Can I Use Diaper Rash Ointments or Creams With My Cloth Diapers?

Traditional diaper rash ointments and creams can cause diapers to repel and not function properly, especially creams that contain zinc (you know, those white sticky bum pastes) or petroleum.

The good news is that many cloth diapered babies experience little or no diaper rash.

But, if you need or want to use a bum cream with your cloth diapered baby, you certainly have options. Some excellent cloth diaper safe ointments are available when needed to help soothe and heal rashes. What makes certain products 'cloth diaper safe' is the low melting point of the ingredients (ie. they easily rinse out completely during a hot wash cycle). Many commercially available products are petroleum based which causes them not to wash out of fabric during the wash cycle and can leave a greasy residue. So have a look at those labels, ask us if you're not sure, or browse our full selection of products that are ok to use with your cloth.

Alternatives
You can also try pure lanolin (the stuff you use for sore nipples while breastfeeding), coconut oil or cornstarch based baby powder on baby's bum if the skin on baby’s diaper area needs some temporary healing assistance. Diaper free time is also very helpful when treating a rash whether you use disposables or cloth. Keep your couches, beds and carpets from getting peed on with a waterproof play mat or change pad.

Creams and powders do not need to be used at every change once the rash has cleared, however, you can use a light layer of cloth safe ointment at each change if you wish to keep baby's skin in great shape or if they have especially sensitive skin. Note **do not use cornstarch if baby has a yeast rash**.

If your baby requires the use of a medicated rash cream or other ointment that won't wash out easily, you should use it sparingly as prescribed and pair it with the use of a disposable liner between baby and the diaper to make sure none of the cream touches the diaper or switch to disposable diapers during this time.

If you mistakenly get diaper rash ointment on your diaper one time, don't panic, it will probably be fine. If, however, you do experience repelling as a result, wash your diapers normally with hot water, then apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid, like Original Blue Dawn, to the affected area in the sink. Scrub the affected area with a toothbrush or other soft bristle brush to remove it. Rinse the diaper out thoroughly in the sink to get rid of most of the suds and then wash it again in the washing machine with no detergent and a towel or two for added agitation. While this is something you can try at your own risk, it may not always work (depends on the ingredients that were in the cream and the amount used) and diapers affected by diaper rash ointments are not covered by warranties. (Note: never put Dawn or any other dishwashing liquid in your washing machine).

TIP: If you are using disposable wipes and you find baby has a persistent rash, they may be sensitive to the chemicals and preservatives in the wipes (even if they are labelled as 'sensitive' or 'hypo-allergenic' and switching to cloth wipes may help solve the problem. For info on using cloth wipes look here.