Diaper Rashes in Toddlers

My girls are 19 months old and have never really gotten diaper rashes until recently.  There has not been a change in diet or bath wash or diapers, so I am really perplexed. Any ideas?  They have been having more frequent bowel movements which is odd to me too and the diaper rash will come right after a big bowel movement.  We change their diapers frequently and especially after a bowel movement.  If there is something that I am not thinking of?  Would love to hear your advise.

Are there stools looser? Many toddlers will drink too much juice (or other foods) and lead to diarrhea. Diarrhea of any cause can lead to diaper rashes.

Have they had a recent illness? Have they been on an antibiotic? You could try a probiotic to “reset” their stool microbial flora. See probiotics in children.

Their history makes me think their stool has become an irritant. Many foods can cause this; commonly citrus, orange juice, tomatoes, and marinara sauce.

At this age, one of my daughters loved orange juice. Unfortunately, orange juice caused her to get repetitive diaper rashes. The pain from these diaper rashes help motivate her to potty train.

This is a good time to start talking to your daughters about potty training. When changing these diapers let them know that they will not get diaper rashes when they wear underwear. You are planting seeds for the future.

see diaper rash treatment

Written September 2011 by
Dr. Gordon, Windermere Pediatrician