There is no single rule for how often to use diaper cream. The answer for your baby is on the label of the cream you own, and with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. The sections below take the common questions one at a time, from day versus night to cloth diapers.
Do you need cream at every change?
That depends on the product, your baby's skin and the advice of your care provider, which is why different people give you different answers. Some families use a barrier cream at each change, some use it only when the skin looks irritated, and some use it at certain times of day. Which of these suits your baby is for the label and your care provider to settle, not for a general rule.
A better starting point is to look at your baby's skin at every change, in good light. Notice redness, bumps or raw patches, and tell your nurse or doctor about anything that worries you.
What labels say about how often
The directions on a diaper cream are the place to look for when and how often to use that product, and the wording is not the same on every pack. They may be printed on the tube or tub, on the outer carton or under a peel-back label, so keep the carton until you have read it. Look for three things:
- How often: at each change, as needed, or something else.
- When: for example at bedtime, or when the skin looks irritated.
- For whom: some labels name an age or ask you to check with a professional first.
Two products in our range show why one rule does not fit everyone: Penaten Medicated Creamy Diaper Rash Cream, Zinc Oxide, 113 g and Aquaphor Baby Multi-Purpose Ointment, Fragrance Free, 85 g. One title describes a medicated diaper rash cream and the other a multi-purpose ointment, so their directions may differ. Read each label rather than assuming. If a label gives no frequency at all, a pharmacist can explain what the wording means for your product. For the other parts of the pack, see our guide on how to read a diaper rash cream label in Canada.
Is it fine to use a barrier cream when skin looks normal?
A barrier cream is designed to sit on the skin as a layer. Labels can describe routine use at changes, use when skin looks irritated, or both, so the answer for your product is on its label. If you would like to use a cream routinely and the label does not say whether that suits your baby, ask your pharmacist or nurse.
Skin that looks normal does not change the basics. A gentle clean and a dry start come first, whether or not a cream follows.
Does it matter whether it is day or night?
Check whether your label names a time of day, because some directions do. Beyond that, night is simply the longest gap between changes for many babies, so families often think about it separately. Whatever the label says, the clean, dry start comes first, and any cream goes on as the label directs. If you are not sure whether your baby needs a change during the night, ask your doctor or nurse.
Does the answer change with cloth diapers?
The frequency question is answered in the same way, by the label and your care provider. What changes is the fabric. Some creams can leave residue on cloth, which can affect how well it absorbs, and cloth diaper makers can give instructions on which creams suit their diapers and whether to use a liner. Read the care instructions that came with yours before you start. You can see the range in the cloth and reusable diapers collection.
Who to ask when advice conflicts
Relatives, friends, forums and labels can all disagree. When they do, the label of your own product is the guide for how to use that product, and a health professional is the guide for anything about your baby's skin. Start with your pharmacist, who can read the label with you, then your public health nurse, family doctor or nurse practitioner. Your province or territory may also offer a telephone health advice line, so look up what is available where you live.
Before an appointment, gather:
- The cream itself, or a photo of its label and ingredient list.
- How often and at what times you apply it.
- When you first noticed the redness or change, and whether it comes and goes.
- What has changed recently, such as a new diaper brand or size, new wipes or a new laundry detergent.
If the skin looks raw, broken, bleeding or blistered, or a rash is not improving, do not wait for a routine appointment to ask. When you are ready to compare creams, the diaper rash creams and ointments collection puts them in one place, and each product page lets you check the details before you decide.
Shop this guide
- Barriere Silicone Cream, 450 g (ships via Amazon)
- Frida Baby Silicone Diaper Cream Spatula (ships via Amazon)
- Desitin Diaper Rash Cream Baby, Zinc Oxide, Maximum Strength, 113g (ships via Amazon)
- Remedy Phytoplex Hydraguard, Unscented Protective Cream, 4oz (ships via Amazon)
- See all: Diaper Rash Creams & Ointments
Prices are on each product page. Free shipping on orders of $100 or more within Canada.
Common questions
Is more cream better?
Not automatically. The label sets out how much to use, so a thicker layer is not a more correct one, and it empties the container sooner. If your pack leaves you guessing about the amount, take it to the pharmacy counter and ask.
How do I keep everyone on the same routine?
Write down or photograph the label directions and keep them near the change table, so grandparents, sitters and partners follow the same steps. If your child is in daycare, ask the provider about its policy on creams.
Can I stop using a cream once the skin looks better?
That is a question for your pharmacist, nurse or doctor, because the answer depends on your baby and on the product. Read the directions and warnings on the label as well, and bring the cream with you when you ask.
Still unsure which cream to look at? Write to us on the contact page, and we will help you narrow it down.