Many families use cloth diapers to help keep baby's skin rash-free. But what if a rash still shows up? This guide explains how to pick a cloth diaper safe diaper cream, what to use each day, and how to handle cloth diaper rash treatment when skin needs extra help.
After years of running a cloth diaper service and making our own skin care line, we learned what works, what fails, and why. Below, we share the simple steps that help keep skin soft and diapers working well.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Esembly was started by three moms who spent 12 years running a cloth diaper service in NYC. They washed more than 15,000 diapers each week. That real-world work helped them build the Esembly system and make their Washing Powder for cloth diapers.
What does cloth safe mean?
Simply put: a cloth-safe cream washes out cleanly. It should not leave any stains or build-up in the diaper fibers.
Sadly, many creams and balms can harm cloth diapers. Even some natural products can leave stains and make diapers repel wetness. Oils and waxes can build up over time. Then diapers stop soaking up liquid, and pee rolls right off. Not ideal.
The biggest red flag is petroleum, like Vaseline, Aquaphor, or Buttpaste. But there are other ingredients to avoid too.
Ingredients to avoid
- Petroleum and byproducts
- Mineral oil
- Cod-liver oil
- Lanolin
- Tallow
- Heavy waxes
- Zinc oxide over 14%
These ingredients may not rinse out well. They can leave stains, build-up, and sometimes even let germs grow, which can lead to a rash.
The best diaper cream for cloth diapers is one that has been tested, proven, and easy to wash out. If you try a new cream, test it on a few diapers first.
*We discovered that sometimes ingredients will be safe on their own but when combined with other safe ingredients they become problematic.
How do you prevent diaper rash with cloth diapers?
We spent years testing creams with cloth diapers and wash plans to find out which ingredients stay safe.
For daily care, try our Everyday Balm or pure organic coconut oil for cloth diapers. Both help keep skin soft and calm.
We love coconut oil for its skin care benefits. But it can be tricky at the changing table because it melts when warm and firms up when cold. So our Everyday Balm blends organic coconut oil with beeswax and other stable oils, like shea nut and olive oil. That keeps it creamy smooth in many temps.
Use: Apply Everyday Balm or coconut oil to clean, dry skin at every diaper change.
Pro tip: Rub the balm in well, like lotion. Thick globs waste product and can end up on the diaper instead of the skin.
What diaper cream is safe when treating a rash?
When prevention is not enough and redness shows up, it is time for zinc oxide. The catch is that most zinc creams are not cloth safe. The formula matters.
The best diaper cream for cloth diapers should treat the rash and still rinse out cleanly. If you need a cloth diaper rash treatment, choose a zinc cream made for cloth.
What is zinc oxide, and why does it work?
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a mineral used in skin care. It makes a shield on the skin. That shield keeps wetness away from sore skin. Zinc also has anti-inflammatory and germ-fighting powers that calm redness and help block secondary infection.
Finding a zinc-based formula that is both strong and cloth safe is hard. We spent nearly two years testing strengths and ingredient blends before we made our Rash Relief Cream. It was also the first Esembly product we made.
Our Rash Relief Cream uses non-nano zinc oxide, organic coconut oil, organic shea nut oil, and organic olive oil. It washes fully out of cloth diapers and works well for active rash.
How to use a zinc-based cream to treat diaper rash
- At each diaper change, apply a generous layer to clean, dry skin.
- Rub it in like lotion. Thick globs can move onto the diaper.
- Keep using it until the rash clears.
- After the rash clears, use it one more day, then switch back to your daily balm.
If the rash lasts more than a few days, check with your doctor to rule out a yeast infection. If an antifungal is needed, both Lotrimin and Nystatin Cream are safe with Esembly Inners, as long as it is cream and not ointment.
A note on scent: all Esembly skin care and laundry products are fragrance-free. Baby skin is still growing, and simple is best.
Please note: You do not have to use Esembly skincare. Use any products you like that are cloth-friendly. Look for natural oils like coconut, shea nut, and olive oil.
Why does my baby still have diaper rash with cloth diapers?
If yeast is ruled out and you use cloth-safe skin care, a rash that keeps coming back often points to the wash plan. Common causes include:
- A wash routine that does not fully clean the diapers
- Hard water, which can make rinsing harder
- Diapers that need stripping after cream build-up
Need help with a rash that keeps coming back? Check out this post for common causes and fixes.
If you want to make sure your wash routine is on track, see our laundry guide here: www.esemblybaby.com/laundry or read this post: The Complete Guide to Washing Your Cloth Diapers at Home
FAQ
Question: Can I use regular diaper cream with cloth diapers?
Short answer: Not usually. Many regular creams use petroleum, mineral oil, lanolin, tallow, heavy waxes, cod-liver oil, or too much zinc oxide. These may not rinse out well. They can stain, build up, or block wetness. Choose a cloth diaper safe diaper cream instead.
Question: What should I use every day to help prevent diaper rash?
Short answer: Esembly's Everyday Balm or pure organic coconut oil for cloth diapers. Apply it to clean, dry skin at each diaper change and rub it in like lotion.
Question: When should I use a zinc oxide cream?
Short answer: Use it for active rash, not daily prevention. Put on a full layer at each change, rub it in, and keep going until the rash heals. Then use it one more day before switching back to a daily balm.
Question: What should I do if my baby's rash does not improve after a few days?
Short answer: Check with your doctor to rule out yeast. If you need an antifungal, Lotrimin and Nystatin Cream are safe with Esembly Inners, as long as it is cream and not ointment.
Question: If I am using cloth-safe skin care, why might my baby still have diaper rash?
Short answer: The cause may be the wash routine, hard water, or diaper build-up. Review how you wash and look for the source.
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!
