No More Itchy Bottom: The 5 Best Baby Diaper Rash Creams and Ointments

Rashes are completely normal for your little sprout!

Thankfully, there’s an easy fix…

This article is a complete guidebook and review of the 5 Best Diaper Rash Creams and Ointments available in the market.

We’ll be giving you the breakdown about:

  • What a Diaper Rash is, What causes it, and where it came from
  • 5 Product Reviews of the Best Baby Rash Creams and Ointments
  • And a whole lot more…

With an endless number of options to choose from, we’re here to help you narrow it down.

Let’s now start with a quick introduction… 

Introduction

Imagine this scenario..

It has been an especially warm day, and your child bursts out crying. You take your baby to your changing pad and brace yourself for the surprise waiting for you. 

After opening those tabs and checking the diaper, you discover that there is a diaper rash. Well poo! 

So you start cleaning the mess, and as you start changing the diaper, the baby is calming down.

Once clean, you pause…

What to do?

Reach for a diaper cream to help soothe the baby’s skin and clean up the rash. 

This is only one consideration to help ease the problem. 

Regular old Vaseline might work, though… 

But it also is sort of clunky and difficult to scoop out product and keep a squirming baby still.

Diaper rash is not a fun situation for your child and is an issue as old as time. 

Luckily,

problems like diaper rash have a multitude of answers. And its solutions often have multi-purpose use to them.

Related: Best diaper cream applicator

What Is Diaper Rash?

Diaper rash is a common form of inflammation of the skin, which may be red or swollen on your baby’s diaper area.. 

That said…

It may be mild (a few red spots of irritation in a small area) or extensive, with red pimples spreading over your baby’s tummy and thighs. Ouch!

You’ll surely guess, Mommy…

Since your baby cannot tell you what is going on in words, he will usually express his discomfort by crying and being irritable, especially when you change him, as well as a lack of appetite.

Basically, it is caused by the infrequent diaper changing or allowing the skin to stay in contact in high moisture, warm areas. 

Keep in mind, though..

Diaper rash creams and diaper ointments are only a preventative measure against diaper rash.

If you start seeing long-term redness, even after using diaper rash creams, we recommend seeing a doctor.

Causes of Diaper Rash

Here, we are presenting the common causes of diaper rash that you should keep in mind to avoid:

1. Sitting In Dirty Diapers

High bacteria environments and skin being in contact with pee and poop causes diaper rashes. 

That’s why, Mommy..

We recommend changing diapers for younger babies and newborns right when they get soiled.

Or every 2-3 hours.

This equals to about possibly 12 changes in a day. Yep!

2. Not Properly Drying Or Irritating Before Changing

Between diaper changes, you want to be as gentle as possible and avoid skin irritation. 

Here is how to do it Mommy…

If you wash between changes in a sink or tub, make sure to dry thoroughly to avoid adding moisture to a dry diaper. 

Otherwise, you are making it much easier to introduce bacteria to the diaper.  

It is also a good practice to dry your baby’s bum thoroughly, whether it is air-dried or towel-dried. 

It’s not surprising…

Irritating ingredients could also contribute to the onset of diaper rash. 

For example, soap is not necessary for washing between diaper changes. But if you do, choose free-fragrance ingredients and make sure it is a gentle detergent, as this can be another irritant. 

If you use a dry method of cleaning such as baby wipes, look for wipes without irritating ingredients. Like fragrance, alcohol, or parabens.

3. The Diaper is Too Tight

Diaper rash can occur at the elastic at the waist and legs due to chafing. 

Here is how it happens…

Diapers include many layers to allow for air to travel through but keep moisture in

A diaper that is too tight may stop airflow from reaching parts of the diaper. This means creating an environment for more bacteria and a diaper rash to form faster. 

That’s said…

Diapers should have a bit of breathing room, usually two fingers width from the band, and it should not sag. 

4. Not Giving Baby’s Bum A Break

The best way to avoid diaper rash together is to not use diapers. 

Free the baby!

We know that this is not not feasible!

So why don’t you give your baby’s bum a chance to breathe?

Some parents air dry between washings or let their child hang around in the nude. 

Here is a tip for you…

Try setting up a special area with a towel or two laid down for them to play in the nude.

This works like magic. Yep!

Other causes of irritation in the diaper-skin area:

What you think is a diaper rash on your baby’s bottom could just as easily be another mild baby skin problem. 

This is why it is important to recognize the difference between diaper rash and other common conditions so that you can treat them all effectively. 

 For example,

Impetigo, seborrheic dermatitis, and miliary fever are the diseases most often confused with diaper rash.

Take a closer look now, Mommy… 

Impetigo:

This is a contagious bacterial skin infection.

It occurs in the diaper area, face, and hands causing crusty, honey-colored pimples and sores that blister and itch. 

