Whether it’s due to diarrhea, antibiotic use, or dietary changes,
almost every baby suffers diaper rash at one time or another. It can
range from a mild irritation to a raw, painful mess, and as mothers we
want to make it go away—fast. But the options in diaper creams are
dizzying, and the ingredients lists are Greek. What’s more, many of the
balms out there damage cloth diapers leaving concerned, cloth-diapering
mamas in a pickle.
Zinc oxide, an all-but-ubiquitous diaper cream ingredient, effectively
treats diaper rash by blocking moisture from baby’s skin.
Unfortunately, it also coats the cloth diaper’s surface and prevents it
from absorbing urine effectively. Perfumes and harsh chemicals can also
damage diapers, and are not things you want on babies delicate skin
anyway.
Natural balms like the ones listed here are more gentle on baby and
diaper alike. (Not a cloth diaper user? Then you have even more
options!) Look for a base of nontoxic, beneficial emollients combined
with essential oils and other active ingredients that combat
irritation, inhibit the growth of bacteria, and soothe the skin. Here
are three of our favorite zinc-free options.
As with so many of the best new baby-care companies, this one was
started by a new mother. Jen Casey, an aromatherapist by training, got
her start making products for her own daughter. This bottom balm is
free of zinc oxide; instead, calendula oil and vitamin E protect
against inflammation and chafing. The base of coconut oil, jojoba oil,
nourishing apricot kernel oil, and pure beeswax give this tinned balm a
delightfully smooth consistency. The antibacterial properties of
lavender oil help heal baby’s skin, and the natural scent will soothe
the frayed nerves of the most stressed-out mama.
This all-purpose diaper balm is free of zinc oxide and can be used
on other common infant skin ailments including cradle cap and
fingernail scrapes. An organic olive oil base is infused with such
antibacterial and antifungal organic herbs as lavender, tea tree, and
myrrh oils. Shea butter gives an emollient boost, and calendula and St.
John’s Wort are natural soothers. Earth Mama Angel Baby steers clear of
parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances and dyes, and other toxic
ingredients. Their products consistently merit the lowest toxicity
ratings on the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep website.
This organic, scent-free balm is free of zinc oxide. A base of shea
butter, olive oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil moisturizes dry or
chapped skin, and a touch of pure beeswax protects and acts as a
thickener. Calendula, vitamin E, and rosemary extract are added
soothers. Feel free to dab a little on baby’s nose and cheeks to
prevent chapping on cold or windy days.
Katherine Stewart has authored two novels and contributed to publications including Newsweek International, Slate, Prevention, Marie Claire, Yoga Journal, and Healing Lifestyles & Spas. She lives in Santa Barbara, California with her husband and two children.