Image: MomJunction Design Team
Diaper rash can hurt your baby. So, if you want your baby to have a comfortable rash-free baby bum, the best diaper cream for cloth diapers can come to your rescue. Diaper creams have a skin-protectant barrier that moisturizes your baby’s skin and keeps it rash-free. However, finding a suitable cloth diaper rash cream can be challenging.
We have compiled a list of the best diaper creams to give your baby’s skin a soothing effect. Pick your favorite.
Top Picks
10 Best Diaper Creams For Cloth Diapers
1. Best For Quick Absorption: Motherlove Diaper Balm
This organic diaper balm is a soothing ointment that does not contain zinc oxide, petroleum, or petroleum by-products. According to reviewers, it helps reduce the irritation caused by baby diaper rash and restores the yeast balance. The balm contains antifungal and antibacterial plant ingredients such as Oregon grape root and myrrh gum, making it gentle on the baby’s skin. This safety-tested, quick-absorbing cream does not leave a sticky residue and can be used for cloth, bamboo, and disposable diapers.
Pros
- Contains extra-virgin olive oil
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and lanolin
- Creates a breathable barrier
- Heals dry skin
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May stain fabric
- Some may not like the scent
"I’ve tried various products, but nothing worked as well as this diaper cream for tackling my daughter’s rash. It is compatible with her cloth diapers and offers promising results with daily use."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 3,275 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
2. Best Multipurpose: Maty’s All Natural Multipurpose Baby Ointment
A trusted choice of parents, Maty’s nourishing baby balm is a multipurpose ointment suitable for the skin, lips, and bottoms. This mom-tested balm creates a thin moisture layer without causing greasiness or irritation and nourishes the baby’s delicate skin.
It is made of coconut oil, olive oil, vitamin E, castor oil, jojoba oil, and other active ingredients that gently moisturize the baby’s bottom. As per reviewers’ experiences, this natural product works well with cloth diapers. Furthermore, it does not contain petroleum or fragrance.
Pros
- Dermatologically tested
- Natural drug-free formula
- Doesn’t clog pores
- Rich in antioxidants and nutrients
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and hydrogenated oils
Cons
- May not be vegan-friendly and GMO-free
- May have a slightly runny consistency
"I bought it for its natural composition, which is gentle on my child's sensitive skin. The texture is smooth, too, and I haven't noticed any greasy residue. It's my dependable choice for its moisturizing and healing benefits."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 2,089 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
3. Best Cruelty-Free: TriDerma Baby Diaper Rash Healing Cream
Your baby will love this cream as it is gentle on the skin. It is formulated to reduce stubborn rashes caused by diapers and alleviate cracks, redness, itching, and inflammation. This tried-and-tested healing ointment is suitable for people of all ages who have rashes on their skin.
The baby-friendly diaper rash cream, formulated with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, calendula, shea butter, almond, coconut, and jojoba, forms a non-greasy and even moisturizing layer. It is cruelty-free and paraben-free and is suitable for cloth diapers.
Pros
- Prevents yeast infection
- Positive results within 24 hours
- Fragrance-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Formulated with active ingredients
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- Tube may not be user-friendly
- Some may not like the scent
"This rash cream has been dependable for managing diaper rash on my baby’s sensitive skin. Its ability to provide quick relief is commendable. It also stays on the skin for longer, thanks to the presence of beeswax."
4. Best For Sensitive Skin: Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Zinc Diaper Cream
The grain-free diaper cream is made of colloidal oatmeal, shea, and cocoa butter. It is ideal for daily use and can reduce the baby’s diaper rashes. As per people’s experience, the soothing cream reduces irritation on your child’s sensitive skin and forms a moisturizing, gentle barrier while healing rashes and preventing the formation of new rashes. Watch this review video of the cloth-safe diaper cream for more information.
Pros
- Plant-based ingredients
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Cloth diaper-friendly
- Hypoallergenic
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- May be a bit greasy
- Some may not like the grainy texture
"It has only been a few weeks since I started using this cream for my baby, and it seems to work on his rashes, making diapering much more convenient. It doesn’t leave any residue and a little goes a long way."
