Best Diaper Rash Creams For Instant Relief (2020 Guide)
I think you'll agree with me when I say: diaper rash is the worst!
As a first time mom, I read all the standard parenting books so I’d know what to expect. When I read about diaper rash, I was sure my kiddos would not get it and that it just wouldn’t apply to me because I’d be on top of diaper changes at all times.
Well, once my little girl was born, I did stay on top of diaper changes.
But one thing I could not stop from happening was a rash from forming every now and then, which had nothing to do with my diaper preparedness.
I quickly learned that diaper rash happens and it’s best to be equipped with an awesome cream to clear it up quickly in order to help my son feel better again.
Read on to learn the ins and outs of rashes, creams, and the ones I highly recommend!
Important Features to Consider
Diaper rash creams are not all standard—some are much better than others! Here are a few things you should consider before making a purchase:
Natural ingredients. You don’t want to put anything remotely harmful near your little one’s most sensitive areas, so look for creams that boast all natural ingredients like almond oil, vitamin D, and essential oils like calendula.
Fragrance & dye free. Many babies have super sensitive skin, so avoid anything that has a fragrance or dye in it to prevent irritation.
Zinc oxide. This ingredient helps form a barrier from water so the irritated area can heal quickly.
Soothing. Some diaper creams actually sting when you apply them to red, irritated areas! Look for something that contains lots of natural oils, or even aloe, to give your baby instant relief.
Compatible. Some creams are not compatible with cloth diapers because they leave a residue behind that is near impossible to get out, so if you use cloth diapers, be aware of this.
Light. You don’t have to feel like you are applying pancake batter to your baby’s bottom when you treat diaper rash. There are a number of creams that are light weight and can be applied thinly.
Non-greasy. Is there anything worse than getting a greasy diaper rash cream all over your hands? I think not! Look for non-grease options.
Tips For Preventing Diaper Rash
As I said before, diaper rash can just happen, and it will happen to everyone. But, if you find that your baby is continuously getting a rash, there are a few things you can try to prevent it from happening.
Change diapers often. Diapers should be changed about every two hours, and immediately if your baby has a bowel movement. Rashes form from moisture (such as after a bath), so always keep your baby clean and dry.
Avoid wipes (where possible). Wipes are convenient, but they could be irritating your baby’s bottom. Plus, wipes keep things moist down there. Consider using warm water and a cloth to freshen up your baby. Then, you can towel dry the area thoroughly before putting a new diaper on. This may take some more time and effort, but is worth a shot if your baby is prone to rashes.
Buy the right size. When diapers are too tight, they can rub the tummy and legs of a baby, chafing them raw. This can make your baby very irritable and uncomfortable, so make sure you have a snug fit, but not a tight fit!
Use diaper cream daily. The creams suggested above are all safe for daily use and are great at preventing a rash from forming since they form a protective barrier. You may fly through these creams, but it is better than seeing your baby in pain, knowing you could have tried to avoid a rash in the first place.
When to see the pediatrician
Some diaper rashes need immediate medical attention.
A diaper rash should start to improve within a day.
Generally, a rash will clear up definitely within 3 to 5 days, tops.
If you don’t see an improvement or if it looks like it is getting worse, you should call your pediatrician right away.
Your baby could have a yeast rash, impetigo, seborrhea, or even an allergy that may require a different or more intense treatment.
Best Diaper Rash Cream: Triple Paste vs Desitin
#1. Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream
Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream (click here to check the price on Amazon) is my go-to cream for one simple reason: it just works.
This medicated diaper rash ointment is a favorite among parents for many other reasons, too.
First, Triple Pastes comes recommended by pediatricians and dermatologists.
It works in a jiffy, and it is free from fragrances and is hypoallergenic.
I actually used it with every diaper change in order to cut down on moisture and irritation, since the cream is thick and builds a good wall around wetness!
So, it is very safe and it does a great job during the healing process.
Another great thing is if you are unhappy with the cream for any reason, you can get refunded.
Desitin is another brand you can trust when it comes to diaper rash, and is also one of my favorites (click here to check the price on Amazon).
Its rapid relief formula gets rid of a rash quickly, and any redness warning signs that may show a rash is on the way.
It too can be used daily to prevent a rash from forming, because it is hypoallergenic and pediatrician tested. So, it is very safe.
It forms a protective layer on your baby’s skin while it also soothes uncomfortable areas.
The Desitin cream goes on pretty smoothly and wipes up with ease.
All in all, it’s a very effective cream for a very affordable price.
#3. Aquafor Baby Healing Ointment
Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment (click here to check the price on Amazon) is extremely popluar with a lot of the moms I know.
It too comes with a pediatrician recommendation and it helps make your baby’s skin healthy, smooth, and soothed again.
It contains about 41% of Petrolatum, which is unique. This helps oxygen flow to the skin in order to help repair it.
The protecting ointment also has glycerin, which is a known as a great moisturizer and nourisher.
I’ve actually used this on my son’s legs before when they got chapped from his pants rubbing onto his legs, and it cleared his irritated skin right up!
When it comes to preventing diaper rashes, this Baby Bum Diaper Rash Cream (click here to check the price on Amazon) seems like a rather perfect option.
To help your baby stay moisturized, it comes complete with shea butter and cocoa butter, not to mention that both of these substances have healing properties too.
To help ensure the safety of your child and the well-being of the earth around you, this baby bum cream is made to be vegan, cruelty free, dye free, and gluten free too.
#5. Era Organics Diaper Rash Cream
Rounding out my list for the best diaper rash creams is this one from Era Organics (click here to check the price on Amazon), a pretty great brand.
Right up there with Bert’s Bees, this cream is USDA-certified organic. So, you will be soothing, repairing, and preventing diaper rash with good, old organic ingredients.
Sunflower oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, beeswax, and calendula are just a few essential ingredients that are also antibacterial and antifungal.
There are no hidden toxins, so you can literally glance at the label and feel confident you can identify every single thing that is in the cream.
The cream works quickly and is also safe for everyday use.
Wrapping Up
I really disliked when my daughter got a diaper rash because she was so uncomfortable.
Luckily, the creams I suggested are all fast acting and highly effective.
So, it’s wise to have something on hand that you know will help your baby’s bottom feel smooth and soothed again quickly!
