Barrier Creams & Cloth Nappies: What You Need to Know

Barrier creams can feel like a lifesaver when your little one’s skin needs extra care. They create a thin layer between your baby’s skin and moisture—helping to prevent irritation, friction burns, and rashes. This is especially helpful if your bub has sensitive skin or is going through a season of loose poos. 🌿

But if you’re using cloth nappies, you might wonder: are barrier creams safe? Let’s break it down.

Safe with Cloth Nappies

Good news: all commercial barrier creams are safe to use with cloth nappies! The trick is in how much you use. A thin layer is all that’s needed—less is more. Too much cream can transfer onto the fabric of the nappy, potentially trapping moisture instead of keeping it away.

💡 Still unsure or dealing with ongoing rashes? Book a cloth nappy consult with Earthside Eco Bums for personalised support—we’ll help you troubleshoot, adjust your routine, and find solutions that work for your family.

Washing Tips

Many creams contain zinc oxide, beeswax, or oils designed to stick to the skin. If some of that transfers to your nappy, it may build up over time. Here’s how to avoid issues:

• Apply only a light layer at each change.

• If you’re using cream regularly, slightly increase detergent and wash at 60°C.

• Unsure how a cream will behave? Use a microfleece liner as a test run.
  
  

When to Use

Every family’s routine looks different. Some parents apply cream at every change, others only overnight, and some just when needed. Cloth nappies actually help you keep a closer eye on your baby’s skin, so you can respond more quickly to changes. If irritation doesn’t improve, it might not be the cream or the nappy—it could be detergent build-up, fabric sensitivity, or even an allergen. In those cases, it’s always good to check in with a healthcare professional.

Final Thoughts

Barrier creams are usually not needed with cloth nappies, as there is no need for a “barrier” from natural fabrics. Most rashes are caused by chemical reactions between a baby’s urine and the chemicals in disposable nappies. Using cloth nappies allows us to pay closer attention to the cause of rashes, providing valuable insight into our babies’ digestive systems and potential allergens. For example, reactions to the acid in tomatoes are quite common.

For this reason, a soothing cream is best—ideally one with less zinc oxide, as zinc can create a barrier that reduces absorbency. The further down the ingredient list zinc oxide appears, the less is in the tube, making it better suited for cloth nappy use.

Why Cloth Wipes Deserve the Spotlight

When talking about skin health, it’s impossible not to mention wipes. Disposable wipes often contain allergens, synthetic fragrances, or toxins that can trigger reactions—especially on sensitive skin. Cloth wipes, on the other hand, are gentle, reusable, and safe. They replace disposables entirely, meaning fewer irritants for your baby and less waste in your bin. 💛

With a good barrier cream and cloth wipes in your toolkit, you’re setting your little one up for happier, healthier skin.

💡 Want to make the switch to cloth nappies simple? Check out our Bundles at Earthside Eco Bums. They’re the most cost-effective way to stock up on nappies, cloth wipes, and more—so you save money while giving your family the very best. Limited prints (like Essence!) won’t stick around forever, so grab yours while they last!