Do remember5. Best Natural: La Petite Creme French Organic Diapering Lotion
La Petite Creme diaper lotion gently forms a shiny soothing layer on the baby’s bottoms, keeping the skin soft and hydrated. Its all-natural ingredients, such as beeswax, olive oil, and glycerine, can reduce existing rashes on the baby’s skin and prevent the formation of new rashes. This mom-approved, organic, unscented lotion is compatible with all types of diapers and is specially designed for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Free of chemicals
- Includes disposable cotton pads
- Nourishing
- Hypoallergenic
- Long-lasting
- Convenient travel-friendly packaging
- Cloth diaper-friendly
Cons
- Some may find the scent intense
- May leave a slight residue on the skin
"This diapering lotion has become a staple in our routine for its protective qualities. Its less oily texture makes it slightly difficult to spread, but it has certainly helped reduce diaper-induced rashes."
6. Best Gentle: Sun Bum Baby Bum Diaper Rash Cream
The Sun Bum Baby Bum diaper rash cream is a natural zinc oxide-based healing ointment that helps prevent diaper rash and calm chafed skin. Its gentle, safe, and effective formulation is suitable for most skin types, and its application creates a skin barrier that blocks out moisture while relieving and soothing irritated skin. The formulation comprises shea butter, cocoa butter, castor oil, and aloe vera extracts, enriching the skin with the necessary nutrients and keeping your baby’s bum soft and supple.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic formulation
- Plant-based, vegan formula
- Talc-, preservative-, and dye-free
- No added fragrance
- Paraben- and phthalate-free
- Pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Some may find it a tad oily
- Some might not like the thick consistency
"It has become a trusted addition to my baby’s skincare routine. It works well for warding off diaper rash and suits her sensitive skin. The fragrance-free formula offers me peace of mind."
7. Best For All Skin Types: Tiny Human Supply Co Pain In The Butt Diaper Rash Cream
The three-tube diaper rash cream contains 40% zinc oxide, aloe, tea tree oil, and other natural ingredients, relieving irritation caused by diaper rash. The baby-friendly cream is safe for all skin types, does not contain petroleum and lanolin, and forms a non-greasy layer by repairing the inflammation, thereby protecting and moisturizing your little one’s buttocks. The trusted formula is non-fragrant and easy-to-apply.
Pros
- Clean ingredients
- Free of parabens, phthalates, dyes, and sulfates
- Free of mineral oil
- Provides instant results
Cons
- Might leave a residue on the skin
- May have a chalky texture
"The cream has a thick consistency, ensuring it stays in place for effective rash treatment. It has reduced my baby’s severe diaper rash, and I'm glad it's made of clean ingredients."
Quick tip8. Best Zinc Formulation: Desitin Maximum Strength Baby Diaper Rash Cream
The Desitin Maximum Strength baby diaper rash cream is formulated with 40% zinc oxide, which keeps wetness out and safeguards the skin from irritants. Its primary function is to create a conducive environment for the skin to heal. As per reviewers, it also helps reduce redness and soothes irritated skin. Moreover, this fast-acting rash paste ointment is also hypoallergenic.
Pros
- Blocks wetness for up to 12 hours
Pediatrician-approved and dermatologist-tested - Rich and thick texture
- Paraben-, soap-, and phthalate-free
Cons
- May contain fragrance and talc
- May not be vegan
"I bought this for my baby’s stubborn diaper rash on our doctor’s suggestion, and it offered remarkable results. The consistency is smooth and spreadable, though it leaves a slight white residue. I find it reliable for its ability to protect the skin without irritation."
9. Best Fragrance: Sweetsation Therapy Chamomile ChubStick Diaper Ointment
This soothing Chamomile diaper ointment provides instant relief to your baby when applied to the skin rashes caused by diapers. The zinc oxide, lavender, and chamomile extracts add a light fragrance to the formulation while reducing irritation by gently creating a natural barrier between the skin and the diaper.
It heals diaper rash while preventing new ones from forming. This safe and effective ointment is paraben-, phthalate-, and dye-free, making it suitable for cloth diapers.
Pros
- Made of 100% natural ingredients
- Cruelty-free and non-GMO
- Multipurpose ointment
- No synthetic chemicals
- Provides a soothing sensation
- Mess-free stick packaging
Cons
- Some might find the packaging inconvenient
- Might leave a stain
"This zinc stick has become my trusted choice for keeping my baby comfortable on the go. It ensures mess-free application and delivers a pleasant scent that is easy on the nose. It does stain her cloth diapers, but its gentle formulation compensates for that."
