Find info on your childrens health

The Childrens Health Blog

Subscribe to Find info on your childrens health
Dec
01

The Great Diaper Debate

Posted by admin

Way back when in the days of Home Ec, one favorite class was ‘how to diaper baby’. Turning a flat piece of absorbent cotton into a comfortable, well-fitting nappy was a trick that seemed to require the dexterity and legerdemain of a trained magician. Worse, diapering the baby clumsily came with the very real fear of jabbing a squirming infant with a diaper pin. Generations of mommies suffered pinpricked fingers rather than risk a scratch to baby’s delicate skin.

All that changed with the advent of disposable diapers. Even the unfitted, flat, uncomfortable first generation disposables were worlds above typical cloth diapers for convenience and ease of use. Just unfold the back, pull the plastic up between the baby’s legs and smooth it against his belly, and tape the back to the front. Voila! Instant diaper. Even better – no need for washing. No dirty diapers soaking in a pail of borax. No smell, no fuss, no laundry service – just un-tape, wrap the diaper up and toss it in the trash.

For mothers of my generation, Pampers was the dividing line between ‘back then’ and now. I can’t count the number of mothers, grandmothers, aunts and older female relatives who started off a tale with ‘Of course, we never had Pampers, WE had to…”

The advantages were obvious: disposables were cleaner, more sanitary, more convenient. They did away with hours and hours of laundering and drying, making time for lots of other things. If you were the least bit conscious of disposal, you could completely eliminate the dirty-diaper smell – just wrap it up tight in a plastic bag in put it in the OUTSIDE trash. And no more wrestling with a squirming baby while you tried to pin his nappy closed, nor having the whole thing slip off his adorable little butt because you missed a layer of cloth when pinning.

The disadvantages were not so readily apparent, but they were nonetheless real. The major point against disposable diapers is a potent one: disposable diapers may be great for mother, but they put an enormous strain on Mother Earth. Some facts:

* Over 19 billion disposable diapers annually end up in landfills – where they do not degrade.

* Disposable diaper makers use more than a million tons of wood pulp every year.

* The manufacturing process creates waste that contains dioxins, heavy metals and industrial solvents.

In a world with limited resources, disposable diapers consume resources and create pollutants and hazardous chemicals. Is the convenience worth the damage to the Earth?

On the face of it, the debate does seem to be one more instance of man – in this case mommies – putting their own convenience above what’s best for the world.

But there’s yet another side to the debate – disposable diaper.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Oct
25

Raising Baby On The Cheap

Posted by admin

Have you ever read those reports on the cost of raising a child?

The last time I checked, I was told that it would cost the astronomical figure of $430,470 to raise my baby… and that didn’t include college tuition!

The people who come up with these figures must not be very creative. Some of the best things you can do for your child are free or very inexpensive. Here are some tips for raising kids on the cheap.

1) Breastfeed

You can save roughly $1,000 in formula costs alone in your baby’s first year by breastfeeding. Check out this report: http://www.natural-moms.com/cost_of_baby_formula.html

This figure doesn’t include the extra costs you would incur from Doctor visits and medications. Breastfed babies are less likely to need medical care and don’t get sick as often as their formula fed peers.

Formula feeding increases a baby’s risk of both acute and chronic health problems not only during childhood but well into adulthood. If you’re a working and breastfeeding Mother, you’re less likely to miss work than if you were formula feeding.

In addition, a breastfed baby can go straight from the breast to an open cup, thus eliminating pacifiers, bottles and sippy cups.

Even baby food is not necessary. The healthiest first foods for baby are fresh fork-mashed avocado, banana, sweet potato and the like. If you’re breastfeeding, you may be able to delay the introduction of solids until as late as 8 or 9 months.

2) Use Cloth Diapers

All I am saying…is give cloth a chance!

The modern cloth diapers are nothing like Grandma’s. The nicer ones are made from high tech materials that wick moisture away from baby, and utilize snaps or velcro to close instead of pins.

They save you a lot of money especially if you save them and use them again for subsequent children. You can buy them cheaply at thrift stores, online auctions, and diaper services (check your phone book for listings). Or ask for cloth diapers as shower gifts.

3) Rethink your Needs

Think about what you REALLY need to raise your baby. A lot of the expensive items sold in baby stores are completely unnecessary and some are even harmful. Most of the people raising children on the planet today do so without cribs, walkers (which Pediatricians recommend against anyway!), playpens, changing tables, swings, “educational” toys, etc.

