Homemade Baby Rash Cream

Babies frequently develop red and painful rashes due to the combination of moisture and chemicals contained in wet and soiled diapers. Commercially-produced diaper creams often contain chemical compounds like zinc oxide. Parents seeking a more natural alternative have the option of making their own baby rash remedy

Making Homemade Baby Rash Cream

• To make an effective cream to soothe diaper rash, combine 2 tbsp. olive oil with 1/2 oz. grated beeswax. Vegetable shortening or almond oil can be substituted for the olive oil. Using a double boiler, melt the oil and wax together until it has the consistency of petroleum jelly, stirring frequently. Puncture a vitamin E capsule, and squeeze the contents into the mixture. Transfer the mixture to a small jar, and cool to room temperature. Stir it until it has a creamy consistency.

Precaution

• Use caution when handling melted wax. As beeswax is highly flammable, never melt it over a direct heat source or expose it to an open flame. Make certain the cream has fully cooled before applying it to a baby's delicate skin.

Herbal Variant

• For a pleasant and soothing herbal variation, add dried chamomile flowers to the olive oil. Let it stand in a dark place at room temperature for several days to give the chamomile time to infuse the oil with its skin-soothing properties and gentle fragrance. Strain the oil, and use it in the recipe as indicated.

Application

• After removing a wet or soiled diaper, wash and dry the baby's skin, then spread a generous amount of the cream onto the rash-affected area. Never apply cream to wet or dirty skin, as the oils in the cream form a barrier that traps moisture against the skin. Always keep a baby's skin clean, dry and well-moisturized. Store the homemade cream at room temperature.