Well its been a crazy twenty-four hours around my house. Not sure if there is a bug going around or if K has eaten something that didn't sit well. He's had fifteen awful bowl movements in two days & the doctors are not sure what is going on. They sent us home to wait it out hoping whatever it is will run its course. Tonight his guts seem to be hurting him less and the number twos are slowing down (fingers crossed forever & not just this very moment!). But having a constant bought of NASTY coming out of the bottom end has left him with a serious case of nappy rash.
No parent likes to see their child in pain & I'm sure we can all relate to trying everything we can to make the hurt go away as quick as possible. K doesn't get nappy rash often but does tend to get it while teething, when introduced to new foods or when it is really hot & humid in the summer. I try to use natural remedies whenever I can & thought I would compile a list of the ones that work for us.
What to do if your baby/ toddler has nappy rash:
Air the area out as much as possible:
-Give him as much nappy free time as possible.
-While sleeping place a diaper under your child so it hopefully
catches everything. Key word here is "hopefully"! Don't forget
to put a waterproof mattress protector (or garbage bags)
& a towel down first.
-If you have to put a nappy on make sure to use good ones
& change it as soon as you know it is wet.
-If you use cloth nappies consider using disposible ones until the
rash clears up. Kudos to those of you who can deal with
poopy cloth diapers! Sadly, I'm not that good!
-Instead use a warm wet cloth and dab the area.
-If using soap make sure it is mild (like Dove or Ivory).
-Gently pat dry & make sure the area is completely dry
before putting a diaper back on.
-In Australia Bepanthen is the best but Curash is good too.
They help cure nappy rash & also help prevent getting
a rash in the first place because they contain zinc.
-Using a barrier cream can be really painful when they already have
nappy rash but using lots of Paw Paw cream instead works well.
Bathe in bi-carb soda (baking soda):
-Let him soak in a bath more frequently than usual
-Put as much bi-carb in the tub as he/she can handle.
It usually clears up quite quickly by doing this
& it seems to give relief.
-An older nurse originally told me this one
& I use it for nearly everything now!
-Make a cup of tea & then dip a clean washcloth in it.
-Ring it out on the affected area.
-Tea is also good for sunburn, eye infections
& blocked tear ducts
-I'm not sure why this works but it does!
I wish I was still breastfeeding!
-Eating it is good for his "plumbing" & it is very
soothing when applied directly.
-Just make sure its the plain kind (no strawberry or anything like that!)
Hydrate & Change their diet:
-Give them lots of water to drink & bland foods.
-Make sure to stay away from anything spicy, acidic or sugary.
They will make the rash worse & also make bowl
movements more painful.
I've seen lots of other natural remedies floating around the internet. I'm interested to know which ones you've tried & have worked for you. Please feel free to leave a comment & share your mummy (or daddy) wisdom with me & my readers!
Cheers!
