For babies prone to eczema, moisture isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a major trigger. And because the diaper area is warm, enclosed, and frequently wet, the kind of diaper you choose plays a huge role in the health of your baby’s skin barrier.

Here’s how moisture works, why it matters, and what diapers can do to either help or make things worse.

Why Moisture Triggers Eczema in the First Place

Healthy baby skin naturally sits at a slightly acidic pH of around 5.5. This acidity supports their acid mantle (the thin, protective film made of sebum, sweat, and fatty acids that defends against irritation and pathogens).

When the diaper area stays damp for too long, a few things happen:

• Skin pH rises, weakening the acid mantle
• The microbiome becomes disrupted, allowing irritants to thrive
• Friction increases, especially in folds and creases
• The barrier breaks down, making eczema patches more inflamed

This cycle (wetness → barrier disruption → inflammation) is one of the biggest drivers of diaper-area eczema.

And that’s where diaper performance becomes more integral to skin health.

How Diapers Affect Moisture (and Eczema Outcomes)

Because moisture plays such a central role in eczema, the diaper’s design directly impacts whether skin stays protected or becomes irritated.

1. Absorption Speed: The Faster the Better

When urine hits the diaper, it needs to be wicked away from the skin quickly. The longer moisture stays on the surface:

• the more skin pH increases
• the more friction and swelling occur
• the greater the likelihood of a flare

How Coterie helps:Coterie diapers are engineered for fast-wicking absorption, pulling liquid away from the skin almost instantly. This reduces the amount of time moisture lingers on the surface—key for eczema-prone babies.

2. Rewet: “Dry Feel” Isn’t Just a Comfort Feature

Rewet refers to how much absorbed liquid can come back up to the top sheet when pressure is applied (like when your baby is sitting, crawling, or rolling around in their crib).

High rewet = skin stays dampLow rewet = skin stays dry

For eczema-prone skin, high rewet is a problem because:

• moisture returns to the surface
• skin pH rises again
• barrier lipids break down
• irritation worsens under friction

How Coterie helps: Coterie diapers have exceptionally low rewet, meaning once moisture is pulled in, it stays in. This helps maintain a drier environment closer to the skin’s natural pH, even during compression overnight or active play.

3. Breathability: Key to Reducing Humidity + Heat

Heat and humidity exacerbate eczema by softening the skin barrier (a process called overhydration), which makes it more vulnerable to irritation.

A breathable diaper:

• releases excess heat
• allows moisture vapor to escape
• helps maintain a balanced microclimate
• prevents the “steaminess” that leads to flare-ups

How Coterie helps:Coterie diapers are made with breathable, clothing-grade materials designed to let air flow and humidity escape. This helps reduce heat buildup, one of the major triggers of eczema in the diaper area.

How Parents Can Minimize Moisture-Related Eczema Flares

A few simple habits paired with a high-performing diaper can make a big difference:

Choose a diaper with strong absorption + low rewet
Look for fast-wicking, overnight-level absorption. Coterie diapers excel in both.

Use pH-balanced wipes (gently!)
Over-wiping increases friction and disrupts the acid mantle. Use wipes only when needed, and when you do, choose ones like Coterie’s that are pH-balanced and gentle for daily use.

Allow for diaper-free time
A few minutes of fresh air helps evaporate trapped moisture and reduces humidity.

Keep folds moisturized
A light, fragrance-free cream reduces friction in chubby thigh rolls or belly folds.

Simplify skincare
Over-cleansing and fragranced products can disrupt the microbiome. A simple, fragrance-free routine helps support barrier recovery.

For eczema-prone babies, moisture can be a central factor in flare-ups. Absorption speed, rewet, and breathability all shape the diaper environment, influencing whether skin stays protected or becomes irritated.

By choosing a diaper designed to keep skin dry and comfortable (like Coterie) parents can help support a healthy skin barrier, a calm microbiome, and happy baby skin.