Most diaper creams are safe to use if your newborn shows any signs of redness or irritation. Look for the gentlest formula possible, avoid any fragrances that may potentially irritate delicate newborn skin. For the first several days after birth, newborns pass thick, sticky meconium bowel movements. With its tarry texture, cleaning meconium off your baby's skin can be difficult, but applying a thin layer of cream with every change can help prevent the meconium from sticking to your child's bottom.