If your precious baby is suffering, sometimes you need to make a quick decision.
We’re moms too, and we know the horror of opening a wet diaper to find our baby’s sensitive skin covered with a red, painful, even blistering rash. So we’ve spent hours searching for the best diapers for sensitive skin — to help you make the switch quickly and end your little one’s pain.
We compared dozens of diaper brands based on their hypoallergenic and eco-friendly features, moisture-wicking properties, breathability, comfort, ease of use, and — most of all — ability to protect sensitive skin.
Whether you use cloth diapers or disposables, read our reviews to find the best diapers to keep your little one’s sensitive skin dry and rash-free.
- One size fits all
- Eco-friendly
- Extremely durable
- Wetness indicator
- Breathable
- Incredibly absorbent
- Dermatologist tested
- Stretchy side-paneling
- Made with citrus-based odor inhibitors
- Multiple uses
- Fits newborns to toddlers
- Eight-layer cotton center
- Plant-based materials
- Adapts to child’s shape
- Bulk purchase for extra savings
The Best Diapers for Sensitive Skin of 2024
These are some of the best diapers we’ve found for protecting your baby’s sensitive skin and avoiding rashes.
Alvababy Cloth Diapers
Best Cloth Diaper for Sensitive Skin
These cloth diapers offer a two-part system, giving you scope to adapt to whatever products work best for you. The diaper consists of a waterproof and washable outer layer that’s designed to channel liquids away from your child’s skin. Pop in a reusable insert to help soak it all up.
For the insert, Alvababy offers several options. The standard diaper includes a tri-layer microfiber material, yet alternatives include those made of 100% bamboo charcoal. Using all-natural materials should be kinder to the skin, which is perfect for tots who have ultra-sensitive skin.
These diapers come in some adorable and funky styles for both boys and girls, and there are plenty to choose from. Because they’re adjustable, they can be tailored to fit your child properly, which may reduce the potential for chafing.
Pros
- Reusable cloth diapers are eco-friendly.
- Snap fasteners make them fully adjustable for all sizes.
- Extremely durable materials.
Cons
- The snap positioning can be tricky to figure out.
Our Ratings
User Experience
Bambo Nature Baby Diapers
Best Disposable Diapers for Sensitive Skin
Bambo diapers are extra soft and absorbent and are made specifically for babies with sensitive skin. They have a back layer that feels like fabric and is breathable to allow for greater airflow. This layer keeps your baby’s bottom dry and reduces the chances of diaper rash.
If irritants are a problem for your little one, these diapers may appeal to you — they’re free from allergens and perfumes. They’re also suitable for kiddies weighing 4 to 66 pounds, meaning they can follow your child from birth to potty training.
What makes Bambo diapers stand out is that they have the Nordic Swan ecolabel. This means they’ve been produced using sustainable methods — that’s less impact on the environment and great for moms keen on saving the planet.
Pros
- Biodegradable.
- Suitable for day and nighttime use.
- Wetness indicator — saves you peeking.
- Dermatologically tested.
- Users say they’re incredibly absorbent.
- No bleaching during the manufacturing process.
Cons
- Lack of back elastic and highly stretchy leg elastic means frequent blowouts for some babies.
- More expensive than other brands.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
The Honest Company Diapers
Best Hypoallergenic Diaper for Sensitive Skin
Hypoallergenic diapers are designed with sensitive babies in mind. These diapers are made with a host of plant-based materials, reducing the possibility of any reactions to synthetic materials.
These disposable diapers are made without latex, chlorine, fragrances, and lotions. This will reduce your child’s exposure to anything that can potentially aggravate delicate skin.
The inside liner is designed to draw liquid away from your child’s body. The diaper is also made to hold 17 times its weight in liquid, making it ideal for nighttime use.
For eco-conscious parents, the bulk of this diaper is made with sustainably harvested fluff pulp. The core includes renewable materials that will further reduce your environmental impact.
But the best part is the super-cute designs, which are way more fashionable than your traditional white diaper. Plus, the elastic cuffs offer a greater comfort factor for your child and help avoid leaks.
Pros
- Dermatologist tested.
- Available in many local stores.
- Made with citrus-based odor inhibitors.
