Cloth diapers or disposable diapers? This is a problem that worries each and every new mom. There is no correct answer to that question and your choice should be based on your preferences and priorities. Although the research says that babies who are cloth diapered get fewer rashes compared to the babies who used disposable diapers, the type of diaper is not the only reason causing rashes in babies’ bottom.

A diaper rash can be caused by a skin allergy of the baby to the diaper material, leaving the diaper on the baby for too long or other infections. Diaper rash creams are the solution when your baby gets a rash due to any of the above reasons.

CONTENT

1.   What is diaper rash cream?

2.   What does diaper rash cream do?

3.   Is diaper cream safe?

4.   When can I start using diaper rash cream?

5.   How to use diaper rash cream?

6.   How much of diaper cream should I apply?

7.   Should I apply diaper cream every time a diaper is changed?

8.   Choosing the best diaper cream

9.   How to prevent diaper rashes?

1.    What is diaper rash cream?

Diaper rash creams are a treatment for the rashes formed as a result of using any type of diaper. It will create a barrier between the baby’s skin and the diaper preventing further discomforts. Diaper rash creams are safe to be used regularly and available in the market in different forms.

A baby will wear a diaper throughout the day. Inside a diaper, it is a moist environment that is prone to bacteria growth and infections. When the skin is in contact with this inner diaper layer for a long time, the skin can also get easily damaged. Diaper rash creams help to kill the germs and create a protective barrier between the soft, thin skin of the baby and the diaper to prevent skin irritations.  

Below are some common ingredients you will find in any form of diaper creams.

• Zinc oxide
• Corn starch
• Bee wax
• Oat extract
• Various organic oils and extracts Mineral oil
• Lanolin
• Glycerin
• Calendula
• Almond oil

2.    What does diaper rash cream do?

The main purpose of a diaper rash cream is to prevent skin irritations and infections of a baby caused by the use of diapers. The sensitive skin of the baby’s bottom area is exposed to irritants like moisture, urine, feces, and sweat as well as the chemical components included in the diapers. Diaper rash creams have active ingredients such as zinc oxide which can fight against all the above irritants. They also contain chemicals with moisturizing and skin-repairing properties to prevent further irritations.

There are many types of diaper rash creams that you can use.

• Creams – Creams are water-based products that will help relieve the irritated skin of a baby. They spread easily and are absorbed fast to the skin.
• Ointments – Ointments are oil-based products that will remain on the baby’s skin for a long time instead of getting absorbed fast. Therefore, ointments are mostly suitable when you want to create a barrier between the baby’s skin and the diaper.
• Pastes – A paste is thicker than a cream or an ointment. They contain zinc oxide and are not recommended to use on babies who wear cloth diapers.

Before deciding on a diaper rash treatment, consider why you need a diaper rash cream for your baby and his skin condition at the moment.

3.    Is diaper cream safe?

Diaper rash creams are made specifically to be used on baby skin regularly. They contain the ingredients which help to protect and soothe the skin in the bottom area which is a sensitive region. Many of these products in the market are recommended by pediatricians too.

Diaper rash creams should always be stored from the reach of your baby. They are made only for external use so you should never apply them on or around the baby’s lips. If the baby gets a bit of diaper cream on his mouth by an accident, it is not a huge risk. Just wash it off well. But if the baby got hold of a tube and sucked out a lot of cream into his mouth, you should clean his mouth as soon as possible and contact your doctor.

Some babies are born with extra sensitive skins. If your baby also has sensitive skin which irritates quickly, you need to consult your pediatrician before selecting the diaper rash cream as they may contain some strong ingredients which may cause problems to sensitive skin.

Go for a diaper cream that is natural, has organic oils and non-nano zinc oxide to ensure the baby’s skin is treated well with no side effects. Non-nano zinc oxide prevents the absorption of zinc particles into the skin. Many famous big brands include harmful chemicals such as parabens, BHA, and sodium borate that we do not want on our baby’s skin. So be careful with your choice on a diaper rash cream.

Do not use the diaper rash cream as a treatment when your baby has a severe rash with open wounds. Consult a pediatrician for proper treatments.                           

“Go for a diaper cream that is natural, has organic oils and non-nano zinc oxide to ensure the baby’s skin is treated well with no side effects”

4.    When can I start using diaper rash cream?

Most of the diaper creams are safe for newborns. Please read the product description before selecting a diaper cream for your newborn. If your newborn shows signs of skin irritation as redness in the skin, apply a diaper cream with mild ingredients.

