaper Cream

Natural ingredients such as olive oil and aloe vera are used to make this diaper cream. It is intended to soothe and protect the newborn’s skin while lowering the risk of diaper rash. Available on Amazon!

Preventing Diaper Rash in the First Place

Diaper rashes are inevitable every now and then, but there are some steps you can take to help prevent them. The key to preventing diaper rashes is to keep the diaper area clean and dry and to change diapers regularly. Here are some tips to help prevent diaper rash:

Change diapers frequently: Diaper rash can occur when a soiled diaper causes friction and traps moisture on the skin. Change your baby’s diaper as soon as they are soiled, and keep an eye on them throughout the day.

Use a breathable diaper: Cloth diapers, for example, allow air to circulate the baby’s skin to keep the area dry and reduce the chance of diaper rash.

Clean the diaper area thoroughly: Use warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap to clean the diaper region during bath time.

Apply a barrier cream or ointment: Petroleum jelly and other barrier lotions can aid in human skin protection and friction reduction. However, you should avoid baby powder because it can dry the skin and exacerbate a rash.

Watch for signs of rash: Keep a watch out for redness, irritation, or other indicators of diaper rash and treat them quickly if you observe them.

Avoid using talcum powder or cornstarch: These might cause the skin to dry up and lose its natural oils. Furthermore, when mixed with warm water, they can form a breeding environment for germs, leading to infection.

Consult your pediatrician: If your baby has a severe diaper rash or delicate skin, it is always advisable to speak with a pediatrician who can provide the best advice.

Following these guidelines can reduce the chance of diaper rash and keep your baby’s skin healthy and happy.

Diaper rash is a common condition that affects many infants and toddlers. While corn starch may appear to be a quick fix, it can dry up the baby’s skin and cause friction.

Tubby Todd Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, and Mustela Baby Natural Diaper Cream are far superior options. These diaper rash remedies are manufactured from natural components and are intended to soothe, protect, and prevent the risk of diaper rash. So, the next time your baby gets a diaper rash, use one of these alternatives instead of using cornstarch for diaper rash treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use cornstarch for diaper rash?

What cures diaper rash fast?

Keep your baby’s skin as clean and dry as possible. I like to use Tubby Todd Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste or Boudreaux’s Butt Paste at the first sign of a rash.