Cloth diaper rashes happen—even to the most diligent moms. Learn what causes them, how to treat them naturally, and why I love Earth Mama Organics Diaper Balm for healing my baby’s sensitive skin.
Yesterday hit hard. I had a tooth emergency—one of those unexpected “drop everything” situations—and my husband and older kids stepped up big time to help with the baby. But let’s be honest: no one keeps track of diaper changes quite like mama.
My little one usually goes potty every two hours or less, and if I don’t catch it, her sensitive skin reacts fast. By the end of the day, she had a diaper rash—and that mama guilt started creeping in.
If you’ve been there (or want to avoid getting there), this post is for you. Let’s talk real-life cloth diaper rash causes, healing tips, and how to stay ahead of it—all while keeping things simple, low-tox, and budget-conscious.
What Causes Rashes with Cloth Diapers?
Cloth diapers are wonderful—gentle on baby and the planet—but they do need extra TLC. Here are common reasons rashes can pop up:
- Missed or delayed changes (hello, life emergencies!)
- Sensitive skin + trapped moisture
- Detergent or ammonia build-up
- Hard water mineral residue
- Reactions to food or teething poop
- Chemical residue from creams or detergent
How I Heal a Cloth Diaper Rash (Naturally & Gently)
When I see even the start of a rash, here’s my go-to diaper rash routine:
- Change diapers more frequently—I set an alarm every hour so I don’t lose track.
- Watch closely for when she potty’s, and change her immediately when I catch it.
- Switch to disposables temporarily to keep moisture off the rash.
- Let her air out during tummy time or play.
- Use a gentle, effective balm: Earth Mama Organics Diaper Balm.
I loooove all of Earth Mama’s products, but their Diaper Balm is a total game-changer. It’s cloth diaper safe, made with clean ingredients, and it actually works to soothe and heal. I keep one in the nursery and one in the diaper bag!
What If It Looks Like a Chemical Rash?
Sometimes, it’s not just moisture—it’s a reaction to something in the diaper itself. If I suspect a chemical or ammonia rash, I:
- Soak the diapers in hot water with a small squirt of original blue Dawn (just a little!).
- Rinse them thoroughly (multiple rinses) until all suds are gone.
- Then run my normal cloth diaper wash routine.
This helps strip build-up that could be irritating baby’s skin.
Prevention Tips from a Cloth Diapering Mama
- Coconut oil: In my experience, it’s great for preventing rashes, not so much for healing. I use it when her skin is clear.
- Set diaper change alarms (even on your smart speaker!)—especially helpful during busy or chaotic days.
- Check your wash routine if rashes keep returning—sometimes your detergent, water type, or rinse cycle may need tweaking.
- Use a water softener like Calgon if you’re in a hard water area (I’m in Arizona and this has been key for me).
Grace for the Hard Days
If your baby gets a rash because you were overwhelmed, in pain, or just plain exhausted—you are not a bad mom. You’re doing your best with what you have. Cloth diapering is beautiful, but it’s not always easy. And on the hard days, a little grace goes a long way.
Cloth Diaper Rashes Happen—And You’ve Got This
Diaper rashes don’t mean you’re doing something wrong—they’re just part of the journey. Whether it’s a teething phase, a busy day, or a surprise dental emergency, know that you can respond with wisdom, love, and the right tools.
Earth Mama Diaper Balm, a good wash routine, and some intentional rhythms can make all the difference.
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