In infants, a yeast infection can appear in the mouth as an oral infection known as thrush, or in the diaper area in skin folds. Infections that appear in the diaper area resemble a rash with red lesions, scaly redness or pus-filled bumps. Natural remedies for infant yeast infections are inexpensive, effective and chemical-free.
Treating Thrush
Thrush appears as a thick white coating on the tongue, or as white patches on the inside of the cheeks, lips or on the gums. Do not scrape thrush off as the patches may bleed. Infants or mothers who have thrush can pass it to each other during breastfeeding. One natural remedy is to apply virgin coconut oil to nipples or baby's mouth to prevent passing thrush back and forth between mother and infant. Apple cider vinegar can be placed on the mother's nipples, or in baby's mouth to ward off thrush.
Baking soda
Bathe baby with a small amount of baking soda sprinkled in the water, this will help ease skin irritation.
Probiotics
Yeast infections often occur in infants after a round of antibiotics. Probiotics, healthy bacteria in the body, suppress the growth of yeast and help restore the immune system. Feed baby yogurt, or put a probiotic supplement into baby's bottle as a natural remedy for a yeast infection.
Prevention
Change diapers often to avoid yeast infections, and allow baby's bottom to dry completely before re-diapering. Breastfeeding strengthens an infant's immune system, which may prevent yeast infections. Dress baby in loose-fitting clothes that allow air circulation to prevent yeast from breeding in tight spaces.
