Those deep red lines in the form of a diaper rash on a baby’s sensitive and fragile skin are one of the most painful sights and experiences, not only for the little baby but also often for the parents who have to see their baby suffer from such discomfort. A diaper rash cream, in such scenarios, can come in particularly handy. But with so many diaper rash creams available in the market, how do you which. of those is the best diaper cream for your little one?
Parenthood Bliss brings to you the ultimate guide to buying the best diaper cream for complete protection of your little bunny’s bum!
How To Identify A Diaper Rash?
Typically easy to identify just by the looks of it, a baby diaper rash is a skin inflammation/ irritation that occurs in a baby’s diaper are owing to the friction caused by the diaper. Diaper rashes usually appear in the form of red irritated skin area causing little apparent discomfort to the baby. However, if left unchecked, severe diaper rashes can be as bad as an infection or bleeding skin in the diaper area.
Why Do I Need I Diaper Rash Cream?
A diaper rash cream is recommended to all parents with a diaper-wearing infant at home because while rashes are bound to happen, their spread can be controlled with the help of rash cream. Diaper creams create a protective shield between the baby’s bottom and external irritating elements (like the diaper itself) and help curb the spread or even the occurrence of a rash in the first place. Most of such creams also come with healing ingredients like essential oils that further soothe the baby’s inflamed skin.
What Causes A Diaper Rash?
A diaper rash is not caused by only the diaper or the friction caused by the diaper on a baby’s bum. Multiple reasons or factors cause the occurrence of a diaper rash and those include:
- Moisture: Though most brands are trying to use the moisture-wicking technology in diapers, diapers never actually are 100% humid-free. The constant interaction of the moisture with the baby’s bottom, hence, causes irritation and rashes.
- Chemicals: Most disposable diapers have chemicals that are not particularly suitable for all babies. Some allergy-prone babies, hence, develop a reaction against the chemicals in the form of rashes. It is advised to switch to a cloth or a dye-free diaper if your baby tends to repeatedly show rashes.
- Baby poop/diarrhea: Situations like an overblown poop that mixes with urine or situations like diarrhea also cause rashes as the increased ammonia production triggers rashes.
- Detergents: Ceratin detergents used to wash a baby’s bottom clothing also can cause allergic reactions on a baby’s skin resulting in rashes. It is recommended to only use dye/ chemical and fragrance-free special baby detergent on your baby’s clothing.
What Products Can I Use For A Diaper Rash?
Primarily three types of products in the form of diaper rash cream, diaper rash paste, and diaper rash balm/ ointment are available in the market as protection against rashes. Here’s the difference between these three:
- Diaper Rash Cream: Waster-based, can be easily absorbed by the skin
- Diaper Rash Paste: Thicker than creams, typically contain zinc oxide and skin conditioners; ideal for soothing rash inflammation but can stain clothing
- Diaper Rash Ointment/ Balms: Oil-based products, act as a thick/greasy barrier between the skin and the diaper
How To Select The Best Diaper Rash Cream?
Multiple factors need to be considered and kept in mind when choosing a diaper rash cream for your baby.
- What is the type of rash?
Rash cream v/s ointment v/s paste: If your baby is suffering from inflammation or irritation in the diaper area, it is recommended to use a rash cream. If you want to use a product as a protective measure, a diaper ointment or balm is recommended. If your baby’s rash situation has gone too bad and if they have bad, severe rashes, a rash paste is the best option.
- What kind of diapers do you use for your baby?
If you use disposable diapers for your baby, any kind of cream is most likely not to interfere with the performance of the cream. If you use cloth diapers, however, be wary that some ingredients of the cream/ ointments can obstruct the cloth fibers and make the cream less effective. In case you are using cloth diapers, aim for rash creams or ointments that do not contain petroleum jelly or zinc oxide.
- What ingredients should I look for in a diaper rash cream?
Most children have very sensitive skin and hence, it is necessary to make sure that the rash cream of your choice should contain as many natural ingredients as possible. You should also look out for possible allergens in the cream like mineral oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and sunflower oil. most of these allergens will not be found in a natural rash cream.
Buying The Best Baby Diaper Cream For Your Little One
Here’s a quick checklist for you to refer to when buying a rash cream for your toddler-
- Make sure that the cream contains as many natural ingredients and as few chemicals as possible
- Rash creams with zinc oxide are favorable for the kind of a strong protective barrier it helps create on a baby’s sensitive skin
- Creams that contain hydrocortisone are also recommended as this ingredient prevents skin irritation and imparts a soothing, calming effect to keep your baby’s skin trouble-free
- Creams with naturally healing ingredients like sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil, and flower extracts are also recommended
- Make sure you buy a cream that complements the diaper choice (disposable vs cloth)
- Always buy a product that solves your problem – severe diaper rash v/s protection purposes v/s normal inflammation = paste v/s ointment v/s rash cream
- Always read a couple of reviews and compare creams. Do not take a rash decision when buying a cream; it is your baby’s sensitive bottom in question, after all!
Final Thoughts: The Best Diaper Rash Creams of 2021
We assessed multiple reviews and did an in-depth study to bring to you a list of the best diaper rash creams of the year. but again, always make sure you pick a cream that suits your and your baby’s individual needs.
- Desitin Diaper Rash Paste
- GroVia’s Magic Stick All Natural Diaper Ointment
- Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Maximum Strength Diaper Cream
- The Honest Company Diaper Rash Cream
- Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm
- Triple Paste Medicated Ointment
- Grandma El’s Diaper Rash Remedy
Interested in knowing more about the creams? Do not forget to check out our exhaustive article about the best rash creams!
FAQs
- Should I put diaper cream on every change?
Yes, it is recommended to apply a generous layer of cream every time you change your baby’s diaper; especially if your baby has obviously sensitive skin. This will help create a protective barrier, avoid irritation, and keep your baby’s bottom soft, supple, and rash-free.
- Is the Aquaphor baby healing diaper cream all-natural?
Aquaphor is a highly recommended cream as it contains natural and soothing ingredients like Zinc oxide and petroleum.
- Is the Cetaphil diaper cream good for babies?
The Cetaphil Baby Diaper Cream is one of the most famous and loved baby rash creams as it contains multiple gentle, natural, and effective ingredients, including zinc oxide.
- Does the Burt’s Bees diaper cream smell bad?
The Burt’s Bees baby cream is reviewed to smell like milk and honey; a rather pleasant fragrance most parents love and are crazy about!
- Why do some diaper creams have seed oil?
Essential oils, seed oil, and shea butter are very favorable to calm and soothe irritated skin naturally and hence, are often a part of many baby diaper creams.
