Because It Deserves A Follow Up

Last week I posted about Jensen’s diaper rash woes. And I asked for some advice from all of you other mommies in the trenches of motherhood. And you delivered. Boy, did you deliver. I had something like 80 comments on that post. That would be an all-time record here at It Coulda’ Been Worse. Not even my eyebrow pimple post got that kind of response.

I went through each and every comment and took copious notes. And I wanted to post my findings. It’s not very scientific or probably all that accurate. But, it’s my blog.

Many, many of you suggested using a blow dryer (on a low setting) to dry off the southern region of Jensen. While it’s a noble idea, and with all due respect, ARE YOU INSANE? Diapering my boy is like wrestling a slippery tornado. He has a rotisserie chicken act that has to be seen to be believed. His size has far exceeded the circumference of the diaper changing table. Yet it is the easiest place to attempt the diaper switcheroo. I actually have the most control. However, when he has me in a scissor hold, it’s hard to tell who is in charge. So, it’s difficult to imagine me utilizing an electrical device with a cord that he could ultimately use to hog tie me.

So, the hair dryer idea, while good, is a NO.

I had to recently remove the cute hand painted lamp that use to adorn the side of the changing table. He was able to get a foothold (on me) and propel himself back far enough to grab it by the shade. The other day this act caused the bulb to burst, showering both mother and son with hot broken light bulb. He was fine. Just frightened by the sound of my shrieking when the hot bulb landed on my hand as I was trying to shield him from permanent scarring. Or worse. The lamp has been relocated to the garage. If I need to see at night, I can just clamp a small flashlight between my teeth. I’m not above it.

Ya’ll had wonderful suggestions about using cloth diapers. I know that cloth diapers have come a LONG way since my mother use to inadvertently stick me with oversized diaper pins. Shaped like gun holsters, they were. As an aside, she kept them for me, and once when I was trying to bring them home on the plane they were confiscated. Confiscated. And this was way before 9/11.

I think I just carry too many diaper pin sticking scars to consider switching from my Pampers Cruisers. Which I love. Especially when they are on sale AND I’m packing a coupon.

Probably the most suggested topical ointment was Butt Paste. But that’s just because you all are as juvenile as I am. And like to say “Butt Paste” out loud. A&D Ointment came in second. Followed closely by Bag Balm (which I find udderly amazing), Resinol, Desitin (high zinc oxide content), Dr. Smith’s Diaper Ointment, Burt’s Bees, and Lotrimin (for jock itch). And I’m thinking that some of you are closet mad scientists what with all of your “formulas” of mixing Milanta, Desitin, and A&D Ointment. Plus a lot of other interesting combinations. Which I will be concocting in my own laboratory kitchen.

The most unusual suggestion would have to be the one about letting the dog lick the “affected” area. Evidently, Rosie made this suggestion on the “View”. I googled it, and it’s true. Allrightythen. Even after a week, I can’t get that visual out of my head. Reason #214 why I won’t get a dog. Who knows, it probably works, but still.

Other diaper rash fighting suggestions included using 1/2 cup of baking soda in the bath (which we’ve been doing), and sprinkling corn starch over the ointment, once applied. I love this idea. I want to get a salt type shaker to put this in. Also, using wash cloths instead of wipes.

REALLY wonderful suggestions. I cannot thank you all enough for taking the time to write down your diaper rash ideas. I’ve got probably another year with Junior in diapers, so I’ll have plenty of opportunities to try these out. Then after I have him potty trained, I’m going to host a diaper genie burning party and invite you all to it. I can’t wait.

And in case you’re wondering. Jensen’s posterior is healed. And we all breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Maybe next time I ought to take a poll asking about what tampon brand is most popular. But that would be just silly. Everyone knows it would be Playtex Ultra Glide Super Plus in the industrial sized non-deoderant box.