Diaper rash is just one of the common issues that parents may have to deal with when taking care of a baby. It could be caused by a number of factors but one of them could be probiotics. Let’s learn more about it in this article. We also explore topics like probiotics and what they are, how diapering with probiotics works and ways how to treat diaper rash.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are often made up of a range of beneficial bacteria that eat away at an infant’s gut walls. The bacteria and fungus present in this supplement aid in the battle against gut bacteria and other microorganisms. Gut microorganisms play an important role in enhancing children’s immune systems. Lactobacillus, Bidobacterium, Streptococci, and Saccharomyces boulardii are among the most prevalent kinds.
Do babies need probiotics?
Probiotics may aid in the faster addition of healthy bacteria to an infant’s stomach. Breast milk or formula, and subsequently food, provide an infant with beneficial microorganisms. Many factors, including birth type, gestational age, and whether your kid receives an antibiotic early in life, can affect the bacteria in your baby’s gut.
They are not clinically proven and there is still much research to be done on providing probiotics to a baby. Furthermore, many pediatricians believe that probiotics are not necessary supplements for a baby.
In some circumstances, taking a probiotic supplement may be advantageous. Probiotics can aid a baby born with a sterile digestive system, making them vulnerable to distress. A baby accumulates bacteria that will aid in the formation of a barrier in their digestive tract, the development of a stronger immune system, improved bowel movement and the prevention of illnesses.
Aside from a few probiotic strains that have been demonstrated to be useful for specific health concerns, it is too early to declare with certainty that all newborns and toddlers benefit from taking probiotics on a daily basis. Some babies may benefit from probiotics in their digestive system, but there hasn’t been enough clinical research on children to know for sure.
Probiotics, for example, appear to be beneficial to gastrointestinal health in general. However, based on available data, it’s impossible to determine why or how they’re assisting, or which strains are genuinely useful.
When to introduce probiotics to your baby?
Probiotics can be administered to children at a young age because they have no negative impact on the youngster. They are, however, unnecessary for children whose diet consists of breast milk from their mother. Probiotics are normally given just after the youngster begins eating solid foods. This is due to the child’s increased exposure to the environment, putting the child at risk of being attacked by hazardous bacteria.
Nonetheless, your youngster may be getting enough friendly bacteria through everyday foods such as yogurt and veggies. If children have been administered antibiotics on a regular basis, probiotics are offered early. This is due to the fact that those medications typically destroy the bacteria that have colonized the gut, leaving your intestinal tract vulnerable to illnesses and attacks.
It is always recommended to talk to a medical professional or pediatrician if you are unsure whether probiotics can be beneficial to your baby or not.
How do you give probiotics to babies?
There are two types of probiotics: powdered and liquid, and both can be administered to a baby. Liquids are available as tablets that are mixed with the child’s daily food, whether it is milk or food. It can even be supplied to youngsters directly. If the powder is utilized, you can make the infant spit some of it out by dipping one of them in your hands. As a result, the vitamins are absorbed immediately.
Are there any risks of giving probiotics to babies?
The rationale for using probiotics in newborns may differ from those for older children or adults. Probiotics may help with various more specific health issues that affect infants.
Infants may suffer from gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux or colic. These diseases can be difficult to control and create sleepless nights for both the baby and the parents. Probiotics may alleviate symptoms and reduce newborn crying.
In general, consuming probiotics have few adverse effects on healthy adults and children, but more research is needed to fully appreciate their benefits and hazards. Probiotics may cause unfavorable effects in those who have weakened immune systems, have health problems or were born prematurely. They could, for example, become infected.
If your tiny human has a weakened immunity, cancer, or is a premature baby, parents should avoid giving them probiotics. Probiotics can put a baby at risk of infection in these situations.
When giving probiotics to an infant, proceed with caution and consult with your doctor first.
Do probiotics cause a baby’s diaper rash?
It is uncommon for this product to cause a severe adverse reaction. A diaper rash may develop on the skin but this is extremely rare. However, if you detect any of the following signs of significant allergic response, get immediate medical attention:
- Itching or swelling particularly on the face, tongue or throat
- A diaper rash or eczema that doesn’t heal after 3 days or if the rashes are spreading beyond the diaper area and into other parts of the body
- Severe dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
It is worth noting that probiotics have been found in multiple trials to aid in the treatment of diaper rash. Many of these research indicate that probiotic bacterial supplementation could be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of diaper rash.
When a doctor prescribes antibiotics to treat an illness, antibiotic use can kill both bad and good bacteria. Probiotics aid in the reintroduction of good bacteria into the infant gut.
Are probiotics used on a baby’s sensitive skin as diaper rash treatment?
Probiotics can be utilized to prevent diaper rash in a baby, particularly those who are prone to skin rashes or has a rash caused by a yeast infection.
Diaper cream barriers or your favorite diaper ointment containing lanolin or petrolatum or zinc oxide at each diaper change can be used to prevent and treat minor cases of contact diaper rash or intertrigo which is a bad rash that appears within the skin folds and creases of a baby’s skin.
Some probiotics can also help prevent and treat yeast rash caused by yeast infections, but in some situations, prescription antifungal treatments are required.
- If you are using soft cloth diapers, make sure to wash them with mild detergent.
- Use disposable diapers that are superabsorbent because prolonged exposure to poop (stool) or urine can exacerbate the rash.
- Change dirty diapers immediately and frequent diaper changes are highly recommended.
- Don’t use alcohol-based wipes, use warm water instead before putting on a new diaper. You can also make your own reusable wipes at home.
- Allow your baby’s bottom to get some fresh air in between changing diapers to allow the skin rash to breathe.
Conclusion
Diaper rash is one of the most common problems for babies and toddlers. Fortunately, this condition is only skin deep. A diaper rash can be caused by a variety of factors including diarrhea, yeast infection, food allergies, irritated skin or simply excessive moisture in the diaper area. In most cases, it’s important to find out what causes your baby’s diaper rash so you can treat it effectively.
For example, if new foods were introduced to a baby’s diet, the mom should monitor if these are causing the diaper rash.
Although very uncommon, probiotics may cause diaper rashes, especially in babies with a compromised immune system. Many parents have reported that their babies have developed diaper rash. If you are unsure whether to give your baby probiotics or not, talk to your pediatrician about it.
