7 Common Mistakes Parents Make When Treating Diaper Rash

First, let me tell you what I wish I could tell my guilt-ridden, first-time mom self: if your baby has diaper rash, you’re not a bad mom. You’re a human mom with a human baby who pees and poops constantly and unpredictably, has delicate skin, and (the primary culprit) wears diapers all day everyday.

Diaper rash happens. And while it’s no fun for baby (or you), it’s also very normal—and usually pretty manageable with a little consistency and care.

Here are the most common mistakes I’ve learned to avoid, plus what actually helps soothe that poor little bum.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through them. I only share products I genuinely use and love—and that I think might help make your mom life a little easier too.

1. Waiting too long between diaper changes

Yeah, this one’s kind of a no-brainer—but while a missed diaper change may not be what caused the rash, it’ll definitely keep it from healing quickly. When my kids have a flare-up, I basically treat their diapers like they're on a timer. The goal? Keep things as clean and dry as possible.

2. Not giving baby any diaper-free time

Letting your baby hang out diaper-free (with a towel underneath unless you're feeling risky) is a great way to give their skin a much-needed break. It helps dry out the rash and lets their natural skin barrier do its thing. A few minutes of fresh air a couple times a day can make a big difference.

3. Scrubbing stuck-on poop

Man, sometimes those poops are stubborn and it seems like no amount of wiping removes it. It can be tempting to really scrub to get them clean. But their skin is already irritated, and scrubbing just adds insult to injury. Instead keep a little spray bottle of warm water at the changing table to help loosen up any hard to remove bits. It’s gentle on their bum, safe and totally free.

4. Using wipes with irritating ingredients

Even "sensitive" baby wipes can have sneaky ingredients that irritate broken or rash-covered skin. When my babies are flaring up, I switch to Water Wipes or just use a soft, clean, wet washcloth. It’s a simple swap until the rash clears and can make all the difference.

5. Over-washing with soap

When things get really bad, I like to give 1–2 warm water baths a day—but I don't soap up their bum every time. Soap can strip their natural skin barrier, drying out their skin and making the rash worse. If a soapy bath is due, I use something super gentle like Honest Company 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo + Body Wash because it’s gentle and hypoallergenic.

6. Applying diaper cream to damp skin

This is a big one. If diaper cream is applied before the skin is fully dry, the moisture is being sealed in instead of out. Keep a clean, dry cloth nearby and gently pat the area so it's completely dry before applying diaper cream.

7. Being too stingy with the diaper cream

You’re not lightly moisturizing—you’re building a barrier. The way I've heard it said is apply diaper cream like you’re frosting a cupcake. It's a visual that sticks. I like to use a thick layer of Desitin—like, can’t-see-the-skin thick. Don’t be shy!

Final Thoughts

Diaper rash is one of those things that feels like a big deal because it just looks painful, and it can go from 0 to 100 real quick. But if you act fast, make a few simple tweaks, and stay consistent it will prevent anything more serious. Keep things clean, dry, and well-"frosted"—you got this.

water wipes / honest shampoo + body wash / desitin