Many Moms have found that a soft cloth carrier or baby sling was the only gadget they really needed. Baby is happy, stimulated by your activities and entertained. And Mom can get stuff done!

The best toys are simple and classic and require imagination. These are often the least expensive too! And most kids do best with few toys that are rotated. Think back to your own childhood…what were your favorite toys? If you can even remember them, they were probably not loud, flashy electronic battery powered gadgets. Your best childhood memories probably come from activities…playing in Grandma’s backyard, going places with Mom and Dad, the simple things.

For the baby stuff you really can’t live without…

4) Buy or Obtain Used

Let friends know that you welcome hand-me-downs and you’ll be blessed with all sorts of great stuff!

High quality clothing and baby equipment generally doesn’t wear out from just one child’s use. For safety, check to make sure items haven’t been recalled and get the owner’s manuals from the manufacturer’s websites. (The one exception would be child safety seats. Always buy those new.)

Shop at thrift and consignment shops and online auctions. Some of the very best deals can be found at regional consignment sales. Check local parenting magazines and websites for the locations of these.

Personally, I prefer used clothing because much new clothing has been treated with flame retardants and other scary chemicals that can be absorbed into children’s softer skin.

Being a frugal parent minimizes the impact on the environment, saves you money and models a healthy lifestyle to your kids. Teach your kids what really matters in life…people, not things!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Congratulations on the new arrival! Caring for your little bundle of joy is a truly delightful experience, when you want to lavish all your love and attention over this one unique person. Nothing is good enough for your precious baby for whom, if possible, you would even buy the moon!

Naturally, you want the very best for your child, and with the countless baby products flooding the market, this means you can pick and choose to your satisfaction. Moreover, many options are available to the parent of today, and it is upto you to make up your mind about whats best for your child.

Is breast feeding better than the bottle, what brand of baby food is more healthy, or, oh dear, shouldnt the nursery be painted a mild and soothing green instead of all this pink? Should you opt for cloth or disposable diapers? Are you doing the right thing? Help!

Relax. The most important thing when raising a child is to make sure it is healthy. Just as proper nutrition is essential for your babys welfare, so is hygiene and cleanliness. While nutrition can be easily taken care of with regular feedings of milk, hygiene is a different matter. With little or no control over their bodily functions, babies expel a lot of waste, and keeping them clean can be a daunting task. The solution? Nappies, of course!

There are disposable Nappies and cloth nappies. Disposable nappies are easy to use; use it once and throw it away. No washing, no fuss! However, disposable diapers are made of chemicals that can harm your babys sensitive skin. Also, with its synthetic texture, disposable nappies are not comfortable, and babies are prone to develop rashes or allergies. Diapers made from natural fibres are a welcome change from disposable nappies as they are soft and soothing to the skin.

Raising a child also means rising expenses! A baby will go through upto a thousand or more diapers before his first birthday. Disposable diapers cost more than cloth nappies, but in this case, being expensive does not necessarily mean its better. Cloth nappies are lower-priced and are reusable. So, one cloth nappy serves as well as many disposable ones.

To further cut expenses, using second hand cloth nappies is a good idea, and after your baby has outgrown them, it is recommended you donate them to other parents or reuse them for your next child, thereby reducing waste. If one baby will use more than a thousand diapers in a year, imagine the amount of garbage generated in a city from diapers alone! While disposable nappies contain chemicals that do not decompose, discarded cloth nappies are absorbed back into the environment, and are thus very eco-friendly.

In the modern nuclear family where both parents work, washing cloth nappies may seem a tedious process. A gentle wash in the washing machine solves this problem.

Some popular brands of cloth nappies are: the Bumble sized shape nappy, Rainbow Bots and, Prorap All in One Nappies. Terries are flat squares of terry towelling that can be shaped into nappies. These are all nappies that are sized, shaped and have a high second hand value, meaning they are very durable. Almost all brands of cotton nappies are made of light cotton-based material.

Comfort for your baby comes first, and with the menace of harmful chemicals in disposable diapers, cloth nappies seem the only solution. Comfortable, hygienic, eco-friendly, durable . . . with so many merits, it is no wonder cloth nappies are replacing disposable diapers everywhere.