Keep in mind, though…

All family members should wash their hands frequently with antibacterial soap to avoid spreading it.  

If you see this type of sore, call your pediatrician, who will likely prescribe antibiotic cream or an oral antibiotic.

Seborrheic dermatitis:

This common skin disease can affect infants during their first year. 

You will see protruding, rough red spots covered with thick white or yellow patches on your baby’s groin, genitals, and lower abdomen. 

…. and here is it

When this type of spot appears on the scalp, the disease is called cradle cap. 

Try applying an over-the-counter cortisone or hydrocortisone ointment to the affected areas, and keep your baby clean and dry. 

With this in mind,

If the disease does not go away quickly, see your pediatrician, who may prescribe a stronger cortisone cream.

Prickly heat:

Heat and humidity can cause miliary fever, which occurs when sweat builds upon the skin and cannot evaporate. 

This disease resembles an acne rash, with tiny pink pimples, and can occur on skin folds in the diaper area. 

 Humidity is the main cause of miliary fever! 

 So make sure your child is not overdressed and that their skin stays dry.

Then again…

If miliary fever seems severe, it’s time to contact the doctor.

1 – Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Diaper Rash Ointment | Maximum Strength

Best Butt Paste Diaper Rash Ointment

Value

Scent

Easy To Spread

Sensitive Skin

Overall Score
3
Brand: Boudreaux
Treats: Mild to moderate diaper rash
Type: Prevention and treatment
Age: 0 – 12 years
Weight: 4 Ounces
Active Ingredients: 16% zinc oxide
Item Dimensions: 3 x 4 x 5 inches

Bottom Line: This paste provides your baby with immediate relief from rash discomfort

Pros

Free of parabens, dyes, preservatives, and talc

Simple ingredients list

Tube design for sanitary use and easy application

Cons

Thick and not as spreadable

Others have higher zinc oxide content

Boudreaux’s has been around since the 1970s and is the original modern diaper rash cream. 

What makes it effective is its good concentration of 16% zinc oxide as an active ingredient. This helps form a moisture barrier between a baby’s bum and their diaper. 

This ointment comes in 1 oz. tube, and is free of parabens, dyes, preservatives, and talc. 

Most importantly,

It has a very simple ingredients list: zinc oxide, castor oil, mineral paraffin, Peruvian balsam, and white petrolatum. 

We appreciate the tube design as it feels more sanitary than past product designs in a tub. 

Keep in mind Mommy..

This paste is thick, which is key to avoiding diaper rash but may need some getting used to for first-time users.


2 – Desitin Maximum Strength Baby Diaper Rash Cream

Best Diaper Rash Cream with Maximum Strength

Value

Scent

Easy To Spread

Sensitive Skin

Overall Score
4
Brand: Desitin
Treats: Severe or stubborn diaper rash
Type: Treatment
Age: 6 months – 3 years
Weight: 5.6 Ounces
Active Ingredients: 40% zinc oxide
Item Dimensions: 1.69 x 2.38 x 6.94 inches

Bottom Line: It is the No.1 diaper cream recommended by American pediatricians

Pros

Thick but Easy to apply

Hypoallergenic

Made without parabens, phthalates, or dyes

Tub design for sanitary use and easy application

Cons

Contains fragrance and talc

Strong scent

Desitin diaper cream is divided into two types: blue protection type and purple enhanced type.

Here is a closer look…

The blue type is mainly on prevention, it can treat minor red buttocks, while the purple enhanced type is more effective for treating red buttocks. 

The prices of these two diaper creams are relatively low, and the cost performance is very high.

This is 40% zinc oxide, along with other ingredients to help with soothing diaper rash. All these ingredients serve to moisturize your baby’s bottom. 

But keep in mind,

Desitin does include potentially irritating ingredients, like fragrance and talc. It has a thick enough consistency without making a mess.

Those sensitive to smells may not appreciate the cod liver oil. 


3 – Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment

Best Multi-Purposes Healing Ointment

Value

Scent

Easy To Spread

Sensitive Skin

Overall Score
4.25
Brand: Aquaphor
Treats: Prevention to Mild Diaper Rash
Type: Prevention
Age: From birth
Weight: 14 Ounces
Active Ingredients: Semisolid
Item Dimensions: 3.8 x 3.8 x 3.6 inches

Bottom Line: A must-have product for babies with eczema and diaper rash recommended by American pediatricians, suitable for babies with very dry skin.

Pros

Includes soothing ingredients

Great multi-purpose ointment

41% petrolatum

Good value for money 

Cons

Tub packaging may not be as hygienic

Oily feeling not for everyone

This ointment is hypoallergenic as well as preservative and fragrance-free.

