A red bottom on your baby is one of the most common worries during the diapering period. Almost every parent comes across it, and it’s easy to start wondering whether you’ve done something wrong. You haven’t. Diaper rash is common, usually passing – and there are concrete things you can do to soothe and prevent it.
What is diaper rash, really?
Diaper rash is irritation of the skin in the diaper area. The skin turns red, sometimes a little swollen or flaky, and your baby may be sore at changes. It isn’t an infection (although infections can develop if the skin is damaged for a long time) – it’s a reaction to moisture, friction and sometimes substances the skin doesn’t get on with.
The most common causes:
- Moisture against the skin for too long – a wet diaper left on too long irritates the skin
- Friction – the diaper rubbing against sensitive skin, especially in the folds
- Newly introduced food – when your baby starts solids, the stool changes, which can irritate the skin
- Sensitive reactions to fragrances, chemicals or materials in the diaper – or, with cloth diapers, from the detergent
Why can cloth diapers make a difference?
It isn’t automatically the case that cloth diapers cure diaper rash – but for many babies with sensitive skin, switching to cloth is what finally calms things down. It’s mainly about what sits closest to the skin.
Disposables often contain fragrances, super-absorbers and surface treatments that can irritate. Our cloth diapers are gentle on the skin in two ways: the Comfort pocket diaper has a stay-dry lining closest to the skin for a dry feel, and our prefold inserts have a stay-dry side – you can fold the insert so that either stay-dry or bamboo faces the skin, depending on what your baby prefers. In both cases, you avoid the substances found in disposables.
Another benefit: you control the wash. No unknown substances, no fragranced liner. You choose the detergent, and you know what comes into contact with the skin.
Many parents notice a clear improvement in babies who’ve reacted to disposables – but it’s always a process to work out what your particular baby gets on with.
Practical tips for a red bottom
There’s no one-size-fits-all recipe, but these usually help:
1. Change the diaper a little more often
A damp diaper against the skin is the most common culprit. During a spell of irritated skin – change a little more often than usual, even if the diaper isn’t completely wet.
2. Let the skin air
A few minutes without a diaper each day can do wonders. Lay your baby on a waterproof surface and let the skin breathe.
3. Clean gently
Avoid wipes with fragrance or alcohol. Cloth wipes with lukewarm water are the gentle option – soft on the skin, and you know exactly what touches it. If you don’t have cloth wipes, paper wipes you dampen yourself work well – a big difference from ready-made wet wipes. A few drops of rapeseed oil or unscented baby oil help clean if needed.
4. Review the cream
A baby-friendly balm with beeswax or shea butter forms a protective layer against moisture and is gentle on cloth diaper inserts. Zinc-based creams work, but used in larger amounts or often they can reduce absorbency in cloth diapers and be hard to wash out – in that case, use a disposable liner as a barrier between cream and diaper.
If the skin has become red and shiny – a sign that the top layer is worn – it can be hard to get a balm to stick. Then a little potato flour or baby powder from the pharmacy can work better, combined with extra-frequent changes.
5. Look at the detergent
If you use cloth diapers, detergent residue in the fabric can be the cause of a red bottom. Choose a fragrance-free detergent without fabric softener, and run an extra rinse so no residue is left in the fabric.
6. Check the food
Has your baby recently started solids, or tried something new? The acidity of the stool changes with diet and can affect the skin. Nothing to panic about – but worth noting if the flare-up came right after a new food.
When should you seek care?
Most cases of diaper rash clear up with the steps above. But get in touch with your healthcare provider if:
- The skin doesn’t improve after a couple of days despite the steps
- There are blisters, sores or noticeably thicker skin
- Your baby seems to be in pain or has a fever
- The rash spreads beyond the diaper area
Sometimes a yeast infection (Candida) can look like diaper rash but needs different treatment – it’s important to have it looked at by your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
Frequently asked questions about red bottoms and diaper rash
Can cloth diapers cause a red bottom?
Yes, they can – just like disposables. Moisture is moisture, and a cloth diaper left on too long or washed with an irritating detergent can cause the same reaction. The difference is that with cloth, you have more control over what touches the skin.
Can I use regular diaper cream with cloth diapers?
Zinc-based creams can affect absorbency in the insert if used in larger amounts or often – in that case, add a disposable insert as a barrier. If the skin mainly needs a protective layer, a little rapeseed oil or unscented baby oil works just as well and is gentle on the cloth diaper. For more severe irritation with shiny, worn skin, potato flour or baby powder from the pharmacy works better than a balm.
How long does it take for the skin to heal?
With the right steps, mild irritation usually eases within 2–3 days. If it doesn’t improve, get in touch with your healthcare provider.
In closing
A red bottom is never nice to see, but it’s rarely a sign that something is seriously wrong. You’re paying attention and you care – and that, in itself, is the most important thing. With a little adjustment to the routine, it usually turns around quickly.
Have questions about cloth diapers and sensitive skin? Do write to us – we’ll help you work out what might suit you.
- Read more in our guide to cloth diapers – how to choose right.
- See our range of cloth diapers.