There can be no doubt that cloth nappies are so good for your baby!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

What Does My New Baby Really Need? A Guide To Shopping For Your New Baby

What is it do I really need to buy for my new baby? While writing my latest book found at www.CareForMyBaby.com I found that this is a question a lot of new moms must ask themselves. Having a new baby is a huge expense, and it is hard to stay on budget when you see all of the cute outfits in the stores. While all of the tiny things are really tempting to buy, please keep in mind that babies grow really fast. One of the biggest mistakes that new parents make is over shopping for clothes. Remember, you will probably keep baby in a lot during those first few months so cute outfits with matching hats and shoes may not get any use. Plus if you are going to have a baby shower you will receive a lot of cute outfits fit for your little bundle of joy. Below is a list of things that I put together as a guide for you to use while doing your shopping. Remember to do your shopping after your baby shower this way you will only buy what you need.

Health and Safety

digital thermometer
nasal aspirator
infant acetaminophen drops
baby monitor
night lightBaby Care Products
baby shampoo/baby wash
diaper cream
baby nail clippers or safety scissors
baby oil/lotion
baby brush and comb
a couple of pacifiers (even if you don’t plan to use!)

Layette and Diapering

newborn diapers/cloth diapers/wraps or set up diaper service
baby wipes and/or extra baby washcloths
diaper pail
burp cloths or extra cloth diapers
gowns/kimonos or newborn sleepers (4-6)
receiving blankets (4-6)
swaddling blankets (2-3)
crib blanket or quilt
newborn socks or booties (4-6 pair)
newborn cap (1-2)
hooded bath towels and wash cloth
4-6 T-shirts or all-in-ones
1-2 sweaters or bunting (depending upon season)

Baby Equipment

baby carrier (sling, wrap or pack carrier)
infant seat (have to bring it to the hospital!)
stroller or carriage
bouncer seat or swing
diaper bag

Furniture and Accessories

co-sleeper/bassinet/cradle or crib
mattress, waterproof pads, at least two sheets and other bedding
changing table or other safe changing area
mobile for the crib and/or changing area
changing pad and 2 coversNursing Necessities
nursing pillow
washable or disposable nursing pads
rental, electric or manual breast pump and storage bottles or bags if you plan to pump milk
feeding bottles (2-4 4 oz to start), nipples, and bottle brush if you plan to use bottles

Below you will find a short list of things new moms will need to have on hand.

New Mother Care

sitzbath herbs
big box of extra-long maxi pads for locchia
nursing nightgown or comfy cotton pajamas
small tube of modified lanolin or other product to soothe sore nipples
nursing bras (1-2 comfy nursing bras plus a sleep bra to take to the hospital — you can get more when your milk comes in, in case your size changes)

Other Good Ideas

pick out birth announcements (address envelopes before baby comes, if possible)
make a Belly Cast to remember this amazing time!

Also a good thing to know is that some of these accessories and gadgets are fun to have. Some of them even help make your life easier. However these are not must haves, all your baby really needs is your love and affection and your baby will grow and flourish. Remember you must have a car seat for baby, because the hospital will not let you leave without it! Plus you want to protect your little miracle in any way possible. Relax and enjoy this time with your precious baby because this time will never return.

If possible line up friends and family who will bring meals or come help you out at home after the baby is born (and a good friend to coordinate) and/or hire a doula to help. This way you can spend even more time just worrying about the baby, while someone else worries about YOU!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

So you’re having a baby. You think you’ve thought of everything, but at the same time you’re terrified that you’ve missed something. Here’s one thing you may or may not have thought of: laundry. Yes, you know that you will have more, but have you considered the basic differences between your baby’s laundering needs and yours? If you regularly use perfumed detergents, bleach, or fabric softener, your laundering habits may need some reform.

Gone are the days of washing clothes just because they smell. Your baby is going to burp up stuff you’ve never thought of, and your laundry piles are going to skyrocket. This is only one new concern, however, since your baby’s skin is much more sensitive to chemicals than you and your spouses grown up skin. Laundering the baby’s clothing in detergents that are free of perfumes and dyes is one quick way to help ensure that your baby does not get unnecessary discomfort from irritating chemicals. There are detergents formulated specifically for babies, but for the most part as long as you stay away from perfume and dye heavy products, your baby should be just fine. There are of course rare cases in which the baby has specific allergies, in which case it is probably best to find one brand that works for your baby’s skin and stick with it. Unfortunately for your baby, this may mean a short trial and error process. As with food allergies, just keep a keen eye out and make sure you seek immediate medical treatment when you are concerned about anything.