Aquaphor features a formulation with 41% petrolatum as the active ingredient.

Here is how it works..

This product can form an oily protective layer on the skin to prevent further infection of the baby’s skin.

The paste is relatively thick and can effectively lock the moisture in the skin. After application, it will not feel too sticky and the skin can still breathe freely.

Furthermore,

Not only you can use this to keep your baby from getting a diaper rash. But also it is a great all-over solution for other skin issues like eczema. 

With this in mind,

The tub that this comes in is not the most hygienic, but for price. It is generally more economical for the amount you get.


4 – A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment

Best Diaper Rash Ointment and Skin Protectant

Value

Scent

Easy To Spread

Sensitive Skin

Overall Score
3.75
Brand: A&D
Treats: Sore bottom ointment
Type: Prevention
Age: From birth 
Weight: 1.5 Ounce
Active Ingredients: Lanolin 15.5%, Petrolatum 53.4%
Item Dimensions: 6.05 x 2.56 x 4.63 inches

Bottom Line: This is a multi-purpose ointment that protects and moisturizes the skin.

Pros

Multi-purpose

Can handle stronger cases of diaper rash

Highly moisturizing

Cons

Has slight medicated smell

Contains fragrance

This diaper rash ointment includes other moisturizing ingredients like natural oils for long-lasting hydration.

It can soothe chapped lips and dry, cracked skin.

A+D is a stronger ointment and cures the strongest of diaper rash situations. 

Because of its gooey consistency, we appreciate the tube packaging for easy application. 

You may notice a medicated smell to this ointment, but this formula does include fragrance.


5 – Burt’s Bees Baby 100% Natural Origin Diaper Rash Ointment

Best Natural Diaper Rash Ointment

Value

Scent

Easy To Spread

Sensitive Skin

Overall Score
4
Brand: Burt’s Bees
Treats: Severe or stubborn diaper rash
Type: Prevention and treatment
Age: From birth 
Weight: 3 Ounces
Active Ingredients: zinc oxide 40%
Item Dimensions: 2.38 x 1.5 x 5.03 inches

Bottom Line: For those who have sensitive skin, this product is fragrance-free and has little to no scent

Pros

A high percentage of zinc oxide

High-quality moisturizing ingredients

Free of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or sodium lauryl sulfate

Cons

Formulated with essential oils

Thick consistency, not as spreadable

This Burt’s Bees Baby 100% Natural Origin Diaper Rash Ointment features a formula made with 40% zinc oxide. 

This helps to protect against bacteria. 

It also has sweet almond oil, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil to nourish your baby’s sensitive bum. 

Does your baby have sensitive skin?

If yes, then this product is right for you, and here is why..

Its formula contains no parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or sodium lauryl sulfate.

There are a lot of botanical ingredients in this diaper cream that are nourishing to the skin, including calendula extract. 

Rosemary and lavender oil are also part of the ingredients. These oils are not used for fragrance.

That’s said…

The Burt’s Bees formula is thick, but it is not spreadable. Even with the tub applicator, some may find it difficult to apply.


Why Trust Us?

Parenting is not as easy as you hear about it…

Sometimes, it takes parents a couple of days to just understand why their little one is crying and doesn’t sleep well.

Actually, I’ve been there..

You need to be patent, Yep!

That said,

Here at Newbabysmell.com we gathered most of the health information that you need to know about how to prevent diaper rash to help you deal with it easily.

Product development takes time…

That said, you cannot easily find a product that is developed specifically for your baby’s skin..

That’s why in this article we reviewed the 5 best baby diaper rash treatments that are used by hundreds and thousands of parents

Most importantly,

We included our personal experience along with the parents’ feedback to make this review a trusted resource for you.

Furthermore, Mommy…

We included a Buyers’ Guide section to help you choose the best treatment for your little tiny pooper!

Buyer’s Guide:

How To Choose The Best Diaper Rash Treatment

Here are helpful tips to help you choose a suitable diaper rash cream for your baby:

Look at the packaging first

As a rule, the composition is written on it.

It should be natural, though…

No chemical additives or fragrances should be close!

Ideally, it is great if panthenol, lanolin, vitamins, and herbal extracts can be found in the cream.

 

 

Each cream is suitable for a specific age

If the crumbs often have allergies, look for the mark “hypoallergenic”.

If you experience severe irritation symptoms, choose remedies after consulting your doctor.

We recommend you use only prophylactic diaper rash creams until symptoms appear.

Determine the type of baby’s skin

For a more problematic or overly sensitive type, choose a cream with emollient, antibacterial, drying, and regenerating effects.

With that being said..

Normal skin type accepts products with zinc and panthenol well.

Test it before spreading it

To test if the cream is right for your baby, apply a small amount to a neutral skin area.

After an hour or two, wash off and take a look at the skin..

