Can I Use Tubby Todd AOO on Diaper Rash? | Wrong Product

No, Tubby Todd All Over Ointment is not formulated to treat diaper rash; it’s a moisturizing ointment for dry skin.

You spot the first pink patches on your baby’s bottom and grab the nearest tube from the diaper bag — the one you use for dry cheeks and elbows. If that tube is Tubby Todd All Over Ointment (AOO), you might be reaching for the wrong product.

The honest answer is that AOO is a moisturizing ointment designed for eczema and general dry skin, not for treating diaper rash. The brand’s own dedicated diaper paste, Sweet Cheeks, contains zinc oxide — the active ingredient that actually protects against wetness and irritation. Using AOO on a rash may feel soothing but won’t provide the barrier needed to heal it.

What Is Tubby Todd All Over Ointment?

Tubby Todd All Over Ointment is a multi-purpose moisturizer made with 1% colloidal oatmeal. It’s marketed for dry, irritated, or eczema-prone skin and is free from steroids, gluten, parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. Many parents use it as a daily moisturizer for sensitive skin.

The product comes in two versions — Original and Eczema formulas — but neither contains zinc oxide, the ingredient that creates a protective layer against moisture. Without that barrier, the ointment can’t do what a diaper rash cream is supposed to do. It may hydrate the skin temporarily, but it won’t seal out urine or stool.

Why the Name Causes Confusion

The phrase “all over” understandably leads parents to wonder whether it works for diaper area rashes. But the brand itself differentiates its products: AOO is for dry patches and eczema, while Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste is for the diaper zone. The packaging even calls AOO a “baby eczema cream” rather than a rash treatment.

Why People Think AOO Works for Diaper Rash

The confusion is understandable. AOO feels thick and creamy, much like many diaper pastes. It’s also marketed as gentle enough for daily use, so it seems like it would soothe a sore bottom. But the mechanism of action is different — diaper rash needs a physical barrier, not just moisture.

• Similar texture, different job: AOO is an emollient that locks in hydration. Diaper rash creams contain zinc oxide, which sits on top of the skin to repel wetness.
• Gentle marketing claims: The “safe for sensitive skin” reputation makes parents assume it can handle any irritation, but sensitivity safety doesn’t equal rash treatment.
• Lack of zinc oxide in the formula: Without this ingredient, there’s no science-based protection against the moisture that causes diaper rash to worsen.
• Forum advice can be misleading: Some parents on sites like What to Expect share that they use AOO on mild redness, but that doesn’t mean it’s the recommended approach.

It’s worth noting that many parents do use AOO as a preventive step on already-clear skin, but once a rash appears, they switch to a zinc oxide product. The brand itself points customers toward Sweet Cheeks for active rashes.

The Key Ingredient That’s Missing

The difference between AOO and a true diaper paste boils down to one ingredient: zinc oxide. Zinc oxide works by creating a physical barrier that keeps water away from the skin, preventing further irritation. Tubby Todd’s Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste contains 14% non-nano zinc oxide — a concentration that has good safety data and is widely recommended by pediatricians.

AOO, by contrast, contains none. That means even if it feels nice going on, it won’t stop urine or stool from touching the rash. Parents on forums often point to this gap — when discussing product choices, the conversation on What to Expect repeatedly zinc oxide for rash treatment is the standard that parents look for.

Without that active ingredient, AOO is essentially a moisturizer. For dry patches on cheeks or elbows, it’s a fine option. For a red, angry diaper rash, it’s likely to disappoint.

As the table shows, AOO is in a different category entirely. If your goal is to treat diaper rash, reach for a product with zinc oxide — and that’s not the All Over Ointment.

How to Treat Diaper Rash the Right Way

When your baby has a diaper rash, the approach is fairly standard. Pediatricians and health organizations agree that a barrier cream with zinc oxide is the first line of defense. Here are the steps many experts recommend:

1. Clean gently with water: Avoid baby wipes that contain alcohol or propylene glycol while the rash is present — those ingredients can sting. Use a soft cloth and plain water, or a fragrance-free wipe without harsh chemicals.
2. Pat dry, don’t rub: Moisture trapped against the skin makes rashes worse. Gently pat the area dry, and let it air out for a few minutes before applying any product.
3. Apply a thick layer of zinc oxide cream: You want the paste to form an opaque white barrier — not just a thin smear. This keeps urine and stool off the skin.
4. Change diapers frequently: Leaving a wet diaper on for long periods gives the rash time to worsen. Aim to check and change every two to three hours, even at night if possible.
5. Consider a diaper-free interval: Lying on a towel without a diaper for 10–15 minutes allows the skin to fully dry, which can speed healing.

If the rash doesn’t improve within a few days, or if it develops blisters, pus, or fever, contact your pediatrician. That may signal a yeast infection or bacterial issue that needs prescription treatment.

What Tubby Todd Offers for Diaper Rash

The brand does provide a clear path for parents who want to stick with Tubby Todd products. Their Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste is specifically formulated for rash prevention and treatment, with non-nano zinc oxide and hypoallergenic ingredients. The brand also sells a Diaper Duo that includes the paste plus a diaper rash spray.

For parents who already own AOO and wonder if it can serve double duty, the answer is mostly no — at least not for active rashes. Some parents use AOO as a light moisturizer on the diaper area during rash-free times, but that’s a preventive move, not a treatment. Once a rash appears, the Alberta Health guide on diaper rash barrier cream explains that zinc oxide paste is the recommended approach for protecting the skin.

If you prefer to use one product for both face and bottom, consider buying Sweet Cheeks for diaper duty and keeping AOO for everything else. The two products are designed to work together — just not interchangeably.

The Bottom Line

Tubby Todd All Over Ointment is a well-formulated moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin, but it doesn’t have the zinc oxide needed to treat diaper rash. For that job, Sweet Cheeks Diaper Paste (or another zinc-based barrier cream) is the better choice. If you’re unsure whether your product is appropriate, compare the ingredients: if zinc oxide isn’t listed, it’s not designed for diaper rash.

Your pediatrician can also help match the right diaper cream to your baby’s skin type and the severity of the rash — especially if you’re dealing with recurring or severe irritation that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter options.