JEAN TALKING ABOUT DIAPER RASH

When Marilyn gave me the request for diaper rash that bought back memories.  When I was with child (expecting) for Susan, I read all the baby books that I could get my hands on.  So as many young people feel, both Old Order Mennonite and Englishers, I knew everything and my Mother knew nothing even though she had eight more children than I did.  Everything was fine until Susan got diaper rash.  My Mother told me what to put on it, but I wouldn't hear of it.  I bought several over the counter items at the drug store.  None of them worked.  We took Susan to the doctor and got his prescriptions.  They didn't work.  After being up for two nights with Susan crying non stop and getting David out of bed, I called my Mother at 2:00 AM in the morning, in tears.  My Mother went through one item after another that I didn't have in my house. She finally said Vicks, which I did have.  Mother told me to bath Susan's bottom, dry it,  but Vicks on it and diaper her.  Put her in her crib on her side or tummy-that will work - and it did.  Since then, I learned to listen to my Mother - most of the time.

I also learned a lot more about diaper rash.  Some of things I tell you, you might not try, but I will tell you what I learned and now do. It is rarely that I use disposable diapers.  Most of the diapers are cloth-cotton. I have had less diaper rash with them than I did with disposable diapers.  When I wash the cloth diapers, I double rinse them to make sure all the soap is out of them and hang them outside-especially if the sun is out.  Also, I buy diaper cover or panties that are not so tight that they seal in the moisture.

When diaper rash appears, I use vitamin E salve.  If I can't obtain that, I buy Vitamin E capsules, open them and apply to the bottom at each diaper change.  I have never had that fail.  Within 24 hours it has always felt better and is almost gone.  If you see the start of diaper rash - put it on and with every diaper change.

Sometimes when just I or David and I are home with David Jr. - we let David Jr. not wear a diaper or slacks to let air at his bottom.  We did the same for Susan when she was his age.  We make sure no other family members are there or company is coming.  Now, David Jr. is old enough that he only wears diaper pants to bed at night.

As I said, I rarely use disposable diapers except for meetings, if I take the baby grocery shopping, to the doctors and alike.  When I get the baby home, I change into cloth diaper.  I don't believe that disposable diapers are as comfortable as cloth diapers.

I also do not use store baby powder.  My belief is that they are too chemical-laden and can cause breathing problems in children.  Here is what I make:

Jean's Baby Powder

1.2 pound cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon lavender essential oil

Place cornstarch in a self-sealing plastic bag and add the lavender essential oil drop by drop.  Tightly close the bag and shake it to distribute the essential oil, breaking up any clumps through the bag. Let stand 4 days to distribute the essential oil  Use with every diaper change, or as needed.

Be With God,
Jean

With Jean's permission, I put her post on a day early, as I want to put something on for Labor Day tomorrow.  Jean will be back on her regular day next week.