10. Best Soothing: Dr. Brown’s Natural Baby Diaper Cream
The all-natural baby diaper cream is formulated to protect the baby’s skin from rashes and can be applied daily to prevent the formation of rashes. Its seven plant-based ingredients soothe the skin and reduce redness and rashes caused by diapers.
This cloth diaper rash cream forms a protective barrier on your little one’s buttocks and gently spreads over the skin to moisturize it. Manufactured by a trusted brand, this diaper rash cream is free of parabens, sulfates, petroleum jelly, and phthalates.
Pros
- Cloth diaper-friendly
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
Cons
- May have a thin consistency
- Tube may be smaller than you expect
"The product has a thin consistency and glides smoothly on my child’s skin. It’s been quite effective in preventing and treating uncomfortable diaper rash. It has also helped soothe chafing on my skin, making it my reliable pick for gentle skincare."
How To Choose The Right Diaper Cream For Cloth Diapers?
Here are a few things to consider before buying a diaper cream.
1. Type of rash: An ointment works well for a sore bottom, whereas an antifungal cream is ideal for yeast infection.
2. Formulation type: While diaper creams are typically formulated to treat minor rashes, some ointments can be used daily as a preventative measure. There are also pastes that work well for soreness and rashes.
3. Ingredients: Formulations containing mild natural ingredients that have a soothing effect and are suitable for sensitive skin aid in the treatment of rashes. You can choose diaper creams that contain vitamin E, calendula, aloe vera, and jojoba oil as they are skin-friendly.
4. Compatibility: Some diaper creams are versatile and can be used for treating any rash on any part of the body. The formulation should be specifically compatible with cloth diapers.
Gabrielle Richens, a London-based skin therapist and clean beauty blogger, says, “It is important to pick diaper creams with skin-friendly ingredients. Creams with harsh ingredients can further irritate the baby’s skin. Always consider creams that are formulated to gently heal and soothe diaper rash.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular diaper cream with cloth diapers?
A regular diaper cream may leave residue on your cloth diapers. So, consider a diaper cream formulated with natural oils for quick absorption.
2. What ingredients are not safe for cloth diapers?
Zinc oxide and petroleum-based creams may be less suitable for cloth diapers as they may coat the fabric or cause leakage. Select cloth-friendly creams that wash out easily.
3. How to get diaper cream out of cloth diapers?
A cloth diaper-safe cream washes smoothly without hassle. However, if there is residue on the cloth diaper, you can soak it and wash it with plant-based and fragrance-free detergents.
4. Is zinc oxide diaper cream safe for cloth diapers?
Most zinc oxide creams help treat severe diaper rash (1). But, zinc oxide may stain the cloth diapers and leave a thick residue.
5. How many times should I wash cloth diapers before using them?
Wash the cloth diapers twice or thrice using fragrance-free detergents before using them.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our writer, Vibha Navarathna, specializes in writing about pregnancy, nursing, and baby-related products. She has put together this list of the best diaper creams for cloth diapers after studying the necessities and factors that play an important role. She has also based this research on several customer reviews and ratings and picked the best ones that may suit your needs. A buying guide has also been given for your reference to help you choose better.
Whether you want to treat your baby’s diaper rashes or prevent them from forming, the best diaper creams for cloth diapers can come to your rescue. These creams are formulated with natural ingredients, such as jojoba oil, castor oil, vitamin E, almond, shea butter, calendula, and aloe vera, which have healing, moisturizing, and antifungal properties. They act as a barrier to seal in moisture and keep infection out. When choosing a diaper cream, ensure it is effective, non-greasy, non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and gentle on the skin. Also, ensure it is free of parabens, phthalates, and petroleum jelly.
Infographic: How To Use A Diaper Cream Properly?
Diaper creams specifically designed for cloth diapers offer gentle and effective protection against diaper rash while preserving the fabric’s integrity. They ensure your baby’s comfort and help maintain the excellent condition of your cloth diapers. Refer to the following infographic to learn how to use diaper creams effectively.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- How To Treat Diaper Rash; American Academy of Dermatology Association
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/rash/treat-diaper-rash
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