Best diaper rash creams
Diaper rashes are an unpleasant but common part of baby life. Luckily, diaper rash creams can treat rashes and even prevent them. We analyzed reviews in the BabyCenter Community to discover parents' most-recommended diaper rash cream, plus used our editors' research and experience, to find the best diaper rash creams out there. Read on to find out which brands parents say will relieve your baby's diaper rash.
Best diaper rash cream overall
Desitin Maximum Strength Original Paste
Many parents swear by this purple container to treat a diaper rash. The formula in the Maximum Strength Paste is 40 percent zinc oxide, which is the highest concentration you can buy over the counter. Its consistency is thick and creamy, and it forms a protective barrier on your baby's skin to reduce discomfort and irritation.
Heads up
Some parents find the scent of this cream overpowering.
Parents say
"Desitin Maximum Strength is creamy and it works great. We use rash cream nightly after my son's bath because he wears a diaper for 12 hours at night (great sleeper) and gets a rash really quickly if we don't."
"I always try to be very gentle with wiping and use Desitin – it worked great with my first baby."
"When my son's rash is at its worst I use Desitin Maximum Strength after each diaper change. You need to apply it liberally, especially at bedtime."
Specs
- 40 percent zinc oxide
- Hypoallergenic and free of parabens, phthalates, dyes, and soap
Best extra-thick diaper rash cream
Boudreaux's Maximum Strength Butt Paste
The brand with the funny name, Boudreaux's is no joke when it comes to treating and preventing diaper rash. Like Desitin Maximum Strength, Boudreaux's Maximum Strength Butt Paste has 40 percent zinc oxide. It's made with just six ingredients, and is free of parabens, talc, dyes, and preservatives.
Heads up
Some parents complain that this cream is so thick it's difficult to get off their hands, cloth diapers, and clothes. (Boudreaux's sells a silicone applicator to use instead of your hands if you prefer.)
Parents say
"I use Boudreaux's Butt Paste and it clears up rashes in two days or less every time."
"I'm a first-time mom, but I work in a childcare center and I like Boudreaux's Butt Paste the best. I like the thick consistency of it, it works well for the majority of the children, and it clears up the rashes quickly."
Specs
- 40 percent zinc oxide
- Free of dyes, parabens, talc, and preservatives
Best all-purpose diaper rash cream
The Honest Company Organic All-Purpose Balm
Many parents use this balm on pretty much everything – their baby's dry skin and hair, eczema, diaper and other rashes, and even on themselves. It's certified organic and made without petroleum, phthalates, mineral oil, or synthetic fragrances.
Heads up
This is an all-purpose balm, not specifically a diaper-rash treatment, and it doesn't contain zinc oxide. Your baby's diaper rash may require something stronger.
Parents say
"It's a thick balm and works wonderfully."
"Honest Company Balm: I use it for everything. It's a little greasy but it doesn't get all over."
Specs
- Made with organic sunflower seed, olive, and coconut oils
- Hypoallergenic; free of synthetic fragrances, phthalates, mineral oil, dyes, and petroleum
Best natural diaper rash cream
Weleda Calendula Diaper Cream
Weleda makes plant-rich products that are safe for the entire family. In fact, this diaper rash cream works wonders on all dry or irritated skin, not just baby bottoms. It contains calendula flower extract and chamomile to soothe skin, and almond oil to moisturize. The active ingredient is zinc oxide, though its 12 percent concentration is less than what you'll find in maximum-strength diaper rash creams.
Heads up
Some parents report the tube doesn't hold up well – it cracks and leaks cream. Others say the cream works well as a preventative measure, but isn't great for treating diaper rash.
Parents say
"It took until my third baby to find the perfect diaper cream. First, this works really well to prevent and soothe a rash quickly. It has a smooth texture, is easy to wash off, and has a pleasant smell. It's good for sensitive skin, and has natural ingredients and no preservatives."
Specs
- Contains 12 percent zinc oxide
- Botanical extracts soothe skin, and almond oil moisturizes it
- Free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colorants, and mineral oil
Best-smelling diaper rash cream
Burt's Bees Baby Diaper Rash Ointment
Burt's Bees makes a diaper rash ointment that's the best of both worlds. It has plant-based ingredients to soothe and moisturize skin, and also contains 40 percent zinc oxide to treat diaper rashes. It's safe and gentle but strong and effective. It contains shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and lavender oil, and the lavender scent is soothing and relaxing for babies and parents.