Diaper rash cream can also be used on newborns to prevent meconium mixed feces from sticking to the baby’s skin. Meconium mixed thick, black-colored tarlike feces will be there in newborn diapers for few days from their births. The thickness of this feces makes it harder to get off from baby skin and diaper rash creams can solve this problem.

5.    How to use diaper rash cream?

Follow this changing routine to soothe irritate skin and prevent further rashes or infections.

• Make it a habit to wash and clean your hands before changing your baby.
• Take off the wet diaper and clean the baby’s bottom with a warm, clean washcloth or an anti-bacterial baby wipe. Pat dry the area. Never rub around as it may worsen the skin irritation.
• Using your cleaned fingers or an applicator, apply a thin layer of diaper cream. Do it as if you butter a slice of bread or frost a cake. The layer of diaper cream should cover the irritated skin.
• Put on a fresh diaper and wash your hands well.
• Diaper rash cream is safe to use on butt cheeks, inside the butt cheeks, and around the anus. There can be rashes on a baby boy’s scrotum area and around the penis as well in the outer vaginal area of baby girls. It is safe to apply diaper rash cream on these sensitive areas too. But never let diaper rash cream get into the vaginal opening or inside the vagina.

6.    How much diaper cream should I apply?

Apply a generously thick layer of diaper rash cream covering the irritated area. It should be thick enough to create a barrier between the diaper and the baby’s skin but should not be too much that it will get into unwanted places. Start with a little drop of cream and add more if you need. If you can still see the white layer of diaper cream when you change the diaper next time, you are applying enough.

7.    Should I apply diaper cream every time a diaper is changed?

It is safe to use the diaper cream every time the baby is changed if it helps to relieve the baby’s discomfort. If you do not want to apply it all the time, apply it when the baby will have to be in a soiled diaper for a long time such as bedtime or a road trip.

8.    Choosing the best diaper cream

When you are looking for a diaper rash treatment for your baby look for an oil-based product with non-nano zinc oxide. They will last longer on baby skin without being absorbed fast. A product with 12% of zinc oxide will suit your baby and will spread smoothly on the baby’s skin. Zinc oxide creates a protective barrier against the fiction with the diaper and blocks the skin from contact with irritants like moisture. If your baby has a severe rash, choose a product around 40% zinc oxide but these will be harder to apply because of its paste-like texture.

In short, your choice should be a product with non-nano oxide as an active ingredient and other natural organic oils to soothe the baby’s skin. Following are a few of my favorite products which have also gained many positive reviews from parents around the world.

“When you are looking for a diaper rash treatment for your baby look for an oil-based product with non-nano zinc. They will last longer on baby skin without being absorbed fast.”

·      The Honest Company Rash Cream

One from The Honest Company’s whole product range that is favored because of its ingredients in addition to the fragrance-free scent. I personally know that this product works and has worked for many other parents. It contains the following ingredients and free from parabens, petrolatum, PEGs, Lanolin, mineral oil, or synthetic fragrances. Click here to check it on amazon.

• Non-nano zinc oxide (14%)
• Sunflower Seed Oil
• Beeswax
• Castor oil
• Shea butter
• Coconut oil
• Olive oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Jojoba

·      Made Of Diaper Rash Cream

This is the most loved diaper rash cream by parents who love natural products. Made Of use high-quality ingredients in the safest proportion to make sure it heals and soothes the baby’s skin well.

It is made of the following ingredients and free from GMO products, soy, nuts, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances.

• Sunflower oil
• Coconut oil
• Non-nano Zinc Oxide
• Beeswax
• Cocoa seed butter
• Lavender oil
• Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
• Avocado oil

·      Era Organics Diaper Rash Treatment

This stands out from the rest of the diaper rash creams as it exclusively focuses on skin nourishing and does not include zinc oxide. This product suits you if you are seeking a diaper rash cream to prevent rashes or treat mild rashes. Era Organic Diaper Rash Treatment is my recommendation to parents who loves natural products.

9.    How to prevent diaper rashes?

Choose the right diaper size for your baby. If it is too tight or too loose, it will increase the chance for a rash to happen.

Allow the baby to go without a diaper for some time each day. The bottom area being air-dried is one of the easiest ways to avoid rashes as it takes off moisture from the skin.

Change the diaper as soon as you notice that the baby has pooped or peed.

Use mild cleaning products such as baby wipes and baby washes which are specifically made for the baby skin.

If the rash does not improve within few days and your baby has a fever, consult your pediatrician. Do not wait thinking the diaper rash cream will heal a severe rash.