This is a question that many parents ask, and the answer is not always clear. Fleece can be a sensitizing fabric for some babies, causing them to develop a rash.
If your baby has a fleece sensitivity or fleece allergy, it can be very uncomfortable and even painful. In this article, we will explore the relationship between fleece and diaper rash, and offer some tips for preventing and treating this common problem.
What is fleece?
If there is such a thing as a man-made miracle product, fleece fabric is it. Despite being called after a sheep’s coat, it is 100% synthetic and derived from plastic rather than a fluffy sheep’s coat — despite feeling soft to the touch.
This magical material’s incredibly soft, warm, and breathable nature makes it ideal for coats and all things snug.
Should you use fleece on your baby?
Fleece is ideal for lightweight warmth, but because it retains heat so effectively, it can irritate delicate skin and produce heat rash in hotter regions.
If you do decide to use fleece on your newborn, make sure it is thin and only used on the outside layers so it can be readily removed if it begins to bother your baby’s skin.
What is fleece sensitivity?
If your baby develops a rash after wearing a cloth diaper made of fleece or a fleece liner, she may have textile or clothing dermatitis. This is a type of contact dermatitis.
Your baby’s skin is responding to the fibers in your garments, as well as the dyes, resins, and other chemicals used to treat the clothing she wears.
Can babies be allergic to fleece?
Yes, although it is extremely rare for babies to be allergic to fleece. If your baby has a rash after wearing fleece, it is more likely that she is sensitive to the fabric than allergic.
Does fleece cause a diaper rash?
Fleece can be a sensitizing diaper fabric for some babies, causing them to develop a cloth diaper rash, skin irritation and in some cases bad rashes. If your baby has a fleece sensitivity or fleece allergy, it can be very uncomfortable and even painful. Some babies are allergic to synthetic fabrics like fleece in liners and diapers, which is widely used in pocket diapers.
What can you do if fleece causes diaper rash?
If you determine that fleece is causing your baby’s diaper rash, there are a few things you can do:
- Try using different types of cloth diapers (natural fibers like cotton) to prevent rashes.
- Switch to disposable diapers until the rash clears up.
- Use a fleece liner inside of a disposable diaper.
- Wipe your baby’s skin with a cool, wet cloth in cold water after each diaper change.
- Consider a rash cream that is safe for cloth diapers.
- Apply diaper rash creams to your baby’s skin or in the diaper area before putting on a diaper.
If the rash persists even after applying diaper rash creams, or if your baby develops other symptoms such as a fever, contact your pediatrician.
Additional information
Teething, sensitivities to certain chemicals in laundry detergents and even food intolerances can all cause irritation of the skin. This is something every parent who has started cloth diapering should understand.
So, before you gather all of your cloth diapers and ignite the pyre, let’s take a look at some frequent reasons why rashes can occur even in cloth diapered babies and address them as well.
Diaper changes on a regular basis are the simplest and most effective strategy to prevent diaper rash. Rashes can be caused by repeated exposure to this on your baby’s sensitive skin. Keep in mind that a regular wash routine and diaper laundry will not kill the yeast.
Rashes From Using Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapering is good but it is critical that your child be cleaned after each diaper change. This implies that even if there is no poop, the baby must be wet wiped and then air-dried or pat dried before putting on the next cloth diaper. Most of the time, it is poor cleaning and hygiene that causes urine/poop residues to cause rashes in babies.
If overlooked, poor hygiene habits might lead to UTI in babies, which would necessitate medical intervention.
Rashes caused by wet wiping
This is one of the most common causes of rashes in newborns. However, most people will focus on the cloth diaper and never on the wipes. Disposable baby wipes typically contain chemicals, perfumes, and moisturizers to which babies may be allergic.
It is strongly advised that you use a rash cream, wipes and a safe wash solution, preferably homemade if feasible, or simply plain water. It is also possible and doable to use cloth wipes while on the go and away from the house. Simply keep soiled wipes and fleece liners in a wet bag and wash in the same manner as you would cloth diapers.
Rashes as a result of infrequent diaper changes
Cloth diapers, while quite effective, are, after all, made of cloth. They’ll only be able to hold so much at a time. As a result, unlike chemical-laden disposables, you will most likely need to change cloth diapers more frequently. A cloth diaper rash will develop if a youngster is left in a moist and damp cloth diaper for an extended period of time. A single incidence may not cause much harm, but repeated exposure can result in a rash.
A reasonable time frame for changing the time of day for newborn infants is every 2 hours. You can even extend it up to 4 hours for toddlers, depending on their peeing capacity. And, of course, if there is a poop episode, cloth diapers must be changed right away.
Cloth diaper friction rashes
Cloth diapering is easy but it is critical to have a decent fit with cloth diapers – neither too loose (which will result in leaks or friction rashes) nor too tight (which will result in leaks or friction rashes) (leaks or elastic marks.)
When babies move or crawl, the cloth diaper brushes against their genitals, causing friction sores. Rubbing causes a cloth diaper rash, which can be highly unpleasant and painful for the baby.
It is simple to treat friction diaper rashes. Just make certain that you obtain a proper fit. Don’t be afraid about a tight fit on the cloth diaper. It will not be painful for the infant. Most people and caregivers are concerned about a snug fit because they are used to disposables that hang loose in the baby’s crotch.
This is not the case with cloth diapers, which should fit snugly like underwear. I understand that cloth diapering requires effort, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty simple peasy lemon squeezy. And, unfortunately, if you don’t love your cloth diapers sufficiently, they won’t love your baby’s bottom either.
Conclusion
Diaper rash with cloth diapers is less prevalent than in disposable diapers, although it does occur. While fleece can cause diaper rash in some babies, it is more often a result of poor hygiene habits or infrequent cloth diaper changes. Ensuring that you use cloth wipes and a safe wash solution, change diapers frequently, and obtain a proper fit can help prevent friction diaper rashes caused by cloth diapers.
