Flats and Handwashing Challenge Day 3: Severe Diaper Rashes

 

Flats and Hand Washing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry: 
For one week I use only flat diapers and any accessories that can be used with it. All diapers are hand washed and hung to dry. 

Today I figured I'd talk a little about diaper rash. It has been one thing I have been dealing with for over 2 years. My oldest never had a bad rash ever. The closest was a little red after a diaper change and with a dab of cream it was gone.

When my middle was about 6 months, she started getting a really bad rash. She had just started on solids and was teething. Her poops were very runny and appeared to be diarrhea. Her rash turned into open and bleeding sores. Since we had just started using cloth I didn't know what I could use on her butt and found many used coconut oil. After using a prescription for a week I put her back in the cloth and started using coconut oil. The rash started clearing up within the next day.

Every time she would cut teeth we would start it all over again. Then my youngest was born and when she started teething, the same thing happen again to her. I started searching for answers. After a lot of trial and error I have finally found what works. It still takes time to get the bottom totally healed up, but it does heal.

Here is what I do to prevent and heal it as quickly as possible:

• Wipe solution of 1/2 gallon water, squirt of baby soap, and a few drops of tea tree oil. 
• For diaper cream I mix a few tablespoons and few drops of tea tree oil
• I also use some Burt's Bees - Baby Bee Diaper Ointment with either my flats or a disposable insert once a day. It seems to heal faster when I use something different on the butt. I only use this when it is really bad. 
• Everyday I give her a quick soaking bath with baking sodato clean out the sores
• After baths she will get some air time to run around. This is also a good time to put a flat on and let them run around without a cover on. I do both.
• Change the diaper often. Check it often.

With in a week I usually see a major difference and see definite healing on her bottom. It is extremely frustrating but now that we are almost done teething, the breakouts are far and few. 

If you have had a similar struggle with diaper rashes I'd love to hear what has worked for you.