Thursday, February 2, 2012

Diaper Rash Creams and Cloth Diapers

Something to keep in mind when using cloth diapers is that common creams and ointments for diaper rash are not "safe" to use.

The main ingredient in diaper rash creams is zinc oxcide, and that is one of the things that helps form a barrier between the wetness of the diaper and the baby's bum. The problem is, anything that creates a barrier like this is going to prohibit the cloth diapers from absorbing properly. This can cause repelling issues and the need to "strip" your diapers.

Creams to avoid:

Penaten
Destin
A & D

And other zinc based creams/ointments


So, what can you use? Honestly, a lot of babies that are cloth diapered don't often get rashes and don't require rash creams.

It has alot do with how often the diapers are being changed. I change Noah around the 1.5 hour mark, always, and earlier if I know he's pooped. The only time he's in the same diaper longer than that is overnight (because let's face it, he never naps longer than 1.5 hours during the day). In over 6 months, I've only dealt with diaper rash once. He was around a month old and it was just red and sore looking. I Googled to try to find a cream that was cloth diaper safe and discovered that coconut oil can be used as a natural remedy, as well as a preventative at every diaper change. Noah has sensitive skin so I started using it at every diaper change (just a little bit). The redness went away and has not returned.

Some cloth diaper safe bum creams that can be bought online/in stores:

Delish Yum Bum Butter
CJs BUTTer
Grovia Magic Stick
Thirsties Booty Spray

And there are many more.

I just started making and selling my own natural bum balm as well, Bubba Baby Bum Balm! I'll be selling on Etsy soon. I use it at every other diaper change as a prevenitive. It also works great as a moisturizer for dry skin and helps heal scrapes and acne.

If your baby develops a rash that you feel needs a stronger cream/ointment, be sure to use a liner like Rearz or Bummis flushable liners, so the cream doesn't get into the cloth.

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