Another thing that is important when laundering baby clothing is to make sure that you launder any cloth diapers separately. If you are using cloth diapers, you may think of the obvious reason: these items of clothing are obviously much more soiled than the average baby clothing item. It is best to launder these items twice: once in bleach with a double rinse, and then a second time with just vinegar during the last rinse cycle. This is important because not only is the baby using these items a lot more frequently (so they get a lot more wear), but also they are the closest to the baby’s very sensitive skin. So making sure that cloth diapers are as allergen free as possible is a key factor in keeping your baby comfortable and happy.

The last item on our laundry agenda will keep your laundry service or electric company well fed, and you plenty busy. As your baby quickly outgrows each new item of clothing, and a new one needs to be purchased to replace it, the new items should all be washed before being put on the baby. That includes outerwear and bath accessories, but is especially important for things that you buy a lot of, like undershirts, socks, and onesies. The first couple of months are particularly crucial in determining what kind of laundering ritual is best for your new addition. This is also a time in which you will be getting used to a lot of specifics about your new baby. Make sure no matter how you launder your baby’s clothes, you keep a good eye out for possible allergic reactions and rashes. A comfortable baby is a much happier baby.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

How Do You Know What To Give For A Baby Shower?

Buying a gift for a baby is especially tough when you dont have any kids of your own. If youve never had children, how in the world are you supposed to know what to do?

Relax, we are going to give you some quick ideas to help take the stress off of you, help you choose an appropriate and useful gift and make the shower an enjoyable experience.

Call the soon to be parents or the host of the baby shower and ask if there is a gift registry for the baby. Many people do this just as brides do for bridal showers. Many times it will be available online. The baby gift registry will tell you what they are asking for and if the desire has already been filled.

Diapers may not seem the fanciest of baby shower gifts, but they may be one of the most useful. Diapers are expensive, and babies use them quickly, so new parents always appreciate a gift of diapers. Even parents who use cloth diapers might like to have a pack of disposable diapers for travel. Diapers are sized by baby’s weight. Buy larger sizes instead of newborn diapers, since some newborns grow quickly and don’t use many of the smaller sizes. Don’t forget to throw in some baby wipes!

Some babies are really picky when it comes to bottles and pacifiers – some babies will only use one particular brand or shape. If the parents-to-be have registered for a particular type of bottles, nipples or pacifiers, it’s safe to buy them for a baby shower gift. Otherwise, steer clear of these gifts until you know which type the baby will prefer.

Some parents do not ever introduce their baby to pacifiers or bottles because these items can interfere with breastfeeding.

This is another reason to do some research if you want to buy something like this, I know my son never used a pacifier and some people are touchy about that.

Baby clothes are sized by age and sometimes weight. The smallest sizes don’t get a lot of wear since newborns grow quickly. Baby clothes in larger sizes will likely be used more. Use the baby’s due date to figure out what season it will be when baby reaches a new clothing size, such as 6 months, and buy seasonal clothes in that size.

If you don’t know the baby’s gender, a gift certificate is a welcome baby shower gift, allowing the parents to choose an outfit in pink or blue after baby arrives.
If you’re stumped for a baby shower gift, help boost baby’s brain power by choosing a classic baby book, educational DVD or music CD. Studies show that music encourages brain development in babies, so a lullaby CD or some tunes for the car would be a nice gift. Also look for one of the many DVD learning series for infants, such as Brainy Baby or Baby Einstein. Still stumped? A copy of your favorite book from childhood is a meaningful and useful baby shower gift.

The baby shower gift possibilities are almost endless when you give the gift of baby toys. You can buy toys made for older babies for use later in baby’s life, but stick with toys for ages 3 and under to avoid small parts that could choke a young baby. Toys have an age range listed on the package. If you want your gift to be used for a long time, look for a wider age range on the package. Fancy doesn’t necessarily mean better when it comes to baby toys, either, babies love simple toys, too.

