When and How to Use Diaper Cream for Your Baby

If your baby has an irritated diaper area with a rash, they may have diaper rash. The good news? Diaper rash cream can provide soothing relief and help protect your baby’s sensitive skin. But when should you use diaper cream? How do you apply it correctly? And should you use diaper cream every time you change a diaper? This guide covers everything you need to know about using diaper rash cream effectively.

What Is Diaper Rash Cream for Babies?

Diaper rash cream is a topical ointment designed to treat diaper dermatitis, commonly known as diaper rash. This condition occurs when an infant’s skin becomes irritated due to prolonged exposure to moisture, urine, and stool, leading to redness and discomfort. 

Diaper creams work by creating a protective barrier on your baby’s skin, shielding it from irritants and promoting healing. Diaper creams containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly are often recommended to help protect a baby’s skin.

When to Start Using Diaper Cream?

It’s advisable to begin using diaper cream at the first sign of diaper rash. Diaper rash may appear as patches of redness and irritation in the diaper area. Note that these areas may be harder to see on darker skin tones. It may also appear as bumps or tiny dots/ spots of redness or discoloration. 

You may also be wondering if you can use diaper cream on newborns and when. While newborns have delicate skin, it’s generally safe to use diaper cream on them when necessary. However, it’s important to consult with your baby’s healthcare provider before applying any new product to a newborn’s skin. 

Diaper cream should be used as a treatment for existing diaper rash rather than as a preventive measure.

If your baby’s diaper rash persists after several days of home treatment, it worsens, or you notice blisters or open sores, contact your little one’s healthcare provider. They may prescribe an antifungal or antibiotic cream based on your baby’s rash.

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How and Where to Apply Diaper Cream?

If you’re wondering where to put diaper cream and how to effectively apply it, follow these steps:​

Step 1

Clean the area. Gently cleanse your baby's diaper area with baby wipes that are fragrance-free and alcohol-free, like Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes, clinically proven to be gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. Ensure all traces of urine and stool are removed.​

Step 2

Dry thoroughly. Gently pat the diaper area dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause further irritation.​ If you have time, you could give your baby’s diaper area some time to air dry before applying a cream and diaper.

Step 3

Apply the cream. Using clean hands, gently apply a thin layer of diaper cream to the affected area. You don’t need to rub it in as this may irritate the area further. So, where is best to apply diaper rash cream on girls and boys? For girls, ensure the cream is applied to the vulva and surrounding areas, avoiding the vaginal opening. For boys, apply the cream to the penis, scrotum, and surrounding areas. Ensure all creases and folds are covered.​

Step 4

Re-diaper. Allow the cream to absorb briefly before putting on a fresh diaper. Use a diaper that fits well to provide comfort and reduce friction and leaks that may lead to diaper rash. Consider Pampers Swaddlers for your baby, as they provide superior skin protection against the four main causes of diaper rash.

Find the perfect fit for your little one by taking our fun quiz below:

How Often to Use Diaper Cream

your little one has a diaper rash, then yes, diaper cream can be applied during each diaper change, or several times a day. This ensures continuous protection against irritants and aids in healing. If the diaper area is clean, you don’t need to remove the previous diaper cream, just simply apply another layer on top.

Once your baby’s rash has resolved, you can stop using the diaper cream and focus on preventive measures.

Preventing Diaper Rash

While diaper cream is effective for treating diaper rash, prevention is key. To help prevent the four main causes of diaper rash—overhydration, prolonged contact with stool and urine, increased skin pH, and friction—consider the following practices:​

By incorporating these practices into your diapering routine, you can help maintain your baby's skin health and reduce the likelihood of diaper rash.

The Bottom Line

Diaper rash can be uncomfortable for your baby, but using diaper cream correctly can provide quick relief and promote healing. Remember to apply diaper cream at the first sign of irritation, ensure your baby’s skin is clean and dry before application, and use it at every diaper change while the rash is present. It’s also advised to contact your little one’s healthcare provider for advice on diaper creams and recommendations if the diaper rash persists or worsens.

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_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}