Best diaper rash cream for newborns: What makes a cream good (and bad)

If you’re a new parent, you've likely discovered that diaper changes are a significant part of your daily routine... But here’s the thing—it’s not just about frequent changes; it’s about finding the best products to keep you and your baby happy during those changes (and in between!).

With so many diaper creams on the market, how do you choose the one that will prevent rashes and keep your baby’s bottom comfortable?

Let's dive into what makes a diaper cream good—and what makes it not-so-good.

What makes a diaper cream good?

beeswax on a table with yellow flowers

When it comes to finding the best diaper rash cream for newborns, there are a few key things to look for. After all, you want a product that works well while being gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin.

1. Natural and organic ingredients

The best creams use natural ingredients like beeswax, olive oil, and limestone. These not only protect but also soothe and heal the skin without introducing harsh chemicals. Organic creams are free from harmful toxins, making them ideal for babies prone to skin irritations.

2. Absorbs easily

No one likes a cream that just sits on the skin, leaving a greasy layer behind. A good diaper cream absorbs into your baby’s skin quickly, leaving it soft and protected. While you do want a protective barrier, you don’t need it to be thick and goopy. It’s all about balance!

3. Creates a protective layer

One of the primary roles of diaper cream is to shield your baby’s skin from moisture, particularly when it’s exposed to wet diapers for extended periods. The best diaper creams provide this barrier without being overly thick or sticky.

4. Non-staining

We’ve all been there—you apply a diaper cream, and suddenly your clothes, the baby’s clothes, and every surface in your house are covered in a white paste. The best creams don’t leave stains on fabrics or smear all over the place.

5. Free from fragrances and harsh chemicals

Newborns have very delicate skin, so anything with added fragrances, parabens, or sulfates can cause irritation. A truly good diaper cream will be fragrance-free and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.

What makes a diaper cream bad?

mother applying cream to a baby

Now, onto what you should avoid in diaper creams. Here are a few red flags:

1. Too thick or pasty

Some creams are so thick that they become almost impossible to remove from your hands, let alone your baby’s skin. While these creams may create a strong barrier, they often clog pores, leading to further irritation or rashes.

2. Contains harsh chemicals

Any diaper cream that includes ingredients like synthetic fragrances, parabens, or petroleum-based products should be avoided. These can not only irritate the skin but also strip away its natural oils, making it more prone to rashes in the long run.

3. Leaves a sticky residue

Bad diaper creams tend to leave behind a sticky or greasy residue that doesn’t absorb well. This can be uncomfortable for your baby and can even stain clothing or cloth diapers.

4. Difficult to apply

Some creams are so thick that spreading them evenly on your baby’s skin becomes a challenge. The best diaper rash cream for newborns should glide on easily, covering your baby’s bottom with a smooth, even layer.

The CPR method: A game-changer in diaper care

mother changing baby's diaper

Preventing diaper rash is all about consistent, effective care. The CPR method—Clean, Protect, and Repair—offers a simple framework for keeping your baby’s skin healthy and comfortable. 

Let’s break down each step:

Clean

The foundation of any good diaper routine is cleanliness.

Keeping your baby’s skin free from moisture and residue is essential to avoiding irritation and diaper rash. After every diaper change, it’s crucial to gently clean the diaper area, removing any traces of urine or stool that can cause discomfort.

Using a gentle method, like a natural lotion with a soft cloth or cotton pads, helps maintain the skin's natural balance and prevents unnecessary dryness or irritation.

Protect

Once the skin is clean, the next step is to shield it from further irritation.

Moisture, friction from diapers, and prolonged exposure to wetness can all lead to diaper rash. Applying a protective barrier cream or ointment forms a layer between your baby’s skin and the diaper, helping to lock in moisture and keep out irritants.

This barrier is key to preventing the breakdown of the skin, especially during long stretches between changes.

Repair

Even with diligent care, diaper rash can sometimes appear. When it does, it’s important to repair and soothe the irritated skin as quickly as possible.

Healing ingredients like beeswax, natural oils, or limestone can help reduce inflammation, promote skin recovery, and alleviate discomfort for your baby. Repairing the skin ensures that future outbreaks of diaper rash are minimized.

Now, you might be wondering if there's a way to streamline this process. That’s where our organic diaper lotion comes in.

Our all-in-one solution simplifies the CPR method by covering all three steps—cleaning, protecting, and repairing—in just one easy application. It gently cleanses without drying, forms a breathable barrier to protect against wetness, and helps soothe and heal irritated skin.

diapers and diaper products grouped together

Unlike traditional wipes, which can be drying and filled with harsh ingredients, our organic diaper lotion is nourishing, gentle, and 100% baby-friendly. It cleans, protects, and repairs in one step, making it an ideal solution for busy parents. Paired with our balm, which leaves no sticky residue or stains, you’ll have the ultimate combination to keep your baby’s skin soft, healthy, and rash-free without any mess.

And for those moments when diaper rash does appear, you’ll want a tub of our organic diaper balm on hand. It’s packed with natural, nourishing ingredients designed to tackle diaper rash at the first sign of redness, providing extra comfort and relief when your baby needs it most.

The best diaper rash remedy: Prevention and treatment

The best diaper rash remedy is one that focuses on both prevention and treatment. By following the CPR method and using an all-natural diaper balm, you can keep your baby’s bottom healthy and rash-free.

Prevention really is the best remedy. Avoiding harsh wipes, keeping the skin dry, and using a natural diaper cream will help you stay one step ahead of diaper rash.

Why our organic diaper balm is the best solution

a baby smiling surrounded by clean diapers and holding one diaper in the air

When we couldn’t find the classic French diaper lotion we loved after moving to the U.S., we decided to make it ourselves, right from our kitchen. We created a product that met all of our standards as moms who care deeply about what goes on our babies' skin.

Our organic diaper balm is the perfect solution for preventing and treating diaper rash. It’s made using only 5 natural ingredients, including organic olive oil and beeswax, which provide a gentle, moisturizing layer without the sticky, greasy residue of traditional creams. Unlike the thick, pasty creams that take forever to rub in, our balm absorbs easily into the skin while leaving a protective barrier that keeps moisture out.

It's also free from synthetic fragrances and harmful chemicals, won’t stain your clothes, doesn’t feel sticky on your hands, and most importantly, it keeps your baby’s bottom soft, moisturized, and rash-free.

Petites pensées

In the end, choosing the best diaper cream for newborns comes down to finding a product that not only protects and heals but also feels good to use (and keeps toxic products away from you baby!).

Our organic diaper balm provides a natural and effective solution to diaper rash that’s easy to apply, non-sticky, and gentle on your baby’s delicate skin.

And don’t forget—prevention is just as important as treatment. By following the CPR method and using a high-quality, natural diaper lotion, you can help keep your baby’s bottom happy, healthy, and free from rashes!


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