Do Cloth Diapers Cause Diaper Rash? The Real Answer Every Parent Should Know

Diaper rash is one of the most common concerns new parents face, so common, in fact, that many families switching to cloth diapers wonder whether their new routine might make rash more likely. The short answer? Cloth diapers do not inherently cause diaper rash. In many cases, they can actually help prevent it.

Still, it’s important to understand why rashes happen, how cloth diapers compare to disposables, and what makes certain cloth systems gentler and safer for your baby’s skin. In this guide, we’ll break down the science behind diaper rash, debunk common myths, and explain how Lighthouse Kids Company designs our cloth diapers, including our pocket diapers, AIO (all-in-one) diapers, and bamboo inserts, to support healthier skin from day one.

What Actually Causes Diaper Rash?

Before we talk cloth vs. disposable, it helps to understand what diaper rash really is. Diaper rash is most often caused by one or more of these factors:

1. Prolonged Wetness or Moisture

Skin that stays damp for too long can become irritated, especially if urine or stool sits against the skin. This is one of the most common causes of rashes in both cloth and disposable diapers.

2. Friction and Heat

Chafing from tight diapers or heat against the skin can cause redness and irritation. Babies with sensitive skin may be more prone to this.

3. Ammonia Build-Up

When urine breaks down, it creates ammonia. If diapers aren’t washed thoroughly, this can lead to irritation.

4. Yeast

A yeast rash can develop when moisture and warmth combine; the perfect environment for yeast growth is created. This can happen in any diaper type.

5. Detergent Sensitivity

Some babies react to strong detergents, fragrances, or residues left on cloth diapers.

6. Illness or Teething

Changes in pH or stool consistency can cause temporary irritation.

Now that we understand the causes, we can look at whether cloth diapers, especially modern cloth diapers from brands like Lighthouse Kids Company, are more or less likely to contribute to these issues.

Do Cloth Diapers Cause Diaper Rash? Let’s Debunk the Myth

The myth that cloth diapers cause more diaper rash typically comes from outdated experiences or incorrect wash routines. Today’s cloth diapers are breathable, absorbent, and designed to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

Here are the key reasons cloth diapers don’t inherently cause rash, and may even help reduce it.

Cloth Diapers Allow for Better Airflow

Disposable diapers rely on plastic layers and gels to achieve high absorbency. That can lead to trapped heat and moisture, prime contributors to rash.

Cloth diapers, especially those made with natural fibers such as OEKO-Tex certified bamboo, allow the skin to breathe. This improved airflow helps reduce trapped heat, which is essential for rash prevention.

Natural Fibers Are Gentler on Baby Skin

Lighthouse Kids Company uses OEKO-Tex certified bamboo and plant-based fabrics in our inserts and diaper lining. These fabrics are naturally hypoallergenic, soft, and free of harmful chemicals.

Why OEKO-Tex matters:

• Certified safe for babies

• Contains no harmful dyes, pesticides, or irritants

• Kinder to sensitive and eczema-prone skin

Many disposables contain lotions, fragrances, and chemical additives, which are common irritants for baby skin. Cloth avoids these completely.

You Control the Detergents and Wash Routine

One of the biggest benefits of cloth diapering is knowing exactly what touches your baby’s skin. You choose the detergent, wash frequency, and rinse cycles. This eliminates exposure to harsh chemicals that disposable diapers sometimes contain.

A proper wash routine ensures diapers stay fresh, residue-free, and gentle on the skin. For many families, this control results in fewer rashes, not more.

Cloth Diapers Encourage More Frequent Changes

A big advantage of cloth is awareness; parents tend to change cloth diapers more frequently than disposables. Less time sitting in moisture means fewer opportunities for irritation.

Many parents report that once they switched to cloth, they noticed less redness and fewer angry patches simply because they weren’t accidentally letting long stretches go by between changes.

Common Rash Concerns, and Why They Happen

Even though cloth diapers aren’t the cause of diaper rash, rashes can still happen. Here are the most common cloth diaper–related concerns—along with the real reasons behind them.

Concern 1: “My baby gets red marks from elastics, do cloth diapers cause friction rash?”

Red marks are usually a sign of normal compression, not irritation. Cloth diapers like Lighthouse Kids Company (including pocket diapers and AIO diapers) rely on gentle elastics to create a leak-free fit.

If you’re seeing true irritation that breaks the skin, persistent redness, or chafing, it could be due to sizing or fit rather than the diaper material itself.

How Lighthouse Kids Company Helps

Our diapers are designed with:

• Soft, stretchy elastics

• Smooth seams

• Flexible fits for all body shapes

Because we manufacture in slow batches, we carefully check each product for softness, fabric consistency, and elastic comfort.

Concern 2: “Does ammonia build-up happen more in cloth?”

Ammonia rashes are not caused by cloth diapers themselves; they’re caused by a wash routine that isn’t clearing minerals or built-up urine effectively.

Signs of ammonia build-up include:

• Strong smell (like window cleaner)

• Red, shiny skin

• Rash that appears after extended wear

How Lighthouse Kids Helps

Our plant-based bamboo inserts are naturally absorbent and less prone to holding odors. Because they are not microfiber, they rinse more thoroughly and reduce the chances of ammonia build-up.

