If you are a parent, then you know that diaper rash is a common problem. Diaper rashes are caused by many things, such as wetness, chafing, irritation, and bacteria. Luckily, there are many ways to treat diaper rash. One of the best ways is to make your own homemade diaper rash cream for the diaper change.
We’ve done a whole series of natural home made remedies to treat diaper rash, however, we’ve pulled together our top 5 rash creams here. We’ve even done a guide to cloth diapering and using diaper rash cream.
Why make a Natural Diaper Rash Cream?
There are a few reasons why you might want to make your own diaper rash cream:
- You may want to avoid chemicals and other harsh ingredients.
- You may want to save money.
- You may want a more natural option.
- You may not be able to find the commercial diaper rash cream that you need.
Whatever your reason, these recipes are simple, affordable, and effective.
How to make a Natural Diaper Rash Cream?
Making your own diaper rash cream is easy. You just need a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen.
Here are the basic steps:
1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
2. If the mixture is too thick, add more water until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. Apply to the affected area as needed.
You can also add essential oils to your cream for extra healing power.
The 5 Best Homemade Diaper Rash Cream Recipes
Whilst we’ve made and tested hundreds of diaper rash recipes over the years, these are my five favorites. I’ve mixed them up so no matter what ingredients you have or want to use, then there should be something for you.
1. Coconut Oil and Beeswax Diaper Rash Cream Recipe
This is a great recipe that is very effective and safe for both babies and adults. it only requires three ingredients: coconut oil, beeswax, and lavender oil (optional).
Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup beeswax (can be replaced with shea butter if you prefer vegan options_
10 drops lavender oil (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine the coconut oil and beeswax in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir until the wax has melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes then pour into a glass bowl.
4. Add the lavender oil (if using) and stir well.
5. Pour into a jar or container and store in a cool, dark place.
Apply as needed to diaper rash.
2. Shea Butter and Lavender Diaper Rash Cream Recipe
This recipe is simple and uses only two ingredients: shea butter and lavender oil.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup shea butter
10 drops lavender oil
Instructions:
1. Melt the shea butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
3. Add the lavender oil and stir well.
4. Pour into a jar or container and store in a cool, dark place.
Apply as needed to diaper rash. This is great for moisturing a dry skin rash. The lavender essential oil can be replaced with any essential oil that you prefer.
3. Rash Cream With Zinc Oxide
This recipe uses zinc oxide to help treat the rash. Zinc oxide is a natural mineral that helps to soothe and protect the skin.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup zinc oxide
2 tablespoons calendula oil
2 tablespoons lavender oil
Instructions:
1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
2. If the mixture is too thick, add more oil until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. Apply to the affected area as needed.
4. Store in a cool, dark place.
Apply as needed to diaper rash.
4. Aloe Vera and Chamomile Diaper Rash Cream Recipe
This recipe uses two ingredients that are great for healing and soothing the skin: aloe vera and chamomile.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup aloe vera gel
1/4 cup chamomile oil
Instructions:
1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
2. If the mixture is too thick, add more oil until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. Apply to the affected area as needed.
4. Store in a cool, dark place.
Apply as needed to diaper rash. Chamomile oil can be replaced with lavender oil or any other essential oil that you prefer.
5. Rash Cream With Cornstarch
This recipe uses cornstarch to help absorb moisture and protect the skin.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons calendula oil
2 tablespoons lavender oil
Instructions:
1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
2. If the mixture is too thick, add more oil until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. Apply to the affected area as needed.
4. Store in a cool, dark place.
Apply as needed to diaper rash. Cornstarch can be replaced with zinc oxide if you prefer a more protective cream.
Ingredient substitutions:
If you don’t have one of the ingredients or want to try a different option, then here are some substitutes that you can try in your natural diaper cream:
-Coconut oil can be replaced with olive oil, avocado oil, or any other type of carrier oil. When using coconut oil it’s best to use extra virgin coconut oil.
-Beeswax can be replaced with shea butter, cocoa butter, or any other type of thick wax or butter.
-Lavender oil can be replaced with any other type of essential oil. Read our guide to the best essential oils for baby’s diaper rash. You will need to check with each oil to see if it is cloth diaper safe before use.
-Calendula oil can be replaced with rosehip oil, apricot kernel oil, or any other type of carrier oil or even vitamin e oil. When it comes to homemade diaper cream you can really mix and match for what suits you.
-Zinc oxide can be replaced with cornstarch, baby powder, arrowroot powder or any other type of powder. Whilst some people have claimed that cornstarch should not be used with yeast rashes, recent research has shown that actually, you can put it on a yeast rash, it won’t make the rash worse. You should use non-nano particle zinc oxide powder if you can source it for making homemade lotions, it has antifungal properties and keeps baby’s bum stay dry.
-Chamomile oil can be replaced with lavender oil, rosemary oil, or any other type of essential oil. Chamomile essential oil is great for baby’s sensitive skin so if you are replacing it, ensure you replace with another one which is both cloth diaper friendly and good with sensitive skin.
