If your baby seems prone to diaper rash, coat his or her bottom with a thin layer of protective ointment or diaper cream with zinc oxide after each diaper change. 
- The best defense against diaper rash is a dry bottom, so change your baby's diaper as soon as possible after it becomes wet or soiled.
- Clean your baby's genital area thoroughly with each diaper change. Pat his or her skin dry — never rub it.
- If your baby seems prone to diaper rash, coat his or her bottom with a thin layer of protective ointment or diaper cream with zinc oxide after each diaper change.
- If you want to use powder, choose the safer cornstarch-based type.
- When your baby starts eating solid foods introduce one new item at a time. Waiting a few days between each introduction will make it easier to determine whether sensitivity to the food causes a diaper rash. If it does, you can eliminate that food for the time being.
- Don't secure the diaper too tightly so there is room for air to circulate. Loose clothing will let your baby's bottom breathe. Avoid plastic pants and other airtight fabrics.
- Don't wash cloth diapers with detergents that contain fragrances, and skip the fabric softener — both can irritate your baby's skin. Use hot water and double rinse your baby's diapers. You might also add half a cup of vinegar to the first rinse water to eliminate alkaline irritants.
- Breastfeed your baby for as long as you can. Breastfeeding boosts your baby's resistance to infections in general and makes him less likely to need antibiotics, which can contribute to diaper rash.
- If your baby goes to daycare, make sure that his or her caregivers understand the importance of taking these measures to prevent diaper rash.
