The Best Diapers for Diaper Rash
“I’ve tried everything but my baby still has diaper rash!”
We’ve heard this from many parents who have gone above and beyond to prevent diaper rash, only to watch their little ones struggle with painful irritation.
While following best practices like changing your baby’s diaper frequently and not over-tightening their diaper are important, sometimes the problem is the diapers themselves.
After speaking to many parents who have trialed many brands and weighed their options between cloth and disposable diapers, we’ve created a list of their recommendations for the best baby diapers for sensitive skin.
Try these disposable and cloth diapers if your current nappies seem to be doing more harm than good.
The Best Disposable Diapers for Rash-Prone Babies
It seems like a sure thing that disposable diapers would be safe for babies. Sadly, that’s not always the case. Diapers are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, which means diaper manufacturers can get away with zero transparency about their ingredients.
Ingredients like formaldehyde, fragrances, phthalates, and other toxins have been found lurking in diapers. Dyes, chlorine bleach, PFAS, and plastic are also commonly used in the diaper manufacturing process. (Don’t even get us started on baby wipes…)
Given how sensitive a baby’s skin is, it’s no wonder some diapers can trigger rashes!
Best Practices for Choosing Diapers for Sensitive Skin
Thankfully, there are some diaper selection guidelines that you can follow to avoid all that yucky stuff:
- Choose brands that are 100% transparent about their ingredients.
- Opt for low or no-plastic diapers. Although it can be difficult to avoid plastic entirely as it helps prevent leaks, try to find a diaper that doesn’t put the plastic in contact with your baby’s skin.
- Pass on scented diapers or diapers that contain skin-conditioning agents. Your diaper cream should do the job of nourishing your baby’s skin, not the diaper.
- Avoid brightly colored diapers unless you know they were printed with non-toxic ink. Dyes can be toxic and cause a reaction.
- Look for evidence of testing and certifications that prove the diapers are free from PFAS, phthalates, parabens, chlorine, and other harmful ingredients. Examples of certifications include OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified and EWG-Verified.
Non-Toxic Diaper Brands for Babies
Here are the diaper brands recommended by our #NOLEOFAM community that pass muster for babies prone to rashes:
- Kudos
- Coterie
- Terra Eco Baby Products
- HealthyBaby
- Millie Moon
- Andie Pandy
- Nest Bamboo Diapers
The Best Cloth Diapers for Diaper Rash
We can’t talk about the best diapers for sensitive skin without mentioning cloth diapers.
Here's why they can be a great option, particularly when you’re up against diaper rash:
- Breathability: Cloth diapers are made from natural, breathable materials like cotton or bamboo, allowing air to circulate around your baby's skin and keep it dry.
- Gentle on the Skin: Cloth diapers are typically free from harsh chemicals and synthetic materials, making them a gentle choice for sensitive skin.
- Adjustable Fit: Many cloth diapers feature adjustable snaps or Velcro fastenings, allowing you to customize the fit and reduce friction on your baby's skin.
- Cost-Effective: While the initial investment may be higher, cloth diapers can save you money in the long run as they can be reused.
Cloth Diaper Brands We LOVE
Our cloth-safe diaper cream has connected us with some of the best cloth diaper brands on the market. And with so many cloth diaper enthusiasts in our community, we hear firsthand feedback about how great these cloth diaper companies are:
- Pannolino Bambino
- Lighthouse Kids Co
- Redwood Cloth Company
- Luludew
- Esembly
- Tush Diaper
- Petite Crown
- Scrunchy Bums
- Bungies Diapers
- Green Mountain Diapers
- The Basic Stitch
Dialing In Your Baby’s Diapers
It’s easy to get discouraged when you know your little one is uncomfortable. Remember that every baby is different, so finding the right diaper might take some experimentation.
Once you find the right diaper, pair it with a non-toxic diaper cream that leaves a barrier layer to protect their delicate skin.
If your baby's diaper rash persists or worsens despite your best efforts, consult your pediatrician for advice and treatment.
Do you have a favorite cloth or disposable diaper brand? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
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