Diaper rash in babies: causes, home remedies and gentle relief

August 20, 2025

Wunder Po bei Babys: Ursachen, Hausmittel und sanfte Hilfe

Many parents are familiar with the troublesome issue: diaper rash in babies. The delicate skin in the diaper area is particularly sensitive, and once irritated, it often leads to stress and discomfort for everyone involved. However, there's no need to worry, as in most cases the bothersome skin irritation can be easily treated and, even better, prevented.

Why does a sore bottom develop?

The skin in your baby's diaper area has to endure a lot. Urine, stool, friction, and warmth create a moist environment, which is ideal for skin irritation. If bacteria or fungi also take hold, painful inflammation can occur.

Babies are particularly at risk if they:

lying in wet diapers often or for long periods of time
the teeth
take antibiotics
who have sensitive or dry skin

Certain foods, such as acidic fruits or personal care products, can also contribute to diaper rash.

How can you tell if someone has a sore bottom?

You can recognize diaper rash in a baby primarily by redness or scaly patches. Small pustules may form on the skin, or it may start to weep. Affected babies often complain of pain during diaper changes or cry during bowel movements. In severe cases, the skin may be open or bleeding, in which case extra care is needed.

Gentle home remedies that help with a sore baby bottom

Many parents initially prefer gentle methods. These home remedies for diaper rash in babies have proven effective:

1. Air and Time
Let them kick around without a diaper as often as possible. Air dries the skin and supports healing.
2. Chamomile tea
Cooled chamomile infusion has a calming and mildly anti-inflammatory effect. Simply dab the cooled chamomile infusion gently onto the skin with a clean cloth.
3. Grease wool, also colloquially called healing wool

Our GRÜNSPECHT wool contains natural wool grease, lanolin, which nourishes the skin. Simply place a small piece in the diaper. The wool acts as a gentle cushion and protects sensitive skin.
4. Care/diaper liners from GRÜNSPECHT
The diaper liner protects sensitive skin, especially in cases of diarrhea or frequent bowel movements. It ensures a dry environment inside the diaper and is easy to change.

How long does it take for the buttocks to heal?

The healing time depends on the severity. Minor irritations often subside after one to two days. More severe inflammations require a healing time of approximately three to seven days. If infections have developed, such as a fungal infection, medical treatment is necessary. Healing can then take up to two weeks or longer.

It is important to observe your skin regularly and give it time to recover.

Proper prevention: What not to eat while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding mothers often wonder if their diet can affect diaper rash. The simple answer is: Yes, in some cases. There are indeed foods that can lead to acidic stools in babies. These include, for example:

citrus fruits
tomatoes
highly spiced foods
coffee or chocolate

You can determine relatively quickly whether a food irritates your baby's skin: Carefully try avoiding certain foods to see if there is a change.

Can a sore bottom be caused by teething?

Yes, that's actually possible. Many babies not only get red cheeks and lots of saliva when teething, but also changes in their stools, as they often become more acidic. This can irritate the skin in the diaper area.

Therefore, during this time pay particular attention to frequent diaper changes, gentle cleaning, and the use of products such as lanolin wool and care/diaper fleece to relieve the skin.

When to take your child to the pediatrician?

In most cases, skin irritation is harmless and can be easily treated with gentle care. However, there are situations where a visit to the pediatrician is essential. This applies, for example, if the redness does not improve after three days despite careful care, if weeping or bleeding sores appear, or if the baby shows clear signs of discomfort and cries intensely during diaper changes. Medical advice should also be sought immediately if a fungal infection is suspected, for example, recognizable by white patches or an unpleasant odor.

Prevention tips: How to keep baby's bottom healthy

The best treatment is the one you don't need in the first place. That's why prevention is already "half the battle".

These tips will effectively prevent diaper rash in babies:

1. Change diapers regularly, at least every two to three hours.
2. Clean thoroughly but gently; lukewarm water is sufficient.
3. Do not use harsh wipes or soaps – you can find tips for making your own wipes here.
4. Schedule daily "free time".
5. Allow the diaper area to dry thoroughly, paying particular attention to the folds.
6. Use natural care products such as healing wool or grease wool , or diaper fleece.

Conclusion: No reason to panic!

Almost every baby gets diaper rash at some point, and it's almost always manageable. The key is loving, attentive care with plenty of air, patience, and gentle aids. With natural products like our lanolin wool and diaper liners, you can support the healing process, completely free of chemical additives. Both products are natural, breathable, and specially developed for sensitive baby skin.

Stay calm, dear parents – you're doing a great job! You can find more information about our products here:

Organic greased wool, 50 g
For the natural care of delicate baby skin in the diaper area and stressed skin areas – also during breastfeeding
Organic care/diaper liner
The diaper liner is particularly skin-friendly, soft, and extra absorbent. It is also ideal for making your own baby wipes.

Frequently asked questions about "diaper rash in babies"

How long does it take for a diaper rash in babies to heal?

Minor irritations often disappear after one to two days. More severe inflammations can take a week or longer to heal – depending on care and the cause.

What foods should you avoid while breastfeeding?

Avoid highly acidic or spicy foods if you suspect they might irritate your baby's bottom.

Diaper rash when the baby is teething: Could that be the cause?

Yes, during teething, stools often become more acidic, which can lead to irritation in the diaper area.

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Diaper rash in babies: causes, home remedies and gentle relief

Why does a sore bottom develop?

How can you tell if someone has a sore bottom?

Gentle home remedies that help with a sore baby bottom

1. Air and Time

2. Chamomile tea

3. Grease wool, also colloquially called healing wool

4. Care/diaper liners from GRÜNSPECHT