To say the least, this CD journey has not been completely smooth. We've had a couple of bumps in the road. First, Maggie developed a rash at 2wks. The only time I've had to deal with a diaper rash is when Hannah had massive diarrhea when she was about 12mos old. Why did Maggie have one now? So, this was a little discouraging at first. Unlike disposable diapers, common diaper rash ointments/creams cannot be used with CDs because they ruin the diaper. And I did NOT want to have to buy a disposable diaper. I immediately starting using a CD safe ointment called the Magic Stick. However, after a couple of days of using it, the rash appeared worse! I was ready to pull my hair out. I did what I didn't want to do and bought a pack of disposable diapers & Desitin. I continued to change her diaper every 2 hrs around the clock & slather her bottom with Desitin for a few more days with NO improvement. The Ped said it was yeast and prescribed Nyastatin & Triple Butt paste. So, after another week of disposables there was minimal improvement. Then I found a cure in Motherlove's Diaper Rash & Thrush ointment & it was ok to use with CDs! Actually, a friend recommended it & I should have used it from the beginning. It literally worked overnight!
Our second bump was figuring out the best way to wash the CDs. See, we have a front load HE washer that uses cups of water (not gallons) to wash. I knew that breastmilk poop was water soluble & did not have to be removed before washing. Yeah, that's true if you DON'T have a HE washer! I would go to remove the diapers from the washer & ALL of them would be covered in speckles of yellow seedy poop. Now what? I certainly wasn't going to buy another washing machine. The point here was to SAVE $$$! Then I remember one of my baby shower gifts....a bumGenius diaper sprayer. I finally figured out what cycles and how many with what temp to keep our stash "so fresh & so clean clean!"
In short what I have learned thus far:
- U need the RIGHT detergent & the right amount (a very small amt)
- CDs needs to be rinsed thoroughly of ALL detergent (I think this may have been the culprit to our rash)
- Magic Stick is GREAT for preventing rash & treating mild flares
- Motherlove is GREAT for preventing rash & treating aggressive flares
- HE washers don't use enough water to dissolve breastmilk poop
- A fleece liner is amazing at wicking moisture with a pre-fold
So, 9wks in & no regrets! Maggie is starting to sleep a little more at night & I'm trying to figure out the best diaper for night time. The jury is still out on my preference for the BEST diaper. Hands down, the pre-fold with cover is the most reliable....no blow outs or leaks yet!
5 comments:
Hurray for cloth diapers! I think that once you have your own system figured out then it's pretty simple. We use prefolds and pockets. I love the thrift of prefolds but I'm in love with pockets. Right now I need to learn about stripping my diapers because they have have detergent build up in them - totally the hubby's fault ;).
Very informative. We're planning to use CDs too. Any tips on which detergent? We have a front loader as well.
I love cloth diapers. It can be a trying adjustment at first. Once you get into the swing of things, it's so much fun. At least it is to me :)
My husband's grandmother said that if you want to prevent diaper rash w/ washable diapers is to let them soak in vinegar and water...bleach and water builds up chlorine which is irritating to baby bottoms. I use disposable so I filed this away in my memory banks.
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