If you want to give a baby shower gift that’s out of the ordinary, consider the parents’ lifestyle. For environmentally active parents, an organic baby gift is a smart choice. Are the parents into travel or outdoors adventures? A baby backpack carrier or baby bike trailer would get baby involved in family activities. Techie parents might enjoy a titanium stroller with an onboard music system. Other lifestyle gifts might include breastfeeding supplies, baby slings or cloth diapers.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Apr
24

Discover Some Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Posted by admin

Baby showers are thrown for the main purpose of bestowing well wishes and gifts upon a couple that is having their first child. Usually, gifts come in the form of baby items that the baby will need on its arrival.

With the popularity of baby gift registries today, looking for that perfect gift that the baby will need and the couple will truly appreciate has become easy. But for those will-be parents who did not sign up for a gift registry, or if you want to choose a baby gift on your own, this list of baby shower gift ideas may truly be helpful.

1. Disposable Diapers

Diapers may not be the most fancy gift to give for a baby shower. But this would definitely be the most thoughtful and most appreciated.

Diapers are expensive and babies will use them up very quickly. The new parents will appreciate them. Even those parents who opt to use cloth diapers may also find disposable diapers useful when traveling.

A tip when buying diapers, pick the larger size ones instead of newborn diapers. After all, babies nowadays grow very fast and the newborn-size diapers may not be useful for very long. And while you are at it, why not thrown in some baby wipes as well.

2. Bottles and Pacifiers

Babies may sometimes be picky on bottles and pacifiers. Some babies prefer to use only a particular brand or shape for these items.

If the parents-to-be have specified in the baby registry a brand or shape of bottles, nipples, and pacifiers, these items may be a safe choice for a baby shower gift. Otherwise, just steer clear from these baby items.

To continue reading this article go now to

http://www.babyshowerportal.com/Baby-Shower-Gift-Ideas.html

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Diapering 101 – How To Fold And Use Cloth Diapers

Let’s skip right past the great diaper debate and assume that you’ve read what there is to read, done your soul-searching, and made your decision – and for your baby, it’s nothing but natural against that tender skin. Whether your decision is ecological, economical, or based on something else entirely, you’ve decided on cloth diapers for baby. Now it’s time for Diapering 101 – how do you turn a rectangle of cloth into a comfy cover for the little cherub?

Wash the diapers first

First things first. Never diaper your baby in a brand new cloth diaper straight from the plastic wrapping. Between the natural cotton and the manufacturing process, new diapers have a ‘waxy’ coating that cuts down on their absorbency and can irritate baby’s skin. Toss all your new diapers into the washer and run them through five or six cycles with detergent, bleach and the hottest water you can muster. If you’ve got a clothesline and a sunny day, that’s the best way to dry them.

Folding Diapers

You thought you had made your last choice when you picked cloth, did you? Think again. There are even more choices in 100% natural cloth diapers than there are in the disposable diapers aisle at the supermarket. Pre-folded, padded, flat-folded, nappy-style, all-in-ones, all-in-twos – it’s enough to make your head spin just trying to absorb it all. Add to that the choices in diaper covers – plastic pants? Nappy covers? Wool covers? Velcro, pin or one of the novelty diaper fasteners? For the purposes of this Diapering Baby class, we’ll assume that you’re using plain old flat-folds – a simple rectangle of absorbent cotton that may have a quilted layer running down the middle for extra absorbency. Here are several different methods of folding diapers, courtesy of moms, grandmas and the DyDee Company.

The Angel-Wing Fold

1. Lay the diaper lengthwise on the changing table. Fold the sides of the diaper in to the middle to form an absorbent pad.

2. Fold a few inches down at the front.

3. Unfold the sides at the back of the diaper, fanning them out.

4. Place the baby on the diaper, and pull the front up between his or her legs.

5. Holding the front against his belly, bring both sides of the back around to the front, and pin in place, pushing the pin through a few layers of diaper. You don’t have to go all the way through the diaper so that the pin is against baby’s skin.

