Diaper creams are designed to protect your baby’s skin, and so are cloth diapers. So, you want to make sure that the creams you use will work well and wash out of the fabric when laundered. Some diaper creams contain ingredients that can leave residue on cloth diapers, reducing their effectiveness.

What to look for: 

• Ingredients: Look for diaper creams that are free from petroleum, mineral oil, lanolin, fish oil, cod liver oil, and other heavy oils. These ingredients can create a barrier on the cloth diapers, reducing their absorbency and causing odor retention. 

• Fragrance: For extra-sensitive bottoms, be on the lookout for fragrance on the ingredient list. Synthetic fragrances should always be avoided. Natural fragrances (i.e. from essential oils) often serve an active role in natural diaper creams, but should be noted for the ultra-sensitive bum. 

• Cloth Diaper Safe Label: Check for labels or certifications specifically mentioning that the diaper cream is safe to use with cloth diapers. This can provide you with peace of mind that the cream has been tested and proven to be compatible.

• Disposable Liner: Consider using a disposable liner in your cloth diaper if you must use a cream with zinc oxide. Zinc can coat the natural fibers of the cloth diaper and be difficult to completely wash out. 

Best Diaper Creams for Cloth

Here are our 5 Favorite Diaper Creams - we think they are the best for baby and cloth! 

• Do Good Organic Baby Balm: designed by Do Good Baby specifically for use with cloth diapers as a protective barrier and for minor rashes. 

• Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm: No petroleum, zinc or lanolin. Formulated with effective organic ingredients to soothe and calm. 

• California Baby: diaper creams are free of common allergens and preservatives, offering therapeutic relief in super-sensitive and calming varieties.

• CJ’s BUTTer: shea butter balm provides healing, moisturizing relief to treat a variety of skin conditions, including diaper rash, eczema, and stretch marks.

• Northern Essence Better Butter Cream: includes no petroleum, lanolin, or zinc; cooling and soothing on baby’s skin.  

When a diaper cream is necessary, always check the ingredients list and look for cloth diaper safe labels when selecting a cream to ensure its compatibility with your cloth diapers. Look for diaper creams that are free from heavy oils and specifically labeled as cloth diaper safe. Our favorites listed above are trusted options that offer safe and effective solutions for diaper rash protection. By choosing the right diaper cream, you can keep your baby's skin healthy while keeping your cloth diapers in excellent condition.