Are Baking Soda And Cornstarch Good For Diaper Rash?
Written by Irina Webb
Diaper rash is a common concern for parents and caregivers, as babies spend most of their time in diapers, making their delicate skin more prone to irritation. The diaper area can become red, inflamed, and uncomfortable, especially with constant exposure to moisture and friction from disposable diapers or cloth diapers. While diaper rash creams might seem like the most convenient solution, they may not always be available. Additionally, not all diaper creams are made the same, and some may contain potentially harmful chemicals that may irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions. Then, what to do?
Like almost any other area of our life, the question of diaper rash treatment has spawned suggestions for a home remedy for diaper rash. Specifically, baking soda and cornstarch come to many parents’ minds because they are easy to buy and are always at hand. Besides, you might think that the very fact that they are natural products makes them an appealing option to treat diaper rash. However, it’s not that simple. In this post, I’ll explore whether these home remedies are safe for your baby, and if they are, I’ll share detailed tips for using them effectively.
Is Baking Soda And Cornstarch Good For Diaper Rash?
To begin, baking soda and cornstarch seem to be two popular home remedies. Baking soda is known for its soothing and antibacterial properties, while cornstarch supposedly helps keep the baby’s skin dry and reduces friction in the diaper area.
Personally, I have never used either of these substances for diaper rash treatment. Instead of treating its symptoms, I believe it is best to prevent diaper rash outright, and the following tips may help:
- Choose the safest type of diaper: Use my Diapers Rating List e-book to help you select the best disposable diapers for your baby made with the safest materials.
- Use the safest baby wipes: Download my Baby Wipes Rating List E-book to help you find the best baby wipes for your baby made with the safest ingredients.
- Change diapers frequently: Whether using disposable diapers or cloth diapers, ensure your baby’s bottom stays clean and dry.
- Use warm water: Gently clean the area with warm water during each diaper change and pat with a soft towel rather than rub.
- Allow for some diaper-free time: Let your baby’s diaper area rest and get some air.
- Apply a barrier cream: Use the recommended diaper rash cream, free from petroleum or harmful chemicals, to create a protective layer on baby’s skin to prevent diaper rash.
How Does Baking Soda Help Diaper Rash?
First of all, there is no uniform opinion among pediatricians as to the safety and effectiveness of baking soda for diaper rash.
On the one hand, some say that baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has demonstrated efficacy in addressing dermatological diseases, such as psoriasis, and microbial infections (source). It is a natural compound with mild antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help neutralize acidity, soothe irritated baby’s skin, and prevent infections.
On the other hand, the use of baking soda for diaper rash treatment lacks solid evidence. Thus, a case reported a 4-month-old developing hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis from liberal amounts of baking soda to a diaper rash, which resolved after stopping its application, highlighting potential risks.
Additionally, the Mayo Clinic advises against using products containing baking soda on infants, as their safety is questionable.
How To Use Baking Soda For Diaper Rash
Generally speaking, if your baby’s diaper rash persists, it is best to consult with a pediatrician about the best diaper rash treatment. When it comes to using baking soda, some pediatricians believe that using it for mild rash cases as a bath soak can help (source).
Baking Soda Bath For Diaper Rash
A baking soda bath for diaper rash can help soothe irritation. Dissolve 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda in a warm bath and let your baby soak for 10–15 minutes. This home remedy for diaper rash can help cleanse and calm the diaper area while reducing redness (source).
Don’t put baking soda or products containing it directly on the rash as it might irritate the skin even more.
How Does Cornstarch Help Diaper Rash?
Just as with baking soda, there is no uniform opinion among pediatricians as to the safety and effectiveness of cornstarch for diaper rash.
From one point of view, cornstarch powder may be hazardous when cornstarch particles get airborne, and the baby might inhale them. Thus, in this case, a 1-month-old infant was brought to an emergency room because of poor eating habits and impaired breathing. A chest x-ray revealed dark-blue polygon-shaped crystals of cornstarch in the baby’s lungs. The mother admitted that she used cornstarch powder during diaper changes.
In addition, there is an opinion that cornstarch is ineffective for diaper rash because it actually holds moisture in, which can irritate the skin and even infect it.
From another point of view, a natural cornstarch powder derived from corn works by absorbing excess moisture (common for the diaper area). This keeps the skin dry, reduces friction, and forms a light barrier, which may prevent further irritation. Also, this study indicated that cornstarch did not enhance the growth of yeasts (Candida albicans, a common yeast responsible for infections) on human skin and on the contrary, provided protection against frictional injury.
How To Use Cornstarch For Diaper Rash
Ultimately, it’s best to monitor your baby’s skin for allergic reactions or any changes and consult a healthcare provider if the diaper rash appears severe or persistent.
Some pediatricians suggest that a cornstarch bath may be helpful when the rash covers large areas or if the baby has extra-sensitive skin (source).
There is also an opinion that a small amount of cornstarch mixed with coconut oil for diaper rash can help, but it is strictly anecdotal as I didn’t see any pediatrician websites mention this home remedy to treat diaper rash.
Therapeutic Bath With Cornstarch For Diaper Rash
Fill the baby’s bath with warm water and add 2–4 tablespoons of organic cornstarch, stirring to distribute it evenly. Let the baby soak in the bath for 10–15 minutes and pat the skin dry with a soft towel. Thoroughly dry the baby’s bottom before putting on a new diaper. To learn more as to why I recommend organic cornstarch versus conventional, read my How to Avoid GMO Products blog post.
Conclusion: Is Baking Soda And Cornstarch Good For Diaper Rash?
You Want To Be Careful With What You Put On Your Baby’s Broken Skin To Avoid More Irritation Or Even An Infection. I Would Stick With Store-Bought Diaper Rash Creams To Get Rid Of Diaper Rash.
In conclusion, the scientific evidence regarding the use of baking soda and cornstarch for diaper rash is limited and presents potential risks. Given the mixed findings and potential risks, it’s advisable to consult with a pediatrician before using these substances as treatments for diaper rash. Healthcare professionals can recommend safe and effective alternatives tailored to your baby’s specific needs.
Additional tips to prevent and treat diaper rash to consider:
- Choose the safest type of diaper from my Diapers Rating List e-book.
- Select the safest baby wipes in my Baby Wipes Rating List E-book.
- Change diapers frequently to ensure your baby’s bottom stays clean and dry.
- Use warm water during each diaper change and pat with a soft cloth rather than rub.
- Allow for some diaper-free time to let your baby’s diaper area rest and get some air.
- Apply the best diaper cream with zinc oxide to create a protective layer on baby’s skin and prevent diaper rash. (Note: While a thin layer of petroleum jelly can act as a moisture barrier, I encourage you to check out 15 Non-Toxic Petroleum Jelly Alternatives.)
- Consider trying breast milk: Anecdotally, applying breast milk to the rash has natural antibacterial properties and may promote healing (source).
As always, I invite you to visit the I Read Labels For You blog for the newest engaging and educational posts. Be sure to check out my shop for a curated selection of non-toxic products and unique e-books, including Baby Wipes and Disposable Diapers Rating Lists. You can also book a consultation for tailored support on your path to healthier living.
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