Bikini Twist High-Cut Fold

1. Lay the diaper flat on the table.

2. Turn ONE END of the diaper completely over, twisting the diaper at the midpoint to form an absorbent pad.

3. Put the baby on the diaper (or the diaper under the baby, whichever is easier).

4. Pull the front of the diaper up between baby’s legs.

5. Pull back corners of the diaper around the baby, over the front corners and pin securely.

Double-Diaper For Heavy Wetters

1. Use one regular diaper and one infant size diaper. Lay regular diaper on table. Place infant size diaper in center.

2. Fold sides of infant diaper in, then fold sides of regular diaper in to cover the infant diaper.

3. Fold a few inches of the diaper front up, then fan the back of the diaper out to form angel wings.

4. Plop the baby in the middle of the diaper, and proceed as for the angel wing fold.

Whichever fold you choose to use, cover the whole thing with a diaper cover, smooch the little tyke and send him back off to play with a warm, dry bottom.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Diaper Rash, Diaper Rash Diaper Rash…What to Do? What to Do? What to Do? Grandma El to the Rescue!

Before the rescue, lets learn more about Diaper Rashwhat can cause it, how it can progress if untreated, and how to prevent secondary bacterial and fungal infections which can invade improperly cared for babies bottoms.

The main cause of diaper dermatitis is simply contact of urine on the skin. Between diaper changes, urine begins to break down into ammonia and other chemical by-products. Fecal matter in the diaper area, between diaper changes, can cause the rapid proliferation of bacteria and or fungus which can infect the already irritated diaper area.

Obviously, the breakdown of urine, its continual contact with the skin, and resulting skin irritation, begins the all too common diaper rash syndrome. It was thought that Luvs, Pampers and other disposable diapers would be a better answer than the common cloth diaper. The new diapers were better. But diaper rash is still an all too persistent and difficult problem to deal withuntil Grandma Els Diaper Rash Remedy & Prevention, everything else either didnt work too well, or did not work at all.

The most important treatment in healing diaper rash is PREVENTION!

Prevent urine from coming into contact with the babys tender skin by putting a barrier on the skin that prevents urine and fecal matter from contact with tender bottoms by barrier action. Grandma Els, as its smoothed on babys diaper area (peri-anal) creates a barrier that allows the skin to breathe or respirate, while keeping moisture and other irritants from penetrating to the skin. This preventative action of Grandma Els is accompanied by a healing, soothing action to stop the beginning of irritation that produces Diaper Rash.

It is important that the skin is always able to breathe or respirate to induce the healing process. Many diaper rash products are heavy creams, pastes or lotions. While some will create a barrier to keep moisture away from the skin, these products DO NOT have the capability of allowing the skin to breathe. Thereby, the existing moisture can not be released and the healing process is hindered dramatically. It is recommended that you use a semi-occlusive ointment such as Grandma Els Diaper Rash Remedy & Prevention.

Used for over 30 years in treating and preventing infantile and geriatric diaper dermatitis, Grandma Els is available to all.RIGHT NOW!!

These are some frequently asked questions about diaper rash:
What is diaper rash?
1. It is an irritation of the skin in the peri-anal area that is most often caused by ammonia forming due to urine breakdown.

What causes diaper rash?
1. It is caused by prolonged contact of a urine soaked diaper on a babys skin. The skin turns red and tissue breaks down, creating a rash. This worsens as the skin remains in contact with urine and feces.
2. Chafing or rubbing of diaper or pull ups on the area
3. Possible allergic reaction to diaper
4. Bacterial or fungal infection in rash area
5. Allergic reaction to food can cause urine to be irritating

Who can get diaper rash?
1. It is common on babies between the ages of 2-24 months
2. It also can occur on babies whose diapers are not changed frequently
3. It may also occur on babies who are taking antibiotics or are nursing while mother might be taking antibiotics
4. It can also occur on babies as they begin to eat solid foods (allergic reaction)

What are the symptoms of diaper rash?
1. Red, irritated, and possibly warm skin in and around the stomach, genitals, and inside the skin folds of the thighs and bottom
2. Pain, burning and itching, and an unhappy baby!

Is diaper rash contagious?
1. Diaper rash is almost never a contagious skin condition

What do I do if my child has diaper rash?
1. Apply Grandma Els Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention at every diaper change, after cleansing the area well, and blotting dry

How can I prevent diaper rash?
1. Apply Grandma Els Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention with every diaper change
2. Change your babys diaper often, and keep the area dry and clean
3. Use a gentle cleanser formulated especially for babies skin
4. After washing your baby, gently pat dry the area, do not rub the area
5. Make sure the diapers used fit properly, so they do not rub against the skin

How long does diaper rash usually last?
1. In general without treatment, a diaper rash will last several days if not infected. If left untreated, a severe case can last up to 10-14 days or more
2. In most cases, Grandma Els Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention can clear diaper rash within 24 hours