- Stretchy side-paneling helps protect against blowouts.
Cons
- Only available for children weighing up to 35 pounds.
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Humble Bebe Cloth Diapers
Most Affordable Cloth Diaper for Sensitive Skin
When it comes to cost, prefold cloth diapers have no competition. These are about as simple as it gets and should help you protect your baby’s skin and your wallet.
Made of premium, unbleached cotton, they’re perfect for babies sensitive to any kind of chemical. Because they’re pre-folded, you can easily adjust them to fit your baby perfectly, regardless of age or size, reducing leakages.
Designed by moms who were fed up with what the market had to offer, this brand focuses on maximizing absorbency, which should help keep your baby’s bottom drier.
The diapers come with detailed instructions explaining how to care for them to ensure they work as intended.
The natural oils are stripped away from the material to allow more liquids to be locked into the diaper and kept away from your baby’s skin; the lack of moisture decreases irritation.
What’s great about these cloth diapers is that as your little one outgrows them, they can continue to be used as inserts — saving you even more money.
Pros
- Doubles as a burp cloth.
- Diapers are pre-shrunk — no surprises after the first wash.
- Moms love how soft they are.
- Eight-layer cotton center for more absorption.
Cons
- The thicker material makes them a little bulky.
- You need to purchase diaper clips or pins separately.
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Babyganics Ultra Absorbent Diapers
Most Affordable Disposable Diaper for Sensitive Skin
There are a lot of components you might want to avoid when your baby has sensitive skin, which is why many diapers seem to have a premium price tag.
Babyganics are made without using latex, chlorine, or petroleum-based lotions and fragrances — just simple, plant-based materials.
The company also aims to keep the price down, which is great for moms who want to address their baby’s delicate skin without spending a fortune.
The diapers are thinner than most, allowing them a tighter fit and making them more comfortable for your little one to wear. The snug elastic helps reduce leakages, blowouts, and potential chafing.
Another nice touch is the addition of skin-nourishing natural plant and seed oils, like cranberry, tomato, and sunflower. The wetness indicator on both sides is a fab feature for making it easier to see when it’s time to change.
These diapers can be found at many local stores, so you never have to worry about using a different brand in a pinch. If you order online, you can also find great deals.
Pros
- Parents noted how absorbent these diapers are.
- Stretchy design adapts to your child’s shape.
- You can purchase in bulk for extra savings.
Cons
- Not biodegradable or eco-friendly.
Our Ratings
User Experience
How To Choose the Best Diapers for Sensitive Skin
When we’re looking for diapers to protect our babies’ sensitive skin and heal or prevent rashes, we consider these key factors.
- Hypoallergenic properties: If your child has sensitive skin, chances are their skin reacts to one or more allergens (1). Hypoallergenic diapers have fewer or no allergens. This doesn’t mean it will be impossible for your child to have a reaction, but it decreases the chances significantly.
- Eco-friendly features: Eco-friendly diapers generally contain fewer ingredients that are harmful to the environment. Most are biodegradable or made of sustainable materials. The materials tend to be gentler on the skin too, making them a safer choice for those with sensitivities (2).
- Moisture-wicking: If a diaper doesn’t keep moisture away from your baby’s skin, their skin will remain damp and warm, and bacteria are more likely to gather. This is one of the most common causes of diaper rash. The best diapers — cloth or disposable — are designed to draw moisture away from sensitive skin.
- Breathability: A diaper needs to allow airflow so your baby’s skin can remain dry and free of bacteria (3).
- Comfort: If a diaper’s elastic is too tight, it can chafe your baby’s sensitive skin. Rough fabrics or fasteners can rub and cause discomfort as well. We look for soft materials and snap fasteners on cloth diapers or stretchy fasteners on disposables to avoid additional irritation on sensitive skin.
- Ease of use: As a parent, you will change hundreds, even thousands of diapers. The faster and easier a diaper is to change, the more likely you are to change it frequently, keeping your baby’s skin healthy and dry. Cloth diapers with lots of extra pieces and multiple fasteners can get frustrating quickly. We prefer all-in-one or all-in-two systems with easy-to-fasten closures.
How Do I Know if My Child Has Sensitive Skin?
