Cloth Diapering a Ten-Month-Old
Ten months into cloth diapering and things are running as smooth as ever. Nothing much has changed, we’re still on the same stash, using the same settings except that Damian’s absorbency needs increased since he’s taking in more and more solids and more and more liquids.
Like what I mentioned in my previous blog entry on cloth diapers, we use two kinds of cloth diapers - bumGenius! one-size pockets and diaper covers+prefolds. For more than 5 months now, we are still on the medium setting. I think it’s quite a long time, but I’m not complaining. Everything still works. No leaks, no spills. I am really, really happy with my cloth diaper stash. We have been utilizing it to its fullest.
Having said that, for those thinking of using cloth, consider this advice —
If you intend to start early, say you want to use cloth on a newborn onwards, I suggest that you go for one-sized diapers. Newborns grow really quickly that it’s not very practical to stick to multi-sized diapers since she only gets to use them for a few weeks then move on to the next size.
*If you are confused about the terms, i.e. one-size/multi-size, please click here.
If, however, you want to use cloth diapers in the middle of the game, say your baby is 5 months or older, then I suggest you use multi-sized diapers. I say this because cloth diapers don’t come cheap and I’m pretty sure most of us always want to make the most out of our purchases. By considering these factors, you get to use the cloth diaper on your baby for a longer period of time. Mas sulit!
On to another diaper-related topic, let’s talk about rashes. Remember how they say that babies on cloth don’t get rashes? Well, it’s not true. Babies using cloth diapers still get rashes but not as frequent as the ones on disposables and not as severe.
In the months that we’ve been using cloth, Damian did get rashes a few times. If my memory serves me right, he only had 3 episodes of rash outbreak. Most of the time, it’s just redness on his bottom that we can quickly put under control.
Let me share with you the top 3 things I use to counter rashes.
My absolute favorite clear-bottom keeper! Lavender essential oil does wonders to the skin. Whatever kind of skin ailment there is, lavender is sure to help cure it. But not all lavender essential oils are cut for the job. Make sure it’s Grade-A therapeutic lavender essential oil, which is safe to ingest and apply directly onto the skin (most essentials oils available here are prepared for aromatherapy use only and not meant to be applied directly onto the skin).
I use the lavender essential oil from Young Living. It’s the only one I know that’s Grade-A therapeutic, so you can apply it topically, or drink it if you will. My sister introduced me to this line of therapeutic oils and I fell in love instantly. She gave me my first bottle of lavender and I have been using it on the boys constantly. Whether it be a rash or an insect bite, a cut or a scratch - a drop of lavender essential oil gives instant relief.
Whenever I notice Damian’s bottom to be a little red, I put a drop of young living lavender after cleaning his bum and before putting on a clean diaper. The redness clears in just a few hours. No fail. I also dab some on Damian’s feet to help calm him down before going to sleep. Lavender is known to have calming and disinfecting properties making it suitable for a thousand uses for you, your baby and your home.
When rash breaks and spreads, I combine lavender essential oil with Desitin especially during the night when exposure to wetness is prolonged. Desitin is most effective in helping control the rash outbreak. Outbreaks clear in 2-3 days with it.
There are times, though, when I am not up for the smell of Desitin. It doesn’t smell great. Well, it doesn’t stink, it’s just that there are days when I couldn’t stand the smell of Desitin so I shift to Palmer’s bottom butter.
Anyone who uses Palmer’s lotion would now that Palmer’s give one of the best smelling lotions ever. It smells like chocolate. Also, unlike Desitin, Palmer’s easily wipe off. It is as effective as Desitin, however, it is more expensive.
How about you? What do you use for your baby’s rashes?
