There is conflict regarding whether zinc is safe for cloth diapers. Zinc is the primary ingredient in the majority of OTC and prescription creams for diaper rash. If it's bright white and very thick - then it's zinc!
A little science:
Zinc can ultimately lead to some big problems for cloth diapers. Zinc is a repellant, which is why it is so useful as a preventative measure against diaper rash. When baby sits in urine (or feces for that matter), the zinc keeps baby protected from the moisture, making baby's skin less susceptible to rash. However, the cream is very quickly drawn into the absorbent cotton and fleece that serve as the outer layers of cloth diaper interiors. This makes an absorbent diaper quickly become a repelling diaper; one that won't wick in any moisture. Consequently, the diaper fails to absorb any urine, so you have the potential for MAJOR leaks! Zinc also builds up over time even with adequate washing and can make a diaper less and less absorbent. Zinc also stains cloth diapers. It should also be mentioned that many creams also have oils that also aren't cloth diaper friendly.
So what do we do?
Our options:
Add a barrier! If your baby is extra sensitive or prone to rash, there are linings that can be added to the interior of the diaper. The diaper is then protected from the cream, and baby is protected from the moisture. There are washable fleece/silk liners, disposable rayon liners, and some moms just throw in a cloth of some sort. See here for a demo: GMD Liners
Use a diaper friendly cream! There are a few (and many more seem to be coming out as cloth diapering gains popularity) creams that are safe for cloth diapers.
Here is a GREAT resource for creams: PinStripes and PolkaDots
Use a natural diaper rash remedy! Many natural oils provide great treatment for rash and protect against irritation. Coconut oil is very highly recommended. Purchase from a local grocery market (it comes solid unless it is over 85 degrees or so) and simply rub on like any other cream! If it is liquid, you can apply in the same manner or add to a spray bottle and spray on. Olive oil is another recommended treatment, and would be applied in the same way. Lanolin is another potential remedy as it has healing and softening properties. It is available in tubes or jars and is semi-solid. Lanolin can be found at most pharmacies and markets. It is also often available in stores targeted towards nursing mothers, as it is recommended for keeping mom's nipples free from irritation.
Strip diapers or add an extra wash and rinse! I'll go into diaper care details more precisely later on, but adding extra washes and rinses will often remove cream buildup and increase diaper absorption. Stripping diapers removes any buildup (cream, detergent, staining) but is a bit more work (and not recommended for everyday washing).
Diapers in use at the moment:
Son1: BG4 Artist Series Red
Son2: TotsBots Easyfit White
A little science:
Zinc can ultimately lead to some big problems for cloth diapers. Zinc is a repellant, which is why it is so useful as a preventative measure against diaper rash. When baby sits in urine (or feces for that matter), the zinc keeps baby protected from the moisture, making baby's skin less susceptible to rash. However, the cream is very quickly drawn into the absorbent cotton and fleece that serve as the outer layers of cloth diaper interiors. This makes an absorbent diaper quickly become a repelling diaper; one that won't wick in any moisture. Consequently, the diaper fails to absorb any urine, so you have the potential for MAJOR leaks! Zinc also builds up over time even with adequate washing and can make a diaper less and less absorbent. Zinc also stains cloth diapers. It should also be mentioned that many creams also have oils that also aren't cloth diaper friendly.
So what do we do?
Our options:
Add a barrier! If your baby is extra sensitive or prone to rash, there are linings that can be added to the interior of the diaper. The diaper is then protected from the cream, and baby is protected from the moisture. There are washable fleece/silk liners, disposable rayon liners, and some moms just throw in a cloth of some sort. See here for a demo: GMD Liners
Use a diaper friendly cream! There are a few (and many more seem to be coming out as cloth diapering gains popularity) creams that are safe for cloth diapers.
Here is a GREAT resource for creams: PinStripes and PolkaDots
Use a natural diaper rash remedy! Many natural oils provide great treatment for rash and protect against irritation. Coconut oil is very highly recommended. Purchase from a local grocery market (it comes solid unless it is over 85 degrees or so) and simply rub on like any other cream! If it is liquid, you can apply in the same manner or add to a spray bottle and spray on. Olive oil is another recommended treatment, and would be applied in the same way. Lanolin is another potential remedy as it has healing and softening properties. It is available in tubes or jars and is semi-solid. Lanolin can be found at most pharmacies and markets. It is also often available in stores targeted towards nursing mothers, as it is recommended for keeping mom's nipples free from irritation.
Strip diapers or add an extra wash and rinse! I'll go into diaper care details more precisely later on, but adding extra washes and rinses will often remove cream buildup and increase diaper absorption. Stripping diapers removes any buildup (cream, detergent, staining) but is a bit more work (and not recommended for everyday washing).
Diapers in use at the moment:
Son1: BG4 Artist Series Red
Son2: TotsBots Easyfit White
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