A baby’s skin is fragile because it’s still developing. Most of the time, skin irritations are temporary phases as your child gets used to the world around them.
However, if your baby reacts to many new products, they may have sensitive skin.
We all use the term “sensitive skin.” It’s written on the packaging of baby wipes, diapers, and cream brands. But what does it really mean? The truth is, it can mean a lot of things and manifest in many ways.
Eczema
Eczema often begins in the early years. It can run in families, so your baby could be more susceptible if you or a relative has it.
It can be described as red patches of dry and itchy skin. In babies, it tends to flare up on the legs, arms, and cheeks, but it can crop up elsewhere on the body (4).
Eczema is a condition many children grow out of. Diapers themselves can’t cause it, but if they contain fragrances or are made of certain harsh materials, this could trigger or aggravate symptoms.
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash can be bad. Many of my biggest mom-guilt moments are related to diaper rash. I was crushed by the fact it was there in the first place and even more crushed that I had to make my baby put another diaper back onto their already tender skin.
Diaper rash is common among babies. If your baby has it, you’ll notice red and angry-looking skin within the diaper area. It can cause discomfort, so you may notice more fussiness than usual (5).
The most effective way to prevent diaper rash is to change your baby often. It’s typically a result of prolonged exposure to moisture, like urine or sweat. However, it can also be caused by a reaction to something in the diaper’s makeup.
Hives
Our bodies produce hives when we have an allergic reaction to something (6). Food, bug bites, medication, or various materials can cause hives.
If your child seems to suffer frequently from hives, you may want to start keeping a note of the products you use and the foods they eat. Try looking for signs of insect bites on their skin. After monitoring for several days, you might be able to pinpoint the offender.
Allergic reactions can be very dangerous. If your baby begins to change color or seems in distress, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Diaper Allergies
Although rare, some babies can be allergic to the materials inside a typical diaper. If your child gets red blotches around this area, no matter how often you change them, it could be an allergy.
These blotches may be tender and uncomfortable, so your baby may cry when you touch them. If this happens regularly, you might want to try a different brand. If it persists, call your pediatrician.
Sensitive Skin: Cloth vs. Disposable
The debate between cloth diapers and disposable diapers is an ongoing one. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. But when it comes to sensitive skin, can one be better than the other?
If you have tried several disposable diaper brands and nothing seems to help your child’s reaction, it may be from the materials inherent to disposable diapers. In that case, switching to cloth diapers might be the answer.
However, if your child’s skin irritation is the result of sensitivity to heat or moisture, it may be better to stick with disposable brands. Cloth diapers tend to be less absorbent than disposable diapers, making it easier for your child to be affected by moisture.
FAQs
How Do I Know If My Baby is Allergic to a Brand of Diapers?
If your baby is allergic to a brand of diapers, they might develop a rash, redness, or irritation in the diaper area that doesn’t improve with regular diaper rash treatments.
The reaction might appear shortly after trying a new brand or type of diaper. If you suspect an allergy, switch to another brand and consult your pediatrician.
What Diapers Do Hospitals Use?
Hospitals typically use disposable diapers from well-known brands that are fragrance-free and designed for newborns’ sensitive skin. The specific brand may vary by hospital, but they often choose those that are widely regarded as gentle and effective.
What Foods Can Cause Diaper Rash?
Foods that can cause diaper rash include those that the baby or breastfeeding mother consumes that might cause an allergic reaction or particularly acidic foods that can change the baby’s stool pH.
Common culprits include citrus fruits, tomatoes, and sometimes dairy products. Keep a food diary to track and identify potential triggers.
What is the Wet Diaper Rule?
The wet diaper rule refers to the general guideline that newborns should have about 6-8 wet diapers a day, indicating they are getting enough fluids. The number may vary with age and individual babies, but it’s a baseline for assessing hydration.
Why is My Baby’s Diaper Rash Getting Worse?
A baby’s diaper rash might get worse due to persistent moisture, new dietary changes (either in the baby or breastfeeding mother), a bacterial or yeast infection, or an allergic reaction to diapers or wipes.
If a diaper rash is worsening or not responding to treatment, consult your pediatrician for advice.
