I first learned about this fantastic diaper rash treatment from Jentry which I had the pleasure of meeting in person at the last year’s WEBMU in Hamburg. As mothers do, we were sitting at lunch after taking an amazing walking tour of the city and our conversation turned to potty talk. All the non-parents managed to tune out quickly and as I was talking about Mackenzie’s extremely sensitive skin, Jentry just rattled off this recipe. I was impressed and totally thankful once I got home and tried it out. Now that we’re using this spray in addition to the homemade baby wipes, any rashes that might develop are gone quickly.
Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It has a wide variety of uses and should be used carefully around children younger than 2 years old. But in such small quantities as what is recommended here, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Lavender will cause a soothing effect to irritated skin and help speed up the healing process. I learned shortly after our car accident that I could have put a few drops of lavender oil on my arm near the incisions for the metal bracing plates and significantly sped up the healing time. Ah, live and learn.
Update April 2013: Once we started running a LOT, in training for our first marathon (and series of races leading up to the marathon), we discovered that this spray works great on adults too. Any area that is chafed or has a rash can be cured overnight (or close to it.) So if you’re a runner, make sure to keep a bottle of this handle for those long-distance runs.
Natural Diaper Rash Treatment
- 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 drops tea tree oil
- 3 drops lavender
Pour all the ingredients into a small spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Apply a few spritzes to baby bottom before putting on fresh diaper.
Maybe this is a dumb question but is it cloth diaper safe? I’m still learning what is and what isn’t.
Yes, I think it should be. The almond oil could cause a bit of staining but since it’s diluted, the cloth should fair better than versus straight almond oil (it leaves a yellowed look after a while). But there there isn’t anything in here that would damage elastics or anything of that nature.
You are not supposed to use tea tree on children under one. Its like the rule of honey. I know people that are allergic to tea tree, very good oil, but could be dangerous too.
I make a beeswax base salve for diaper rash. I would be glad to share this recipe. Just e-mail me.
Actually, my reference books say you can use tea tree on children as young as two months old. So I guess it’s a matter of who you’re talking to. The amount of tea tree in here is just a few drops which is then diluted way down. We started using it on our daughter when she was about 12 months old, because that’s when the diaper rash just got unbearable, and had no trouble at all.
But every person needs to be careful with essentials oils when they get started because something that works well for one person could cause reactions in another.
Thanks for taking the time to respond to me ! Have a Great week!
I am glad it worked for you that way. All natural products sure to work well.
good and quick treatment of nappy rash. almond oil is also good for that
Regards
http://www.howtoways.com
Is that a glass spray bottle? Can I ask where you bought it?
It’s actually plastic. We use them for our skincare business and buy them in bulk. I got them from SKS Bottle but they sell them in a minimum of 24 or 48 bottles. ;-/
Oh, ok. Thanks for replying!
“Applying products to the skin that contain tea tree oil along with lavender oil might not be safe for young boys who have not yet reached puberty. These products might have hormone effects that could disrupt the normal hormones in a boy’s body. In some cases, this has resulted in boys developing abnormal breast growth called gynecomastia. The safety of these products when used by young girls is not known.”
-from WebMD
Hi Amie,
Thanks for your reply. All parents and individuals should approach using essential oils or any products with caution. Many different things can cause an adverse reaction in people.
Perhaps the information you’re presenting also deserves a bit more research before a full conclusion is reached. Some indicate those cases were inaccurately reported: http://www.naha.org/naha-blog/neither-lavender-oil-nor-tea-tree-oil-can-be-linked-to-breast-growth-in-you
I have been using tea tree oil, and Lavender oil on both of my sons since shortly after their births, they are now 11 and 7 years of age and we continue to use these essential oils with zero negative side effects.
If I don’t have almond oil can I substitute with coconut or olive oils?
Hi Anneysha. Coconut oil (raw, cold-pressed or fractionated) would be good substititions but olive oil will definitely work in a pinch. It will become a bit more like a salve with coconut oil, which may even be nice.
Hi, would this be safe to use as an every day balm/solution when changing nappies even for a baby without a rash?
Yes absolutely.
Will this work for elderly adults using disposable underpants – my elderly mother has developed a rash from having daily accidents and the doctor suggested using Mylanta to soothe and clear up the rash, but it’s not working. She is in extreme paid from the irritation and nothing is giving her relief. I tried adding tea tree oil to the Mylanta and it help, but the rash doesn’t seem to heal.
Hi Elle, Yes I think it will. My husband has used it from time to time after chafing from running or outdoor activities. Best of luck!