Diaper Rash Solutions

One of the benefits of using cloth diapers is that they help to prevent diaper rash.  With pocket diapers, fleece liners, and frequent changing you can keep your baby dry and rash free.

However, there are many other things that may cause a diaper rash.  Change in diet (when you baby is learning to eat solids, for example) and teething are two big offenders.  Recently Elaine has developed a bad rash every time she has cut a new tooth.

If you are familiar with cloth diapering, you probably know that fabric softeners and rash creams are a big no-no.  These products will coat the inside of your diapers and inserts, preventing them from absorbing wetness.  Instead they will repel, and you will have leaks.

So what can you do for a diaper rash if you use cloth diapers?  Here are a few things that we have tried.

:: California Baby calming diaper rash cream. 

The active ingredient is zinc oxide – the same ingredient that makes Desitin work.  I haven’t used a tube a Desitin since my brother needed it (and he is 21 now!).  The zinc oxide in California Baby is a smaller proportion than in Desitin.

Pros:  California Baby was effective for us in clearing up the rash. I just noticed that this is available at Target, so you could avoid a shipping charge. It has a lovely lavender fragrance.

Cons:  It seemed to sting Elaine and she complained a lot when it was applied.  It is rather pricey at over $12 a tube.

Notes:  California Baby has been reported to be cloth diaper safe, though I couldn’t find anywhere that the manufacturer advertised it as such. We did not have any build-up issues.  But since the active ingredient is the same as Desitin, it does make me wonder why one is okay and the other is not.  I don’t have an answer!

:: Northern Essence Diaper Rash Salve

This is an all natural formula composed of ingredients such as Healing Calendula Infused Oil, Therapeutic Meadowfoam oil, Natural Shea & Cocoa Butters, with a blend of beneficial  Essential Oils.  There is NO lanolin, petroleum or zinc.  It is cloth diaper safe, and will rinse clean.

Pros: Comes in a handy twist up tube so you just rub it on baby.  No messy hands!  Elaine did not mind when this was applied.  It was excellent at  protecting her skin.

Cons:  I couldn’t really get past the smell.  I notice that they now have some with lavender essential oil.  That would help a lot!  Also, it worked well for us to prevent rash and protect skin, but it was never successful and healing the rash.

:: Chubby Mamas Butt Balm

We carry this item at Doable Diapers.  I have not personally tested it…yet!  It is also made from all natural ingredients and was designed for use with cloth diapers.

Pros:  Comes in a handy push up tube for easy application.  All natural ingredients

Cons:  I don’t have personal experience, so I don’t know of any.

:: CJ’s BUTTer

I am hoping to add this to Doable Diapers very soon.  It is an all natural cream made from shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, lanolin, beeswax, cocoa butter, and Vitamin E.  It is cloth diaper safe, and it has been rinsing clean for us.

Pros:  This is a great all-around product.  It works not only on diaper rash, but also eczema, dry skin, chapped skin, etc.  I am using it on patches of extremely dry, itchy skin and it is calming.  It comes in many delicious scents, and it is reasonable priced.  Since I began using CJ’s, Elaine has not had a rash so I can’t speak for it’s healing effectiveness. 

Cons: It’s a little greasy on application, but it does come in a push up tube for less messy hands.

:: Coconut Oil

I read about coconut oil online and I was so curious I just had to give it a try!  Coconut comes in  a solid form, but when you rub it, mix it, or heat it, it melts quickly into an oil.  There are many different uses for coconut oil.  A few cloth diapering moms rave about its effectiveness in healing diaper rash.

Pros:  A good price.  I paid $8.99 for a HUGE jar.  It has a great smell, and works well as a skin protectant.  It clears up the redness, but Elaine has not had a major rash since we started using this product.

Cons:  You have to purchase it at a health food store.  If you have one handy, this is not a problem!  It is messy to apply.  You have to work a chunk of solid in your palm until it is thin enough to apply, and then you have to wash your hands before affixing the diaper.

I’m sure that not every solution works for everyone, but maybe there is a new idea or product here that will work for you.  Do you already have a great solution for diaper rash?  Leave a comment and share your wisdom with others!