Diaper Rash
Cloth Diapers Don’t Cause Diaper Rash
Modern Cloth Diapers are absorbant, and draw moisture away from baby’s skin. They don’t contain plastics, and don’t use harsh chemicals in their materials. They come in a range of fabrics, allowing even the most sensitive skinned child to have a rash free bottom.
The most common cause of diaper rash is wet skin, and the chemicals in stale urine being against it. Making sure the diaper area is clean after every change, and giving your baby diaper free time frequently wil help ensure that your child doesn’t get diaper rash.
Diaper rash can also be caused when your child is unwell, and has symptoms like diarrhoea. Teething, and food allergies can also cause diaper rash. Yeast infections such as thrush will also produce a diaper rash, and if your child has been on antibiotics, they are most succeptible to thrush.
Another factor that comes into play with diaper rash, are the products being used on your child’s skin. Baby’s skin is very sensitive, and finding a product that doesn’t irritate it is a process of elimination.
If your child does get a rash, look to your detergent and products, and rule out yeast infections with your care provider.
How to avoid diaper rash:
- Change your baby frequently
- Ensure lots of nappy free time
- Make sure you dry their bottom well at each change
- Use a drying agent such as cornstarch dabbed on with a cotton ball
- Practise good hygeine – make sure the whole area is clean with wipes and water at each change
- And as your skin is an organ, nurture it with good nutrition, and general healthy practises.
Barrier creams can cause a waterproof build up on a diaper, that causes it to leak. If you use a barrier cream, it’s a good idea to use a disposable diaper liner to protect the diaper.
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Comments (4)
I kind of disagree with the article. Cloth diapers do cause rash. I does to my son. I apply Vaseline everytime I change the diaper, that saves him from the rash. I change it very often. The cloth diapers are not really as useful as they are claimed, unless you live in warm area.
Hi TJ,
What a shame your son suffers from Diaper Rash.
Did you know that the rash can also be caused be a build up of detergent, or urine in the diapers – which as you say, could be a direct result of a cold climate, and not having a lot of sun to really “sanitise” them.
Having said that, I know of several people who use them very successfuly in cold climates – it’s simply a matter of having enough to keep in rotation, so the soiled ones have enough time to wash and dry thoroughly.
Also, vaseline, while it’s a great barrier to moisture, is made of petro chemicals – there are plenty of alternatives out there, that don’t have the harsh chemical make up. Purified Lanolin, Zinc, and Castor Oil are some alternatives to consider.
Another point on the vaseline, is it can build up on the diapers, so it’s pretty important to wash them with HOT water, so as to remove the greasey build up, because this could ultimately compound the diaper rash problem.
Again, I’m sorry your Cloth Diapering experience has been less than pleasant. I hope you find a solution for your son, that’s comfy and good for him!!
I started using CD and my son always has a rash. The Dr’s said it was a yeast infection but as soon as I put him in disposable it clears up. When I put a liner in the CD it helps so I’m not sure if its the detergent ( I use Allens) or what. I also wash them ever other day. Any ideas?
If your Dr thinks it’s a yeast infection, it’s a damp warm environment that’s excerbating it.
You could try using raw silk liners – available from http://www.nappiescovered.com.au and other places. Or changing him more frequently.
Also, as you suggested, perhaps look at your detergent. I’ve had some great success washing our diapers in Soap Nuts, which are available all over the net, just google