Natural Cures for Baby's Yeast Infection

No matter what you do, or what you feed them, sometimes babies get diaper rashes. One of the more painful types is a yeast infection rash. We've all got yeast in our bodies, but just like many things, sometimes normal processes get out of whack and create issues. Yeast rashes suck and make big red patches with lots of spots. It spreads out into folds and looks painful (and often is). 

Yeast infections can happen to boys as well. Your pediatrician might tell you to go to the lady's section at the store and grab some of the same cream you'd use if you had the dreaded yeast infection, but there are a lot of other natural, tried-and-true ways to help treat it at home without meds.

First let's look into cause. Has baby been on antibiotics, or if you're a nursing mom, have you? Or has baby had thrush? Either one can contribute to a yeast infection. Obviously if either of you is on antibiotics, you need to finish it, so right now your job is combating the yeast, but it might not clear up until you're done, sadly.

Consider baby's diet (if on solids). Is it high in sugar and carbs? Those can help feed the yeast as well, so cut down on both. This is true for you too, Mom, if you're prone to yeast infections yourself (ugh!). Diet plays a big factor.

Anyway, onto helping baby's tush.

• Breast milk.

  

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  First and foremost, if you're a nursing mom, squirt that breast milk on baby's butt! Whether straight from the tap, or if you'd rather pump and get it on there some other way, those antibodies even help kill bacteria topically (great for ear infections, cuts, sinuses, all sorts of things!). I know it seems really super-weird, but I swear, it's helpful.
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• Coconut oil.

  

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  Another thing that is a major godsend is coconut oil. Yeah, the same kind you use in cooking. Honestly, I don't even buy diaper rash products because coconut oil trumps them all. It's good as lotion for the family (and the oily feeling disappears in a minute or two, unlike with other oils), it smells good, and it's totally safe if baby puts his lotioned hands in his mouth. Tasty, makes skin soft, helps diaper rashes, healthy, and kills yeast! It's ALMOST as cool as breast milk ... almost. If baby is old enough to eat solids, mixing a little coconut oil in with some (low sugar!) food can help, too.

• Garlic.

  

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  Garlic also helps kill yeast and other infections, and is awesome for the immune system. Getting kiddos to take raw garlic is not likely, but you can always use some minced fresh garlic in their dinner for a few days to help. Yep, the garlic option should go in the mouth, not directly on the skin. 

• Probiotics.

  

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  The probiotics, found in yogurt, can also help. The live bacteria is good bacteria and helps fight bad bacteria. Live bacteria yogurt is also fantastic applied DIRECTLY. Yup, smear yogurt on your baby's crotch. Sugar free and no fruit, obviously! Berries in the crotch aren't going to cure anything. My daughter's doctor told me not to keep up the yogurt when she pointed out the skin looked like it was drying out, meaning the yeast was going away. Yay!

• Fresh air.

  

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  Speaking of drying out, air is also awesome for any rash.

• Hot water wash.

  

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  And remember, if you use cloth diapers, or if your kiddo is old enough to be in underwear (and this applies to you too!), you have to "strip" the dirties -- meaning, wash them in vinegar and hot water multiple times to kill the yeast because it can live in them, and then you just put the yeast right back on the crotch. Icky, huh?
• The article is for reference only. Seek medical attention if you feel more worried