Baby & Toddler
6 Top Diapers for Sensitive Skin that Help Prevent Rashes and Blowouts
Diaper rash is a common issue that many babies face, and it’s likely that most little ones will experience it at some point during their early years. For babies who seem to get rashes frequently, it may be an indication of sensitive skin, which could mean it’s time to switch to a different type of diaper.
A baby’s skin is more delicate than that of older children or adults. According to pediatric dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal, babies have an underdeveloped skin barrier, which causes their skin to lose more water than adult skin. This makes them more susceptible to irritation, including redness, dryness, bumps, or rawness, when exposed to harsh ingredients in personal care products, laundry detergents, or even diapers. Prolonged exposure to urine or stool without a timely diaper change can also contribute to rashes.
For babies who experience frequent rashes or skin reactions to other products, diapers designed for sensitive skin may offer a gentler alternative. These diapers are usually free from dyes, fragrances, bleaches, and preservatives, which helps reduce the risk of irritation. However, it’s important to note that there are no official certifications or specific criteria for sensitive skin-friendly diapers, so it can take some trial and error to find the best fit for your baby.
How the Best Diapers for Sensitive Skin Were Chosen
When selecting the best diapers for sensitive skin, several factors were considered:
- Reviewing recommendations from parents on BabyCenter’s Community, where discussions about the best diapers for sensitive skin take place.
- Consulting with pediatric dermatologist Dr. Lal about what parents should prioritize when choosing diapers for sensitive skin.
- Vetting recommendations with BabyCenter’s editorial team to ensure they meet the standards of Dr. Lal and the Society for Pediatric Dermatology.
- Ensuring that the recommended diapers were well-reviewed, reasonably priced, and widely available.
The following diapers are highly recommended for babies with sensitive skin, with a focus on comfort, protection, and gentle materials.
Best Diapers for Sensitive Skin Overall: Pampers Pure Protection
- Highlights: Free of parabens, chlorine, fragrances, and latex; Shea butter-infused liner; Up to 12 hours of leak protection
- Heads Up: Some parents report that these diapers run slightly large
- Sizes: Newborn to Size 6
- Material: Cotton, chlorine-free fluff pulp, mineral-based odor absorber, super absorbent polymer
- Features: Shea butter-infused liner, absorbent LockAway Core, plant-based, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free
Pampers Pure Protection diapers offer hypoallergenic features and a high absorbency, with a shea butter-enriched liner to keep baby’s skin moisturized. These diapers provide up to 12 hours of leak protection and are approved by dermatologists and the Skin Health Alliance.
Best Overnight Diapers for Sensitive Skin: The Honest Company Clean Conscious Overnight Diapers
- Highlights: 12-hour protection, odor control, made from eco-friendly materials, ultra-soft liner
- Heads Up: Some parents find the fit to be snug
- Sizes: 3 to 6
- Material: Plant-based core with sustainably harvested fluff pulp
- Features: Night Absorb Core, soft and stretchy side panels, elastic waistband, sure-fit leg cuffs
These eco-friendly overnight diapers offer up to 12 hours of protection and are designed with an ultra-soft, fragrance-free liner. They are made with chlorine-free pulp and have a great reputation among parents for preventing leaks overnight.
Best Diapers for Newborns with Sensitive Skin: Huggies Skin Essentials
- Highlights: Fragrance-free, soft and gentle, designed for infants as small as 6 pounds
- Heads Up: A bit pricier than other options
- Sizes: Newborn to Size 6
- Material: Soft, absorbent material
- Features: SkinProtect Liner, Huggies Blowout Blocker, wetness indicator, curved and stretchy fit
Huggies Skin Essentials diapers are soft and hypoallergenic, making them ideal for delicate newborn skin. They are free from fragrances and harsh chemicals and provide excellent absorbency. The newborn size is designed for babies as small as 6 pounds, ensuring a good fit for tiny infants.
Best Natural Diapers for Sensitive Skin: Seventh Generation Sensitive Protection
- Highlights: Free from fragrances, lotions, and bleach; Biodegradable parts
- Heads Up: Only available for sizes newborn to 2
- Sizes: Newborn to Size 2
- Material: Wood fluff pulp, polypropylene
- Features: FreshAIR Breathable Layer, leak guards, elastic stretch sides
These eco-friendly diapers are made from Forest Stewardship Certified materials and are biodegradable. They are fragrance- and lotion-free, and their breathable layer helps prevent moisture buildup, keeping baby comfortable for up to 12 hours.
Best Diapers for Toddlers with Sensitive Skin: Mama Bear Gentle Touch Diapers
- Highlights: Affordable, covers babies up to 41 pounds, features a wetness indicator and umbilical cord cutout
- Heads Up: Some parents find them thicker than other brands, which may not be ideal for hot weather
- Sizes: Newborn to Size 7
- Material: Fluff, super absorbent polymer, nonwoven fabrics
- Features: Wetness indicator, umbilical cord cutout, breathable outer cover
These hypoallergenic diapers are free from chlorine bleach, perfumes, lotions, and parabens. With a wide size range and high absorbency, they offer an excellent option for busy toddlers. However, some parents note that they are thicker, which may not be ideal in warmer months.
Softest Diapers for Sensitive Skin: Andy Pandy Premium Bamboo Disposable Diapers
- Highlights: Ultra-soft, thicker than competitors, made of bamboo viscose
- Heads Up: Sizing uses an S-M-L system, so parents need to check the brand’s size chart
- Sizes: Newborn to XL
- Material: 100% bamboo viscose
- Features: Moisture-wicking, aloe-infused liner, wetness indicator, elastic waistband
These bamboo-based diapers are incredibly soft and absorbent. Free from harmful chemicals like latex, chlorine, and perfumes, they offer natural moisture-wicking properties, making them ideal for sensitive skin. The bamboo material also helps regulate temperature, keeping baby comfortable.
What to Know About Diapers for Sensitive Skin
When choosing diapers for sensitive skin, consider the materials used, including whether the diaper is free from added dyes, bleaches, fragrances, and preservatives. Look for diapers that offer excellent absorbency, which helps keep skin dry and reduce the likelihood of irritation. Additionally, the diaper should fit well—snug enough to prevent leaks but not too tight to cause redness.
Also, keep an eye out for certifications like “Totally Chlorine Free” (TCF), “Elemental Chlorine Free” (ECF), and “OEKO Tex Standard 100 Certified,” which can indicate that the diaper is safer and less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
Other Helpful Baby Products for Sensitive Skin
For babies with sensitive skin, finding the right diaper is just one part of the equation. Diaper rash creams, like Desitin Maximum Strength Baby Diaper Rash Cream, can also help soothe irritated skin. According to parents, it’s highly effective when applied generously, especially before bedtime, to treat or prevent rashes.
