Homemade diaper rash ointment

I've covered how to save money on diapers and how to make your own baby wipes solution, so it seems the next logical thing to cover is a way to save money on diaper rash ointment. I'm not sure about your babies, but mine almost never had a rash until he started eating solid foods. Foods that are the least bit acidic seem to break him out, and we have to be extra careful due to a hemangioma that he has near the diaper area. We've spent quite a bit of money on Aquaphor because it seems to work the best for him. It turns out, there's a much cheaper solution. There are two cheaper solutions, actually.

Vaseline and Cornstarch

I've heard a lot of fuss over using cornstarch, but folks seem to get it mixed up with using talc-based powders. Talc powders should not be used around infants because they are easily inhaled. Cornstarch-based powders are safe because the grains are larger and coarser and not easily inhaled. To create an ointment with Vaseline and cornstarch, simply combine ½ cup of Vaseline with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Apply to baby's bottom at each diaper change.

Healing ointment and Maalox

This is a tip from a pediatrician. For rashes caused by acidic foods, combine a healing ointment like Aquaphor (there are generic versions at stores like CVS) with a bit of Maalox or other liquid antacid. You don't have to use name-brand antacid; the generic stuff works just fine. The ointment is soothing to baby's bottom while the antacid counteracts any acids in the urine or stool caused by acidic foods in the diet. It works wonders for very bad rashes, but be sure to ask your doctor first if it's safe for your baby.

Did you make your own diaper rash ointment? What ingredients did you use?

Photo courtesy Monkey Mash Button via Flickr.