Diaper Rash Tips

Our first tip is to skip the use of any creams or oils unless you see redness coming on. So long as poopy diapers are changed right away, a baby’s skin is usually a-okay going all-natural -- and the more time spent out of diapers the better. Have a question about a rash or redness? email us and we'll get back to you right away.

If, however, you find that a daily moisturizer/oil or rash preventer is helpful, or you have a rash coming on or persisting, please use only the few proven cloth-friendly creams that we recommend (descriptions below) and avoid the use of creams that contain petroleum

What's the Deal with Desitin, Zinc, and Other Creams

You may have read that Desitin or even zinc is not ok while cloth diapering. While we don't recommend Desitin because it contains petroleum, sometimes babies go through a period of time where it just works. In those cases, we recommend lining the diaper with a flushable liner so the cream is absorbed here instead of onto the cotton diaper. Have another cream you're wondering about? email us and let us know.

My baby has sensitive skin

Some babies go through periods of times where their skin is a bit more sensitive. This is when cloth diapering is actually great! Because there are no chemicals pulling moisture and all those healthy naturally occurring oils away from a baby's skin, babies have less redness with cloth diapers. That said, sometimes skin can be a little sensitive. For this, we recommend using a natural oil barrier such as this balm

The Poo Rash

You'll know this rash because it tends to form in your baby's private-est folds where poo can hide out. Poop is so acidic that when it makes contact, irritation forms very quickly. Then, they continue to poop throughout the day which further aggravates the already irritated skin. And the cycles goes on and on.

To treat it: clean and dry the area thoroughly at each change. Then apply a nice liberal layer of Rash Relief Cream to the affected area. Massage the cream fully into the skin (as opposed to leaving it layered on top; it's at its best when it's absorbed into the skin). Use the rash cream until the skin is healed. And, rest assured that this is a "newborn” problem - As your baby gets older, those secret poops become less common, and very much less secret!

The Pee Rash

So long as a diaper is changed with every feeding, wetness itself doesn't usually cause rashes. Even that super long nighttime diaper is harmless! So pee causing a rash is fairly rare. But, it can turn up if breastfeeding mom or baby/toddler has overdone it on what's usually an acidic food (Think: clementine, strawberry, or tomato season). You'll know this rash because the entire diaper area is red. If this happens, it's oftentimes really hard to pinpoint the dietary cause. So also email us and let us know. We can adjust the pH rinse on your diapers to help offset it. And, too, know that it's usually temporary.

During the flare-up, go with as much nude-y time as possible. And, when not possible, apply Rash Relief Cream to the affected area. Massage the cream fully into the skin (as opposed to leaving it layered on top; it's at its best when it's absorbed into the skin).

For post-circumcision protection

Which is not a rash at all, of course, but this seemed a good spot to put it. Please don't use Vaseline, A+D, and Aquaphor, etc. while using cloth diapers. Instead, a cloth-friendly and baby-friendly alternative, Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly, is perfect for this. Go wild!

For daily use or the treatment of minor irritation

Balm - Our recommended cloth-friendly daily cream. It’s super nourishing and soothing and comes with all the amazing skin benefits of coconut oil, but without the inconvenience of it being rock-hard when cold and liquid when warm. Our balm maintains a nice ointment-like consistency across all temps.

For a full-blown rash

Rash Relief Cream - If you notice a rash coming on, it’s time to bust out this cloth friendly zinc-based cream. It's an all-natural, petroleum-free, cloth-friendly alternative to Desitin or Butt Paste. The zinc oxide in this cream creates a barrier allowing the skin to heal without being further aggravated by continuous pees and poops.

If the rash persists beyond 4-7 days

It’s time to go to the Pediatrician and rule out Yeast (Thrush). If your doctor does diagnose yeast as the culprit, here are some tips to get you through:

A doctor will usually prescribe either Clotrimazole (sold over the counter, usually as Lotrimin) or Nystatin (prescription). Happily, the "cream" versions of these medications are water-soluble so you’re all clear to use them with the cloth diapers. Avoid purchasing the "ointment" version of these, and it is a petrol oil base and is not cloth friendly.
Be sure to use the prescription medication for the full length of time prescribed (usually 10 or more days).

Posted in How To Cloth Diaper

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