Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.
The home care that actually works for diaper rash is simple: change nappies as soon as they are wet or dirty, clean the skin gently with water, let it dry in the air, and put a barrier cream on at every change. Popular kitchen remedies have much less behind them.
What diaper rash looks like
The NHS page on nappy rash describes red or raw patches on your baby's bottom or across the whole nappy area, sometimes with spots, pimples or blisters, or skin that looks dry and scaly. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains in its guide to common diaper rashes and treatments that most rashes are caused by urine and stool irritating the skin.
Home care that helps
- Change often. Change wet or dirty nappies as soon as you can, including at night if the rash is bad.
- Clean gently. Use plain water, or fragrance free and alcohol free baby wipes. If the skin is very sore, the AAP suggests rinsing with a squeeze bottle of water instead of rubbing.
- Pat dry, then air dry. Pat rather than rub, and leave the nappy off for a while when you can. Lay your baby on a towel or a waterproof sheet on the floor.
- Use a barrier cream at every change. A cream or paste containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly protects the skin from urine and stool. The AAP recommends fragrance free products. Your pharmacist can suggest one.
- Keep the nappy loose. A nappy fastened too tightly rubs and traps moisture, especially overnight.
If you are buying wipes, browse our baby wipes collection and check each label for fragrance free and alcohol free options while the skin heals.
What to avoid
The NHS advises against using soap, baby lotion, bubble bath, talcum powder or antiseptic creams on nappy rash, because they can irritate the skin further. The AAP also advises against antibiotic ointments bought over the counter, as some ingredients can make the irritation worse.
What about coconut oil, oatmeal baths and other remedies?
Coconut oil, ghee, besan, haldi, cornflour, breast milk and oatmeal baths are often suggested by family or online. Neither the NHS nor the AAP recommends them for nappy rash, and we could not find reliable evidence that they work better than a simple barrier cream. If you would like to try something like this, ask your paediatrician first, and stop if the rash gets worse.
When it might be a yeast rash
A rash that is bright red or pink and shiny with sharp edges, often worst in the skin folds of the groin, and sometimes with small red spots around it, may be a yeast (thrush) infection. This often happens after a course of antibiotics. It needs an antifungal cream, which your doctor can prescribe.
When to see a doctor
See your paediatrician if:
- the rash is not improving, or is getting worse, after two to three days of the care above
- the rash spreads to other areas
- you see blisters, pimples, peeling, or sores that ooze, crust or have pus
- the rash looks like a yeast rash, or appeared during antibiotics
- the rash seems very painful or your baby is very uncomfortable
- your baby has a fever or high temperature along with the rash
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.
