“Does strawberries cause diaper rash?” is one of those common questions that can stump even the most seasoned parent. The answer: It depends on the child.
But yes, there is a connection between strawberries and diaper rash. We explain all!
Why do Strawberries Cause Diaper Rash?
Strawberry is a really sweet lovely flavour, but the acidity of the fruit might upset your baby’s digestive tract.
Citric acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, ellagic acid, and pantothenic acid are the five acids found in strawberries. The overall amount of each acid varies depending on the type of strawberry, how it is preserved, and how long it is stored.
The compound called malic acid can cause the skin to break down and become irritated.
Whilst toddlers love fruit it can leave them with inflamed skin and in some cases serious pain if they are having too much terribly acidic fruit which is causing diaper rash. If you notice after eating strawberries that it triggers diaper rash, then cut them out or reduce them if they are having too many.
Too Many Acidic Foods in Diet
Acidic foods in a baby’s diet tend to be a trigger for diaper rash. When babies start eating solid foods you can find that babies may start experiencing diaper rash. Part of this is normal, some may be a food allergy and some might just be too much of one type of food.
When you introduce solid foods to your little one’s diet, it’s vital that you keep a food diary and note how their digestive system is coping with any new foods. If your child seems to have perpetual diaper rash then looking at the diet and eliminating some of the more acidic citrus fruits make work.
Too much acid will make baby’s stool acidic and this is what causes the rash. Other acidic foods can include tomato-based sauces (so yes spaghetti sauce) and other citric foods. On their own, these might be fine but if your child has had a day of tomato-based products for dinner then followed by strawberries, kiwis etc the combined effect of all these foods tend to be too much.
A food diary will help you keep track of certain foods and you can then notice any rashes appearing at diaper change time.
What Are the Benefits of Eating Strawberries?
You’re probably thinking that given strawberries may cause diaper rash it’s probably safest never to give them to your child. But you have to remember most toddlers will not get a reaction from them. Some babies prone to diaper rash or those with sensitive skin are most like to react, but really any baby can.
Strawberries are a sodium-free, fat-free, cholesterol-free, low-calorie meal that is abundant in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants known as polyphenols. They are among the top 20 fruits in terms of antioxidant capacity and are high in manganese and potassium. One serving (approximately eight strawberries) has more vitamin C than an orange.
Diaper rashes might be caused by a combination of too many other foods at once that your baby is struggling to deal with. So on its own, his milk-based formula might be fine, but combine it with acidic foods and it can lead to an unpleasant event. When eating them you might just need to ensure that you are combining them with other starchy foods to help balance their stomach.
Take Away On Strawberries Causing Diaper Rash
Berries, especially strawberries, aren’t thought to be particularly allergic. They may, however, produce a rash around your baby’s mouth. Acidic foods such as berries, citrus fruits and vegetables, and tomatoes might produce tongue discomfort, but this is not an allergic reaction.
If you are noticing that strawberry on its own has caused a diaper rash then cut it out and perhaps switch to the less acidic cantaloupe until he is a bit older. If you are struggling with dealing with diaper rash, read our guide to natural treatments for diaper rash which may help.