Concern 3: “Do natural fibers stay too wet and cause moisture rash?”

Some families worry that because bamboo is so absorbent, it may hold moisture too close to the skin. But this is usually a fit or change-frequency issue, not a fiber issue.

How Lighthouse Kids Helps

Our diapers include:

• Stay-dry layers

• Natural bamboo inserts that balance absorbency with comfort

• Fast-drying, athletic wicking jersey (AWJ)

When combined, these features keep moisture in the insert, not against the skin.

How Lighthouse Kids Co. Designs Cloth Diapers That Reduce Rash

Not all cloth diapers are created equal. At Lighthouse Kids Company, we design our diapers intentionally to protect baby skin, starting with the materials and continuing through every part of our ethical production process.

Here’s what sets us apart:

1. OEKO-Tex Certified Bamboo: Safer, Softer, Cleaner

Our bamboo fabrics are OEKO-Tex certified, meaning they are tested to be free of harmful substances. Bamboo is naturally antibacterial, incredibly soft, and ideal for babies with sensitive skin.

This helps prevent irritants or chemical-triggered rashes that can happen with synthetic fibers or chemically treated disposables.

2. Plant-Based, Sustainable Inserts

Unlike standard microfiber inserts used in many pocket diapers, we use plant-based bamboo natural fibers in our inserts.

These:

• Absorb more efficiently

• Rinse cleanly

• Trap fewer odors

• Are gentle on delicate skin

This greatly reduces the risk of ammonia rashes and chemical sensitivities.

3. Ethical Manufacturing and Slow-Batch Production

Mass production can lead to inconsistent fabrics, harsh treatments, and lack of quality control. Lighthouse Kids Company does things differently.

Our commitment to slow-batch manufacturing ensures:

• Every batch of fabric meets safety and consistency standards

• No harsh chemical treatments

• Higher product quality

• Hand-checked details

• Fair labor and ethical production

Parents can feel confident knowing that the diapers touching their baby’s skin were made with integrity and care.

4. Breathable, Modern Cloth Diaper Designs

Whether you choose our:

• Pocket diapers,

• All-in-one (AIO) diapers, or

• Reusable potty training pants,

Every design is built for breathability, comfort, and flexibility. This means less trapped heat, less irritation, and better air circulation, all key in preventing rash.

Tips to Prevent Diaper Rash When Using Cloth Diapers

Here are simple steps to help keep your baby’s skin healthy and happy.

1. Change diapers every 2–3 hours

Cloth diapers do not rely on super-absorbent gels like disposables, so frequent changes, we recommend every 2-3 hours keep the skin fresh and dry.

2. Use the right detergent (and the right amount)

Avoid fragrance-heavy detergents. Use enough detergent to clean, but not so much that residue remains.  We recommend detergents with low (or no) borax to keep your bamboo inserts in top shape

3. Rinse thoroughly

A second rinse ensures no detergent or ammonia remains in the fabric.

4. Ensure your fit is comfortable

Too-tight diapers can cause friction or compression lines that lead to irritation.

5. Give diaper-free time when possible

Letting your baby’s skin breathe naturally can help prevent rash.

6. Address rash early

If you see redness, treat it early with cloth-safe diaper cream. Zinc-based creams are usually fine as long as you use a liner, but you don't want to get them on your inserts!

7. Strip diapers only when necessary

Over stripping can damage natural fibers. If rash keeps coming back, the issue is usually wash routine, not buildup.

Do Cloth Diapers Reduce Rash? Many Families Say Yes

Thousands of parents switch to cloth because disposables caused rashes, and they see improvement almost immediately. Why?

• Cloth diapers have fewer chemicals

• Natural fibers are gentler

• Breathable fabric reduces heat

• Frequent changes reduce moisture

• Wash routines eliminate irritants

Cloth diapering does not automatically eliminate diaper rash, but with a good routine and high-quality materials, many families see significantly fewer rashes.

Why Lighthouse Kids Co. Is a Skin-Friendly Choice

At LKC, we believe cloth diapering should be easy, gentle, and sustainable. That’s why we combine:

✨ OEKO-Tex certified bamboo
✨ Plant-based inserts
✨ Slow-batch, ethical manufacturing
✨ Breathable pocket diapers, covers (AI2), and AIO diapers
✨ Smart designs that fit babies of all sizes

Everything we do is rooted in our mission: to care for babies, families, and the environment, without compromising or cutting corners.

Conclusion: Cloth Diapers Don’t Cause Rash; Poor Materials Do

Diaper rash is usually caused by moisture, ammonia, detergent sensitivity, or illness, not by cloth diapers themselves. With breathable fabrics, frequent changes, and natural materials, cloth diapers can actually reduce rash.

When you choose high-quality, ethically made cloth diapers like those from Lighthouse Kids, you give your baby a safer, cleaner, and more comfortable diapering experience.

If you want a diapering system that:
✔ protects sensitive skin
✔ uses OEKO-Tex certified bamboo
✔ relies on plant-based materials
✔ supports ethical manufacturing
✔ offers gentle, modern designs

Lighthouse Kids Company is always here for you!