Have you ever considered using a diaper spray? Having a spray bottle ready when you're diaper changing helps loosen what's dried on the baby's bottom and cleanse their skin.For cloth wipe users like myself, it's essential to have something to moisten the cloth wipes. However, even when I've used disposable wipes in the past, I like to clean my baby and then spray the solution on her bottom and wipe her clean again. This ensures she's 1) clean and 2) helps us to avoid rashes caused by ammonia buildup from urine or bacteria from solids.
My diaper changing routine is basically 3 steps, I can say that since I've implemented it we have not had any bad diaper rashes (except for when my kids have suffered diarrhea - changing that often makes babies prone to raw skin on their bottoms).
Step 1) Spray and wipe, spray and wipe. Two times is sufficient, sometimes 3 with toddlers. I don't want my child's bottom to just be 'visibly' clean. I want them clean- most of us use water in the bathroom so it makes sense that I would ensure they're just as clean.
Step 2) Wipe dry, air dry if possible. This isn't always an option when we're out and about but I always have 2 cloth wipes on hand when we are so that I can clean and dry their skin. If you use disposables, perhaps carry around a pack of tissues to blot them dry. Moist skin trapped in a diaper is one of the leading causes for yeast rash.
Step 3) I ALWAYS use a barrier on my baby. Unfortunately a lot of diaper creams are not suitable for cloth use, so we have had to resort to disposables during sickness so I can use Sudocreme. That all changed when I found out how to create my OWN easy diaper cream!
I've used products that I know you can get in the KSA!
Homemade Diaper Spray:
What you will need:
- 1 Small Spray bottle
- 1 tsp of coconut oil. We used Nirmal which we found at LuLu Hypermarkets. White bottle. 18 Sar.
- 5-10 drops of tea tree oil (depending on the strength) we used one from the Body Shop. 20ml costs 58 Sar, a bit pricey- but well worth it considering you're not paying shipping.
- 60 ml of boiled water, lukewarm OR distilled water at room temperature.
- Some people use an all natural soap, a couple of drops. I have never found that I needed a detergent to clean my baby's skin. I don't like the idea of having it sit on their skin for long periods of time. A great option is castille soap, if you choose to add it.
- 2 Tsp Raw Organic honey, no wax. My father in law is a beekeeper mashallah, so I get it for free. Find the best quality you can.
Add the room temperature honey and water to your spray bottle. Add the coconut oil and tea tree oil. Shake vigorously.
Honey, Tea tree, and coconut oil all have anti bacterial and anti microbial properties. Honey never goes bad. All of the ingredients will help decrease changes that your baby will develop a rash while moisturizing her skin.
Homemade Barrier Cream/ Diaper Cream:
What you will need:
- 1 Pump bottle
- 60ish ml of coconut oil, melted.
- 20 drops of tea tree oil
- Bee's wax and Honey- approximately 2 tbs melted.
- 1 tbs cornstarch (I use a no talc baby powder that uses cornstarch)
In the microwave heat the honey and wax together for 20 seconds, until melted completely. Run it through some mesh and add it to 60 ml of Coconut oil. Add 20 drops of Tea Tree oil. Heat again for 15 seconds. Shake the bottle very well for 2 minutes. The ingredients will emulsify. While the mixture is still warm I add the baby powder/ cornstarch. Mix until it is completely dissolved into the cream. You will notice the cream will become slightly thicker.
When this barrier cream goes on it will heal the skin and moisturize, while also creating an effective barrier on the baby's skin. It dries to a satin finish on the baby's skin eventually. The mixture is never sticky and smells a lot of honey and coconut.