Heads up
This ointment may leave residue on cloth diapers. Use a liner or proceed with caution.
Parents say
"I love Burt's Bees Diaper Rash Ointment. For cloth diapering, I use it with a fleece liner and if for some reason it doesn't wash out, I just toss the liner. A warning about this: It has a strong lavender scent. I love it, but if you don't like strong scents, this might not be the cream for you."
"We use it and haven't had much trouble with diaper rashes. It's super thick and lasts a long time. We got a tube as a shower gift and it's not even half empty yet!"
"My daughter rarely has diaper rash, but when she does I use Burt's Bees. I apply a small amount, and it's gone overnight. Love that stuff."
Specs
- 40 percent zinc oxide
- Made with shea butter, lavender oil, and jojoba seed oil
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and petroleum
Best organic diaper rash cream
Organic Diaper Balm by Earth Mama
Made of organic and herbal ingredients including olive oil, calendula, and shea butter, Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm is a comforting salve for your baby's skin. Your entire family can use it! It does not contain zinc oxide, the active ingredient in many other diaper rash creams, but some parents say it works just as well or better.
Heads up
The oil-based balm does a great job of creating a waterproof barrier on your baby's skin, but leaves your hands especially greasy.
Parents say
"I've had a lot of luck with Earth Mama Diaper Balm for diaper rash and also for other rashes and extremely dry skin."
"I researched for hours and checked the EWG (Environmental Working Group) database before choosing Earth Mama Diaper Balm. It clears anything my daughter has within a day."
Specs
- Made with ethically sourced, organic beeswax, and organic oils and herbs
- Free of petroleum, parabens, and artificial fragrance
What is diaper rash cream?
Diaper rash creams create a protective barrier between your baby's skin and the contents of her diaper. Many contain zinc oxide in concentrations from 10 to 40 percent, as well as other ingredients that block moisture and soothe skin.
Babies have sensitive and delicate skin. No matter how often you change your baby's diaper or how gentle your diapers, wipes, and detergent are, diaper rash can still occur. It can be caused by wetness, chafing, or sensitivity to chemicals in diapers and wipes. Sometimes, trying new foods or taking medication can lead to a rash.
There are a few ways to both treat and prevent diaper rashes. Changing your baby's diapers as soon as they're wet or soiled will help. Let your baby to go au natural when possible so his skin can get some fresh air. Consider trying a different brand of diapers, use fragrance-free wipes or a squirt bottle of warm water and soft cloth to clean your baby, and use diaper rash creams to prevent and treat rashes.
Diaper rashes usually take a few days to clear up, and may come back. If you're not seeing success with over-the-counter creams and other treatment and prevention methods, talk to your child's doctor.
What causes a diaper rash?
Almost every baby will have diaper rash sooner or later, no matter what type of diapers you use or how meticulous you are about bathing and changes. Sometimes the diaper itself causes a rash, particularly in warm weather or when your baby sits in one place for a long time, like during a long car ride. Diapers with fragrances are sometimes the cause of rashes too, but even if you use an unscented or hypoallergenic diaper, the acids that naturally occur in your baby's poop and pee can irritate baby skin. Finally, you may notice your baby's bum gets red and bumpy after they begin eating a new food, or when they've taken antibiotics.
How to apply diaper rash cream
Treating an ongoing rash is an easy three-step process.
- Clean your baby's skin: Using plain water, an unscented baby wipe, or mild soap and water, clean your baby's diaper area. If you use a cloth, make sure it's soft. Pat to dry, or let your baby air-dry.
- Apply diaper rash cream: Using the fingers of one hand, apply a thick layer of diaper rash cream on your baby's diaper area. About a dime-sized drop will do the job. Apply most thickly where skin is red and inflamed. For instructions on how to put diaper cream on a boy or girl, see below.
- Diaper: Put on a clean disposable or cloth diaper.
How to apply diaper rash cream to a boy
Apply cream anywhere your baby's skin looks red and irritated. It's usually not necessary to put cream on a boy's testicles, penis, or thighs, but if the skin is troubled, you can do so. Check between your baby's butt cheeks to make sure the skin is clear; if necessary, put cream between cheeks and around anus.
How to apply diaper rash cream to a girl
Like boys, girls get diaper rash cream anywhere the skin is red and irritated, including her bottom, inner thighs, the folds of her labia, anus, and between her butt cheeks. Do not put diaper rash cream inside your baby girl's vagina, and avoid putting cream on her labia if the skin is clear.
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