What types of products are not acceptable in treating diaper rash?
1. Ointments, with the exception of Grandma Els are occlusive, preventing skin respiration. Only a semi-occlusive ointment, such as Grandma Els works properly.
2. Creams are usually somewhat drying, have no protective activity, and allow all types of external stimuli (urine, feces, and allergens) to contact the skin causing further problems. Therefore, creams are not a good choice for a babys rash treatment.
3. Lotions are not protective at all, and therefore have little value in treating or preventing diaper rash.
4. Some soaps and detergents can cause allergic sensitivity to further the breakdown of babys delicate bottom.

Should I call my pediatrician?
1. If after several days, the rash is still visible, consult your pediatrician
2. If the rash has blisters or bumps, is oozing pus or bleeding, consult your pediatrician
3. If your baby has a rash and fever, consult your physician
4. If your baby has a rash and has urine that smells stronger than usual, or many loose stools, consult your pediatrician
5. If after properly treating your babys diaper rash, it still persists, consult your pediatrician

What other types of diaper rash occur if proper treatment is not begun?
Rash can further break down allowing either bacteria, or fungus to take hold and infect the skin. Common organisms causing the infection are E. Coli (bacteria) and other fungal infections such as Candida Albicans

How can I treat diaper rash infected with bacteria or fungi?
Consult your physician immediately and he or she will prescribe a suitable anti-bacterial or anti-fungal product to eradicate the infection

What other types of diaper dermatitis exist?
Contact irritants such as urine, fecal matter, poison ivy, oak or sumac, insect bites, soap allergy, rough rather than soft clothing causing skin abrasions, infrequent diaper changes, and poor skin cleansing techniques

Is diaper rash a common problem?
Yes, diaper rash is a common problem. To help prevent diaper rash, change diapers frequently, keep the area dry, and use no cloth diapers. Definitely use Grandma Els Diaper Rash Remedy and Prevention. The common problem will disappear!

Grandma Els to the rescue!!

If you have other questions, please email them to info@grandmaels.com or visit our website at www.grandmaels.com.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts

Mar
29

Caring For Baby’s Clothes

Posted by admin

New parents are full of concerns about what regular household activities may pose a threat or present problems for their newest family member. At some point the question about the best ways to wash baby clothing will arise. Parents typically ask whether there is a certain type off detergent that they should use, whether it is safe to wash baby clothes with the rest of the family’s clothing and what special steps should be taken with cloth diapers if they are being used.

Detergent

This is a valid concern. It is not atypical for certain detergents to irritate the skin of adults and older children, so it is certainly feasible that a baby’s tender and sensitive skin can be easily irritated by harsh detergents. There are several detergents on the market that are supposedly intended for baby’s clothing, but there is not much difference between them and other mild detergents. The best choice for parents to make in this area is to purchase mild detergent that is free from added colors and fragrances and wash the clothing in that. If the baby does develop a rash or seems to be experiencing skin discomfort of any kind, the first thing to do is consult the family pediatrician. The doctor may simply recommend that a different detergent be used, but will also be able to determine if there is a more serious problem.

Washing Baby Clothes with Family Clothes

Some parents feel that the baby’s clothing needs to be washed separately from that of the rest of the family. The rationale for this is that the other family members’ clothing could somehow taint or contaminate the baby’s. There is no reason to worry about this and it is perfectly safe to wash baby’s clothes and bedding along with everyone else’s. The exception to this rule is cloth diapers. If parents are using cloth diapers and washing them at home rather than using a diaper service, they must be washed apart from everything else.

Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers are fading into memory, replaced by the more convenient disposable brands that are on the market. For families that choose to use these, however, there are some special considerations. The most sanitary way to utilize reusable cloth diapers is to contract a diaper service. This will take away the hassle of washing the diapers at home and ensure that the replacement diapers are sterile. For families that choose to wash at home, the previous paragraph details that they should be kept separate from all other laundry. Storing the diapers until wash time must be done as sanitarily as possible. This means rinsing the cloth diaper in the toilet to remove solid wastes, then storing it in a pail until it is time to be washed. The pail should be covered to prevent odor and lined with a disposable or washable liner. The pail, lid, and liner should be cleaned whenever the diapers are and the soiled diapers should be washed at least twice weekly.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related posts