-Aloe vera gel can be replaced with witch hazel, rose water, or any other type of herbal extract.
Be sure to keep track of which ingredients work best for you and your child’s skin. You may want to stick with those ingredients for future batches. Have fun experimenting!
Guide to the Best Ingredients for homemade nappy rash creams
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Ideal for yeast rashes as a spritz, cleaner (instead of baby wipes) or in a bath. |
| Oat meal | Can be used in a paste or to make a bath. |
| Baking Soda | Can be used in a paste or to make a bath. |
| Breast Milk | To make a diaper cream lotion or put in to make a soothing bath. |
| Olive Oil | Good base oil for any rash, can also be used in a bath. |
| Yogurt | Good for calming skin with a yeast rash |
| Coconut oil | Good base oil for any rash, can also be used in a bath. |
| Aloe Vera | Good base cream for any rash, can also be used in a bath. |
| Cornstarch | To make a diaper cream lotion or put in to make a soothing bath. Great for keeping baby dry. |
| Shea Butter | Good base oil for any rash, |
| Zinc oxide | To make a diaper cream lotion. Great for keeping baby dry. |
| Witch Hazel | Great as a spritze or to make a lotion. |
| Burnt Flour | Good as a diaper cream base or as a powder to keep bum dry. |
| Calamine Lotion | Good for stinging diaper rash |
| Lanolin | Good to keep skin dry and as a base |
| Egg Whites | Good as a protective barrier cream |
| Vitamin E Oil | Good as a base for any diaper rash cream |
| White Vinegar | Good as a spritzer or in a bath |
| Baby Powder | Good as a base for any lotion |
| Arrowroot Powder | Great replacement for zinc oxide, as a base in cream or baby powder. |
| Bentonite Clay | Great replacement for zinc oxide, as a base in cream or baby powder. |
| Essential Oils | Good for anti bacterial and anti fungal properties, can be used in any cream or in a bath. |
Essential Oils
We’ve covered the Best Essential Oils for Diaper Rashes here, what you would use and why. Where we have used essential oils in the above recipes, you can use any of the oils suggested, or indeed any other oil that you have on hand.
Some of our favorites for diaper rash include lavender oil, tea tree oil, chamomile oil and spearmint oil. If you’re using essential oil for the first time, start with a low dose (1-3drops) and increase if needed
Remember that essential oils should always be diluted before use, especially on delicate skin areas like the diaper rash. You can dilute by mixing with a carrier oil such as olive oil, grapeseed oil or coconut oil.
A Word on Herbs
If you’re looking for an alternative to essential oils, then herbs can be a great option. You can use dried herbs, or make an infusion by steeping fresh herbs in hot water.
Some of our favorite herbs for diaper rash include calendula flowers, chamomile, lavender, and witch hazel. You can use any combination of these herbs, or choose your own favorites.
Store your herb mixture in an airtight container, and apply as needed to the diaper rash. Be sure to label your container with the ingredients and the date so you know what’s in it!
Tips and Tricks for Using Homemade Diaper Rash Cream
-If the cream is too thick, add more oil until it reaches the desired consistency. The perfect creamy consistency can be found by increasing or decreasing the ingredients to suit.
-If the cream is too thin, add more cornstarch until it reaches the desired consistency.
-If you’re using essential oils, dilute with a carrier oil before use.
-Apply to the affected area as needed.
-Store in a cool, dark place. Store in a clean glass gar away from direct sunlight or heat.
-Be sure to label your creams with the ingredients and the date. The shelf life on conventional diaper creams is probably years, but the shelf life on your home made cream is probably only 6 months.
What is the best homemade diaper rash cream?
The best diaper rash cream is the one that works best for you and your child. There are lots of variations possible, so feel free to experiment until you find the right combination of ingredients.
It can also vary depending on the type of rash your child has and also if you are using cloth diapers. All of the natural diaper rash cream recipes above are perfect safe for use with cloth diapers. If you are worried about your cloth diaper, you can always just put a paper liner barrier on it to protect it from the diaper cream.
If you have a bad diaper rash then you might want to make a butt paste with these recipes and combine it with a soothing healing bath for diaper rash to heal baby’s bum fast.
The Bottom Line on diy diaper rash cream
If you want to make your own diaper rash creams to put on baby’s skin either to heal irritated skin or to prevent diaper rash cream then always remember to do skin patch tests first.
We’ve shared some of our favorite recipes above, but remember that you can adapt them to suit your own needs. So go ahead and give them a try – we’re sure you’ll love them!
This article was written by: Gian MIller – Full-Time Writer, Baby Whisperer & Dad of 3.
Gian spends a lot of his time writing. A self-proclaimed baby whisperer, Gian has been through it all with his own children and is passionate about sharing his hard-won wisdom with other parents. When he’s not writing or changing diapers, you can find him playing the guitar or watching baseball (or preferably both at the same time).
