Diaper rash is one of the most common skin problems in babies. However, many parents believe that diaper rash is only caused by diaper use. In fact, diaper rash can also be triggered by other external factors such as weather and the food the baby consumes. There are certain types of foods that can cause diaper rash, and parents need to be aware of them.
Causes of Baby Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is a skin problem often experienced by babies under the age of one year. There are many factors causing diaper rash, such as infrequent changing of diapers, friction with the diaper, sensitive skin, fungal or bacterial infections, and the influence of new types of food.
A baby who has reached the age of six months will start trying solid foods in addition to breast milk or formula, commonly referred to as complementary feeding (MPASI). During this phase, the little one will be introduced to various types of new foods with textures appropriate for their age. Typically, during this phase, the baby needs time to adapt to the new intake, transitioning from consuming only milk to solid foods.
The influence of this new type of food results in changes in stool composition and bowel movement frequency. It is not uncommon for babies to experience diaper rash during complementary feeding (MPASI). According to research, about 25 percent of parents consult a doctor with complaints of diaper rash in the first year, especially at the beginning of MPASI. This is why the MPASI period is prone to triggering diaper rash in little ones.
Foods That Cause Diaper Rash in Babies
In addition, the risk of diaper rash also increases if the baby has a history of itchy red rashes while breastfeeding due to the mother consuming certain foods. It is advisable to pay attention to the types of food that will be consumed by the little one during complementary feeding to avoid causing diaper rash. This is because some types of food can affect the baby's stool, making it easy for the skin on the baby's bottom to become irritated and develop a rash.
Here are the types of foods that can trigger diaper rash, must know:
1. Sour fruits
Fruits with a sour taste are known to trigger diaper rash in little ones. This is because the acid content in these fruits can irritate the baby's digestive system and alter the condition of the baby's stool.
The acidic feces, when trapped in the diaper, can react with the baby's sensitive skin. Additionally, this type of food can worsen the diaper rash condition that the baby is experiencing. Such fruits include citrus fruits: oranges, lemons, limes, tomatoes, pineapples, as well as types of berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Therefore, try to reduce the provision of complementary foods with acidic fruits.
2. Cow's Milk Products
It is no longer a public secret that cow's milk products can trigger rashes due to allergies. Allergic reactions to cow's milk protein are a common cause of diaper rash in babies. This condition can occur if the baby consumes cow's milk-based formula or if the breastfeeding mother consumes cow's milk products.
This cow's milk allergy occurs due to the child's immune system reacting to the proteins in cow's milk, namely whey and casein. An allergy caused by milk allergy in infants is characterized by a red rash on the skin accompanied by itching.
3. Certain Foods in a Mother's Diet
When a mother is breastfeeding, what she eats can affect the baby's health. Certain foods in the mother's diet, such as spicy foods, hot foods, or foods containing common allergens like nuts, eggs, or seafood, can cause allergic reactions in the baby and trigger diaper rash.
Although the food contains fatty acids and high protein, in reality, this intake cannot be consumed by all children. If the little one does not have an allergy to the food, moms are allowed to give it as complementary feeding.
4. High-Fat Foods
The consumption of high-fat foods by breastfeeding mothers can sometimes affect the quality of breast milk and cause diaper rash in babies. High-fat foods can make the baby's stool more oily and increase the risk of diaper rash.
Foods that are high in fat include margarine and butter, red meat, cheese, fried foods, and sweet foods. Therefore, moms can reduce the intake of high-fat foods or avoid these types of foods when providing complementary foods (MPASI).
It is important to note that each baby may react differently to certain foods, so if moms suspect that a particular food is triggering diaper rash in their baby, consult a doctor or nutritionist for appropriate advice.
In addition, using a skin protectant such as anti-diaper rash cream regularly can also help reduce the risk of diaper rash in babies. Also, choose MAKUKU SAP Diapers, which are effective in reducing diaper rash.
