Cloth Nappies and Nappy Rash: What You Need to Know

Nappy rash happens to almost every baby at some point, cloth or disposable, and it's rarely a sign that something is wrong with your setup. It's usually just a sign that something needs a small adjustment.

What's usually behind it

• Teething: a rash can be a normal part of teething, as poos can be more acidic during this time.
• A new food: rash can show up when something new is introduced.
• Time between changes: a nappy left on slightly too long can be enough to cause irritation. We recommend aiming for a change about every 2 hours, inline with WHO recommendations.

If any of these fit, the rash will usually settle once the trigger passes, with frequent changes and some nappy free time where possible.

If it could be your wash routine

A few things tend to cause rash in cloth using families specifically. Ammonia build up from a wash routine that isn’t quite removing all the soiling is one of the most common. It tends to show up as redness everywhere the wet nappy touched, rather than just a small patch. You may notice a sharp ammonia smell when the nappy becomes wet.

If that’s what you’re experiencing, it’s worth working through a wash routine check before anything else, since the rash will likely keep returning until that’s resolved. Our care and washing instructions cover what a solid routine looks like, and our guide to why cloth nappies smell walks through troubleshooting step by step. For detailed advice on washing and detergents, Clean Cloth Nappies is the trusted source in Australia.

Can you use barrier cream with cloth nappies?

Yes. Barrier cream is completely fine to use with cloth, it just needs a slightly different approach to washing afterwards. Oil and zinc based creams can build up on absorbent fabric over time and affect how well your nappy performs, so a hot wash, up to 60°C, helps clear that residue and keep your inserts working properly.

Should you change your fit if rash keeps happening?

Sometimes. A nappy that's slightly too snug around the legs or waist can contribute to irritation in the same way any tight clothing might. It's worth checking your fit against our Cloth Nappy Fitting Guide if rash keeps appearing in the same spot each time, since that's often a fit clue rather than a wash one.

When to see a doctor

Most nappy rash resolves with basic care, more frequent changes, some nappy free time where possible, and barrier cream if needed. If a rash isn't improving after a few days, looks unusually severe, or comes with blistering or a fever, it's worth getting it looked at by your GP rather than continuing to manage it at home, since some rashes need a treatment cloth nappies and creams alone won't resolve.

Getting the basics right

A consistent wash routine is genuinely the best defence against rash caused by ammonia specifically. Our care and washing instructions cover what a solid routine looks like, and our Fitting Guide is worth a look if you suspect fit might be playing a part. If you're interested in a natural barrier lotion, we like the Liniment from Cheeky Bébé.