As moms, we tend to share in our baby’s pain. Whether it’s teething, sickness, or a run-of-the-mill diaper rash, our kid’s discomfort is both heart-wrenching and routine-disrupting. When your little one is suffering from the raw, red, and tender skin that comes along with a diaper rash, it can be tempting to call on every heavy duty product on the market. Unfortunately, many of these items contain chemicals you may not want around your baby. To take a safe, natural approach — while still knocking out the problem — we have some gentle and effective home remedies for diaper rash.

Fresh air

This one can get tricky, but it’s by far the most helpful piece of advice we’ve heard. When your son or daughter has a diaper rash, allow him or her as much diaper-free time as you can. Getting fresh air to the affected area is enormously beneficial in helping the healing process. Give them a few extra minutes between when you discard an old diaper and when you pop a new one on. Then, whenever you can, let your baby play diaper-free. If your little one is young enough, simply place an open diaper beneath his or her bottom. For older, more wiggly and active kids, line their play area with a protective sheet.

Coconut oil

Will the wonders of coconut oil ever cease? Add diaper rash ointment to the growing list of this oil’s seemingly magic properties. Use 1-2 teaspoons of the oil exactly as you would diaper cream, then rub a protective layer on the affected area with each changing. Keep a small bottle on your baby’s changing table. This method will work better with coconut oil in its solid state.

Oatmeal

We love a product that multitasks. Eat it for breakfast and then soothe away your baby’s discomfort? Why not! Grind a cup of raw oats to a fine powder and pour into a running bath. Let your baby soak in the tub for 10 minutes. Oatmeal is intensely soothing and hydrating, and this simple soak will help the healing process along.

Baking soda

Much like the oatmeal bath soak, a few tablespoons of baking soda stirred into a running bath will promote healing for your son or daughter. Baking soda has been known to ward off bacteria.

Warm water

When baby has that raw, red skin, the last thing he or she will want is the sting that comes along with a commercial baby wipe. So shelve those baby wipes for now and instead, use a clean, warm and wet washcloth to clean the area during each changing.

Hair dryer

It’s important to keep baby’s diaper area clean and dry. If you’re pressed for time and can’t let your little one air dry, use a hair dryer on a cool, low setting to make sure you’re not sealing up wetness with a diaper.

Breast milk

Some women swear that breast milk is a cure for just about anything. Indeed, the stuff has healing and healthful properties that even scientists can’t replicate. Hand express a tablespoon or so and pat your child’s bottom until it is coated. Let the liquid air-dry and then diaper as per usual.

What do you think? Do you have any go-to, natural remedies for curing the dreaded diaper rash? Share your tips in the comments below!