Is there anything sweeter than soft and delicate baby skin?! Probably not. But with that softness, comes sensitivity. For the first few years of life, your little one will spend nearly every moment in diapers, so what touches their skin matters.
While disposable diapers are a popular choice for many families, some of the materials and chemicals used in them may not be ideal for babies with sensitive skin or allergies. But we have good news! Cloth diapers are an excellent (and arguably better) choice for babies with sensitive skin, especially those prone to eczema. (And we promise, with the right products and the right instructions, they can be a hassle-free addition to your busy life!)
Here at Esembly, we’ve made it our mission to create cloth diapers that are not only gentle on your baby’s skin but also kind to the planet. Let’s dive into why cloth diapers, particularly Esembly’s, can be a game-changer for sensitive skin and how to make the most of them.
What's really in Disposable Diapers?
Let’s start with the not-so-pretty truth about disposable diapers. While they might seem convenient, they often contain a mix of chemicals and synthetic materials that can irritate delicate skin. And for babies with sensitive skin or allergies, these ingredients can lead to rashes, irritation, and discomfort.
Here’s what you might find in many disposables:
Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) : If you were to cut open a wetted disposable diaper, you’d find these gel-like crystals – as they are what make disposable diapers so “absorbent.” SAPs, such as Sodium Polyacrylate, can hold up to 30 times their weight in liquid, but they also trap moisture against your baby’s skin, creating a damp environment that can lead to irritation or rashes. On top of that, SAPs are made from petroleum-based chemicals, which are not biodegradable and contribute to environmental pollution.
Phthalates : These chemicals are often used to make plastics more flexible. In diapers, they can be found in the waterproof outer layer. Phthalates can leach out of the material and come into contact with your baby’s skin, potentially causing irritation, redness, or discomfort, especially for little ones with eczema-prone skin. They’re also persistent environmental pollutants, breaking down slowly and accumulating in ecosystems.
Wood Pulp: This is used as a natural absorbent material, but wood pulp is often blended with synthetic chemicals to enhance its performance.
Fragrances : An ingredient labeled “fragrance” can be used as a blanket title for a whole host of chemicals. They’re added to help the diaper smell more “fresh”, but can trigger allergic reactions or skin irritation.
Dyes : Those cute patterns and bright colors on disposable diapers? They’re made with dyes. While they might make diapers look fun, some dyes can be a bit harsh on delicate baby skin, causing irritation or redness.
What's really in Cloth Diapers?
Now, a question for you: what would you rather be swaddled up in 24 hours a day for 2+ years? Sodium polyacrylate, wood pulp fiber, and plastic? Or organic cotton? We know which we’d choose! But beyond comfort, organic cotton is incredibly gentle on sensitive baby skin, resulting in less rashes, and less irritation. But why?
100% Organic Cotton inners
Our super soft Inners (aka fitted diapers) are made from 100% organic cotton, and here’s why that’s a big deal for sensitive skin: Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, which means it’s free from the harsh chemicals that can linger in conventional textiles. This makes it naturally hypoallergenic and incredibly gentle — perfect for delicate baby skin.
But it isn’t just about what’s not in organic cotton; it’s also about what it does. Organic cotton is breathable, allowing air to circulate and reducing the risk of irritation or overheating. This breathability helps keep moisture away from your baby’s skin, which is especially important for preventing rashes. Plus, organic cotton is ultra-soft, so it feels like a gentle hug against your baby’s skin all day long!
Breathable, Eco-Friendly Outers
Esembly cloth diapers consist of 2 parts: a super soft organic cotton Inner for absorbency, and a breathable, eco-friendly Outer (aka diaper cover) to keep everything contained. The fabric we use for our Outers and storage bags is custom-made for us, and we made it our mission to ensure it was buttery soft and leak-proof! (No small task, but feel for yourself! We think we nailed it 😉)
Something else that makes our Outers unique? They're designed with microscopic holes that allow heat and vapor to escape, making our Inner + Outer combo even more breathable than traditional disposables (which are made of plastic film!) Plus, our TPU is OEKO-TEX certified and BPA-free!
Care and Cleaning for Your Cloth Diapers
While cloth diapers are a fantastic option for sensitive skin, proper care and cleaning are key to keeping your baby comfortable and your diapers in great condition. Here’s what you need to know…
Only Use Cloth-Friendly Skincare Products
Avoid petroleum-based or high-zinc products (like Vaseline, Butt Paste, or Aquaphor), as they can build up on your cloth diapers, causing stains, odors, leaks, and skin irritation. Instead, opt for cloth-friendly options like our Rash Relief Cream (with a cloth-safe 14% zinc oxide) or our Everyday Balm (made with coconut oil, which works beautifully for even the most sensitive skin).
Pro tip: Work creams and balms into your baby’s skin like lotion to maximize absorption and prevent buildup on your diapers.
You can learn more about Understanding Cloth Friendly Skincare here on our blog: https://esemblybaby.com/blogs/trash-talk/cloth-diaper-friendly-skincare
Follow Proper Washing Instructions
A solid wash routine is essential for maintaining the performance, longevity, and cleanliness of your cloth diapers. We recommend using a powerful detergent (like our Esembly Washing Powder – also linked above!) and following our 2-wash cycle routine, like this:
Cycle 1
Run a “normal” cycle with warm water and 1 scoop of Washing Powder sprinkled on top (or measure for a “normal” load if using another detergent)
Cycle 2
Run a “heavy duty” cycle with hot water and 2 scoops of Washing Powder sprinkled on top (or measure for a “heavy duty” load if using another detergent)
For a deeper dive into our washing instructions, check out The Complete Guide to Washing Your Cloth Diapers At Home: The Esembly Way
What makes our Washing Powder perfect for power cleaning dirty diapers? Learn more in this blog post!
The Best Diaper Choice for Babies with Sensitive Skin or Allergies
When we look at the ingredients, it’s easy to see why cloth diapers, especially Esembly’s, can be a real game-changer for babies with sensitive skin or allergies. Made with 100% organic cotton and free from harsh chemicals, they’re designed to be gentle, breathable, and kind to even the most delicate skin. 🤍
No more worrying about rashes, irritation, or discomfort. With cloth diapers, you’re giving your baby the softest, safest option out there. And the best part? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We’re here to help you every step of the way, from choosing the right products to mastering your wash routine . Together, we can make cloth diapering simple, sustainable, and a win for your baby’s sensitive skin. 😊
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Cloth Diapering 101
Our co-founders host a free, virtual, Cloth Diapering 101 class every month to help cloth-curious parents get all the tools and information they need!
You'll leave with the confidence to Live Less Disposably and a 20% discount code to use on your first order. 🥳 We hope to see you there!
