Best Diaper Rash Creams of 2023

Diaper rash can happen whether you’re using disposable diapers or going the cloth route, and it’s no picnic for babies…or parents, for that matter. While many cases are mild, others can make for very unhappy campers on the changing table. A diaper rash cream can help ease the uncomfortable symptoms of diaper rash, help it heal and provide a barrier that helps prevent it from developing.

Babylist’s Top Picks for The Best Diaper Rash Cream

Read full reviews of our top diaper rash creams below.

• Best All-Around Diaper Cream: Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Ointment
• Best Maximum-Strength Diaper Cream: Desitin Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Paste
• Best Organic Diaper Cream: Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm
• Best for Diaper Cream for Severe Rashes: Triple Paste Diaper Rash Cream
• Best Diaper Rash Spray: Mustela Sprayable Diaper Rash Cream
• Best Natural Diaper Cream: Motherlove Diaper Balm
• Best Diaper Cream for Newborns: Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
• Best Affordable Diaper Cream: A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment
• Best Diaper Rash Cream for Cloth Diapers: Esembly Organic Diaper Rash Relief Cream
• Best Diaper Rash Cream for Sensitive Skin: Babo Botanicals Sensitive Fragrance-Free Diaper Cream
• Best Diaper Rash Cream Stick: GroVia All Natural Magic Stick Baby Diaper Balm

How We Choose Our Best Diaper Rash Cream Picks

We asked thousands of real Babylist families about the baby products they love the most, then took the top products they shared with us and added our own research and insight to tell you about the best diaper rash creams.

Find more information at the end of this guide:

• Types of Diaper Rash
• How to Treat Diaper Rash
• Frequently Asked Questions about Diaper Rash Cream

Babylist’s Picks for the Best Diaper Cream

Types of Diaper Rashes

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are four common types of diaper rashes:

• Irritant diaper rash. This is the most common type of diaper rash and is caused by your baby’s skin being in continuous contact with urine or stool. It looks like pink or red patches on your baby’s skin where it’s in contact with the diaper.
• Yeast infection. This type of diaper rash is caused by a fungus found naturally in your baby’s digestive tract. A yeast infection rash will often look like shiny, bright red or pink patches with sharp edges. There also may be pink bumps or even sores or cracking skin in some (rare) instances.
• Bacteria. Also called impetigo, certain types of bacteria can also be a cause of diaper rash. (Staph and strep are two common ones.) Clues that your baby’s diaper rash may be bacterial include bright red skin around the anus or yellow crusting, weeping or pimples.
• Allergy. Sensitive skin is very common in babies. Things like fragrances or specific ingredients in diapers, wipes and creams may cause your baby’s skin to react. Look for irritation.

How to Treat Diaper Rash

The best way to treat diaper rash is to head it off before it happens and take action as soon as you see any signs of it.

For irritant diaper rash, the most common type, here are a few steps you can take:

• Change diapers often to avoid long contact with moisture.
• Make sure your little one’s bum is completely dry before putting on a new diaper. (Blowing lightly on the area or patting it with a dry cloth can help speed this along.)
• Apply diaper cream at every diaper change to create a protective barrier that keeps moisture out.
• Treat diaper rashes with cream at the first sign to soothe and calm red skin.
• Go diaper-free for a really uncomfortable rash. (This can get messy, but sometimes a bare bottom is necessary and really does the trick.)

If you’re dealing with a yeast infection, make sure you’re washing your hands well before and after each diaper change. You also may need a topical antifungal cream from your pediatrician.

If you suspect an allergy-related diaper rash, try switching brands of diapers, wipes and/or diaper cream to see if the rash improves. Sometimes it takes a few weeks for an allergic rash to fully heal, so be sure to stay the course.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diaper Rashes

What Does Diaper Rash Look Like?

You’ll know diaper rash when you see it. While there are different types of diaper rashes, most diaper rashes will make your baby’s skin look red, irritated, possibly bumpy and may make it feel warm to the touch. Diaper rash may appear on or between butt cheeks, on inner thighs and/or around the genital area.

What Causes Diaper Rash?

No matter how absorbent your diapers are or how frequently you hit the changing table, baby bums are sensitive to all sorts of irritants. A rash can be caused by the diaper itself (chafing or fragrances) or by the acid that naturally occurs in urine and stool. Introducing new foods into your baby’s diet or antibiotics can also trigger a rash. Other causes of diaper rash include the overgrowth of a type of fungus found naturally in your baby’s digestive tract, an allergy or, in rare cases, a bacterial infection.

What Is the Best Type of Diaper Rash Cream?

There are two types of diaper rash creams: zinc oxide-based diaper creams and ointment.

Diaper creams with zinc oxide as an active ingredient are white and very thick. Zinc oxide is insoluble in water and acts as a great barrier cream for moisture. Ointment-based creams are often made from petroleum jelly. They’re also very thick and form an insoluble barrier between your baby’s skin and their diaper, but are clearer in color. Other common ingredients include things like lanolin, beeswax, various oils and shea butter.

Both types of diaper rash creams are very good at protecting your baby’s sensitive skin. Petroleum-based creams help to prevent diaper rash before it starts (or treat a more minor case), while zinc-oxide-based creams tend to be a bit better at treating and healing diaper rash.

How Long Does Diaper Rash Last?

Most diaper rashes last two or three days if you’re treating it at home by keeping the area clean and covering it with diaper rash cream. If it lasts longer than three days, try switching to a different diaper cream for a few more days.

When Should You Call the Pediatrician About Diaper Rash?

In some instances, your baby’s diaper rash will last longer than a few days. You might need a prescription cream or other medication from your pediatrician. Here’s how you’ll know it’s time to contact your child’s doctor:

• The rash isn’t going away (or is getting worse) after about three days of treatment.
• The rash includes pimples, peeling skin, blisters, pus-filled or oozing sores.
• The rash is very painful.
• Your baby develops a fever along with the diaper rash.
• Your baby is on an antibiotic and you’re seeing a bright pink or red rash with red spots along the edges.