How to Find a Diaper Cream for Cloth Diapers

Although disposable diapers are the most common, cloth diapers are beloved by many parents. Cloth diapers are more eco-friendly and can save you a significant amount of money over the course of your little one’s diaper years. Sounds great, right? Well, since cloth diapers need to be washed and reused, it’s important to take good care of them. When cared for properly, they’ll last longer and actually deliver those money-saving benefits. 

One of the biggest pitfalls in cloth diaper care is finding the right diaper cream. Some of the most popular diaper rash creams contain ingredients that aren’t compatible with cloth diapers. If you’re planning to use cloth diapers with your little one, consider these tips for choosing a diaper cream that works.

Which diaper cream ingredients don’t work with cloth diapers?

The first step towards finding a diaper cream that’s compatible with cloth is knowing which ingredients to avoid! Stains, poor absorbency, and odor are the main issues that the wrong diaper cream can cause when used with cloth diapers. Depending on the fabric of your cloth diaper, you may need to steer clear of the following ingredients:

• Petroleum and petroleum jelly — When petroleum and petroleum-derived ingredients (e.g. mineral oil) come into contact with a synthetic cloth diaper, it can create a repelling effect that prevents proper absorption. This could cause problems and messes, plus increase the likelihood of your little one developing diaper rash.
• Calamine — Calamine is commonly found in creams and lotions that treat itching and mild skin irritation. However, it doesn’t work well with cloth diapers.
• Fish oil (e.g. cod liver oil) — Certain oils, including fish oil, can produce an unsavory smell when combined with cloth diapers. Since fabric traps the oil, the smell can persist even with normal, thorough washing. The smell isn’t just unpleasant — the lingering scented oil can lead to irritation of your little one’s skin.
• Zinc oxide — Commonly found in diaper rash creams and ointments, zinc oxide can stain your cloth diapers. Although these stains sometimes wash out, it’s best to avoid the ingredient altogether.
• Paraffin — A type of wax, paraffin comes from petroleum and can interfere with the absorbency of your cloth diapers. Although it’s used in cosmetics to soften skin, it should be avoided as an ingredient in diaper creams if you’re using cloth diapers.

Which ingredients are safe to use with cloth diapers?

On the flip side, some of the best cloth diaper friendly ingredients to look for include vitamin E, olive oil, and sunflower oil. Other natural oils, like coconut and jojoba oil, are completely fine to use. With proper washing, these ingredients won’t clog the fibers in cloth diapers, cause stains, or lead to any funky smells. NOLEO 3-in-1 Cleanser, Moisturizer, and Diaper Rash Cream is a great option for anyone looking for a compatible product for their cloth diapers. It’s formulated with just 5 ingredients, all of which are cloth diaper friendly. Plus, our natural ingredients align with the eco-friendly aspect of cloth diapers, making it simple to practice sustainable parenting.

Takeaway

When starting the cloth diapering journey, it’s easy to get confused about which products will work with the fabric. Luckily, understanding which ingredients to avoid will help guide your search for the perfect diaper cream. Petroleum, petroleum derivatives, calamine, and zinc oxide are a few of the big names to avoid when browsing ingredient labels. 

If this guide still leaves you with all the questions, we’ve already done the hard work for you! NOLEO 3-in-1 is a diaper cleanser, moisturizer, and diaper cream all in one bottle. Made with 5 simple ingredients, including organic olive oil and sunflower oil, it’s guaranteed safe for use with cloth diapers. Plus, the organic ingredients make it a no-brainer for your sustainable parenting lifestyle. Simply add a pump to a soft cotton pad, wipe, and go — no rinsing required!

NOLEO® doesn’t just help you treat and prevent diaper rash. It helps you moisturize and nourish their skin at every diaper change for a healthier them and a happier you! Get started with the NOLEO DUO today and enjoy better diaper changes for as long as your little one needs them.