If there is no negative reaction, the cream is safe to be used.

FAQ

Q1: Which kind of baby diaper rash treatment should I go for? Cream, lotion, or ointment?

Diaper rash ointments have a thicker texture, the highest oil content, and the best sealing and moisturizing effect. Ointment products use the least preservatives, so they are not easy to irritate the skin. They are suitable for extremely dry skin and skin that is prone to allergies; not suitable for skin that is prone to acne and acne that needs to breathe air.

Diaper rash creams with high water content than ointment products containing preservatives will be relatively more. They are not very sensitive to the skin, but they are not suitable for extremely dry and particularly sensitive skin.

Diaper rash lotions contain less oil than creams, have the highest water content, and have the lightest texture. But the high water content means that its shrinkage may not be particularly good, so the dry skin lotion products of the quarter are not very effective but will become drier.
Emulsion products are more suitable for skin that is relatively moist, for example, just after bathing, it is not suitable for extremely dry, particularly sensitive, and open wound skin.

Q2: When should I contact a doctor?

When a diaper rash does not heal for a long time, it is best to take your baby to see a doctor as soon as possible, and do not self-administer medication, which will easily aggravate the infection and complicate the condition.

Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results

Your child needs a protective diaper cream and a moisturizer for the body for daily use.

All creams & Ointments reviewed by Newbabysmell are safe to be used on a baby’s skin.

Yet, few features are important to consider when choosing one for your baby, and here they are:

  • Value for money
  • Scent
  • Easy to spread
  • Sensitive Skin

We lined up the 5 best diaper rash creams & Ointments in the same format to make it easy for you to compare…

Keep reading to see the results…

Value for money

This means to get something worth the money you pay for. 

Some diaper rash treatments come a little bit expensive and provide good treatment.

On the other hand,

Some are cheaper and give better results. 

Thus, parents must know which products are worth the investment…

We lined up the 5 reviewed diaper rash treatments in the same platform to help you choose what suits you the most.

Let’s now see the results…

Burt’s Bees, Desitin, and Aquaphor rash treatments came up as the top scorers. Their material and effectiveness make them worth the price you pay.. 

The A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment doesn’t suit all types of skin. Especially the sensitive type..

The Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is not a fav of all parents due to its thickness. Some even said that too much is wasted because it is hard to be spread on the skin!   

Scent

Well, baby products in general use some kinds of safe ingredients that don’t irritate. 

Keep in mind Mommy,

Some active ingredients have a unique scent that is part of their components and cannot be taken off.. 

If you are the kind of person who cannot handle such scents in the everyday diaper changes then stick with us till the end…

Below, we have the 5 best baby diaper rash treatments comparison lined up 

Let’s now see the results…

Aquaphor and Burt’s Bees ointments came at the top of the list in this section due to their light scent. They are a fav of those who have some kinds of allergies or can’t stand the strong smell

The A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment came at the bottom due to the strong medical smell

Easy to spread

As you probably know Mommy…

Babies need a diaper change minimum 4-6 times per day. Yep!

Imagine using a sticky or heavy type of diaper rash treatment each time you change a diaper! 

This is for sure an uncomfortable situation to deal with every day…

In this review, we added this aspect to our comparison lines to easily show you which one ranks better in the easy to spread aspect.

 Let’s now see the results…

Desitin and A+D treatments have the lightest texture and are very easy to spread on the skin. That is why they nailed the top score in this section of the comparison.

The Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is the thickest and the hardest to be spread. That is why it appeared at the bottom of the list.

The rest of the products are in the acceptable level of thickness

Sensitive Skin

Babies are born with different skin types.

That’s why parents must Know their baby’s skin type before using any kind of creams and lotions

You gotta be careful here, Mommy…

Read all the ingredients in the package before buying the diaper rash treatment.

Some kinds of treatments may not help, but make the condition even worse!

Below, we lined up the reviewed diaper rash treatments in terms of using them on sensitive baby skins so you can choose a suitable kind for your little one

 Let’s now see the results…

The Burt’s Bees is 100% natural rash ointment, which makes it the best choice for sensitive babies.

The Aquaphor is highly recommended by pediatricians for babies with sensitive and dry skin as well.

Our Final Verdict: Best Diaper Rash Ointment

Almost done…

Below, we highlight the best diaper rash cream based on its features

Take a look to narrow down your selection!

Conclusion: Best Diaper Rash Creams and Ointments

Now, we’re finished and ready to present the final thoughts…

We presented 5 of the best diaper rash creams and compared them based on their features to help you in your buying decision…

Keep in mind, though…

You should always choose and narrow your options based on your baby’s age, skin type, and rash’s severity

Finally..

It is time to take a look at our editors’ choice, the best value, and top pick options: