Our daughter had a persistent diaper rash that wouldn’t quit. We tried every cream, every “sensitive” brand of disposable diaper, every trick the pediatrician suggested. Nothing worked for more than a day or two.
Then we switched to cloth. Within 48 hours, her rash was completely gone.
I’m not here to fear-monger about disposable diapers. Most babies do fine with them. But if you’re dealing with chronic diaper rash, mysterious skin reactions, or persistent irritation, it’s worth understanding what’s actually touching your baby’s skin 24/7.
What’s Actually in Disposable Diapers?
The honest answer is: we don’t fully know. Diaper manufacturers aren’t required to disclose all their ingredients. But here’s what we do know is commonly used:
Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs)
These are the gel crystals that absorb liquid. They’re incredibly effective - that’s why disposables can hold so much pee. The main SAP used is sodium polyacrylate.
Is it safe? Probably, for most babies. It’s generally considered non-toxic. However:
- Some studies suggest prolonged exposure to the heat it generates might affect scrotal temperature in boys
- If the crystals come into direct contact with broken skin, they can cause irritation
- Some babies seem sensitive to it (like ours was)
Dyes and Fragrances
Many disposable diapers contain:
- Dyes for the designs and color indicators
- Synthetic fragrances to mask odors
- Lotions or aloe (yes, even on “natural” brands)
These are common allergens. Even “unscented” diapers often contain masking fragrances.
Chlorine and Dioxins
Most disposable diapers are bleached white using chlorine. This process can create trace amounts of dioxins (known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors).
The amounts are tiny - well below EPA safety limits. But they’re there, and your baby is exposed to them continuously.
Phthalates
These plasticizers make the diaper flexible. They’re also endocrine disruptors. A 2014 study found phthalates in most major disposable diaper brands tested.
Our Experience: The Rash That Wouldn’t Quit
Our daughter’s rash started around 4 months. Red, angry, sometimes blistered. We tried:
- Every “natural” disposable brand (Honest, Bambo, Seventh Generation)
- Prescription diaper rash creams
- Probiotics
- Elimination diets for me (I was breastfeeding)
- More frequent changes
- Air-dry time
The rash would improve slightly, then come back. Our pediatrician suggested it might be a yeast infection, but the antifungal cream didn’t help either.
Finally, out of desperation and frustration, I bought a trial pack of cloth diapers from a local mom group. Within two days, the rash was 80% better. Within a week, completely gone.
Why Cloth Made a Difference for Us
After a lot of research and experimenting, here’s what I think happened:
1. Breathability
Cloth (especially natural fibers like cotton or bamboo) breathes better than plastic-backed disposables. This means:
- Less moisture trapped against skin
- Lower skin temperature
- Better air circulation
2. No Chemical Exposure
With cloth, I knew exactly what was touching her skin:
- 100% organic cotton or bamboo
- No fragrances, dyes, or gels
- No mysterious “absorbency boosters”
3. More Frequent Changes
This one is controversial, but true: we change cloth diapers more frequently than we did disposables. Disposables are so absorbent that you can go longer between changes. With cloth, you feel the wetness sooner, so you change sooner.
More frequent changes = less prolonged exposure to moisture and bacteria.
4. Less Waste, But That’s a Bonus
I’ll be honest: we switched for her skin, not the environment. The environmental benefits are real and significant, but they weren’t our primary motivation. The rash relief was.
When Disposables Might Be Causing Issues
Consider trying cloth (or at least switching disposable brands) if your baby has:
- Persistent diaper rash that doesn’t respond to treatment
- Rashes that appear in the exact shape of where the diaper touches
- Reactions to multiple diaper brands
- Eczema or known chemical sensitivities
- Rashes that improve dramatically during diaper-free time
The “Natural” Disposable Diaper Myth
We spent a fortune on “eco-friendly,” “chemical-free,” “natural” disposable diapers. Here’s the truth: they’re still disposables. They still contain SAPs, they’re still plastic-backed, and they still need to hold urine for hours.
They might be slightly better (no chlorine bleaching, no fragrances, plant-based materials), but they’re not that different from regular disposables where it counts.
But Cloth Isn’t Perfect Either
Let’s be balanced here. Cloth diapers have their own considerations:
- You need to wash them (detergent residue can cause rashes if not rinsed properly)
- Some babies are sensitive to certain fabrics (microfiber can irritate some babies)
- If you use diaper creams with cloth, you need cloth-safe ones
- Hard water can cause mineral buildup that irritates skin
We had to experiment with different fabrics and washing routines to find what worked for our daughter’s sensitive skin.
What Worked For Us
After seven years and two kids, here’s our winning combination:
Diapers:
- Natural fiber inners (organic cotton or bamboo)
- Avoid microfiber directly against skin
- PUL (polyurethane laminate) covers are fine - they don’t touch skin directly
Washing routine:
- Hot water wash with minimal detergent (we use Tide Free & Clear, about half the recommended amount)
- Extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent
- Line dry when possible (sun is a natural bleach and antibacterial)
Creams:
- Cloth-safe creams only (no petroleum-based products)
- We use coconut oil for minor irritation
- CJ’s BUTTer balm for anything more serious
The Bottom Line
If your baby is happy in disposables with no skin issues, there’s no need to switch. But if you’re fighting chronic diaper rash and feeling desperate, consider that it might not be the rash cream that’s the problem - it might be the diaper itself.
For us, switching to cloth wasn’t just about environmental consciousness or saving money (though both are nice side effects). It was about our daughter’s comfort and health.
The rash that plagued her for months disappeared in days. That was all the evidence I needed.
Resources and Studies
- Environmental Working Group’s “Disposable Diaper Study” (2019)
- “Phthalates and Hidden Chemicals in Diapers” - Reproductive Toxicology Journal
- FDA guidance on diaper safety and chemical exposure
- Multiple pediatric dermatology studies on contact dermatitis from diaper materials
I’m not a medical professional. This is our family’s experience. Always consult your pediatrician for persistent rashes or skin concerns.