A couple of weeks ago, Carter had a bad diaper rash.

And I mean B-A-D.

Two patches of skin (about the size of half your thumb) on either side of his bum was completely gone.. eaten away by the acids in poo/pee. What was left was raw, weeping flesh. Does that sound horrific? WAY WORSE if you had seen it in person. And EVEN WORSE if you had to hear him cry and scream in pain for ages and every time I changed his diaper and had to clean his bum. It was awful. So bad that even his pediatrician cringed when she saw it, and said it was “really bad”.

How did this happen? It was actually my fault. I was not very vigilant with using a diaper cream during his diaper changes.. so about 50% of the time, I’d just take off the old diaper and pop a new one on. After all, I used to do this when Hunter was a baby and had no issues, so I didn’t realise you had to clean completely and use cream during every single diaper change. How I regret this 🙁

So one day, I noticed his bum looking a bit tender and red. I was suspicious, so I upped the number of times I put cream on his bum. But it was too late. About 24 hours later, the skin had split, rubbed off, and he was left with those wounds 🙁 I can’t believe how fast it can come??! I was pretty distraught and would cry as well when I had to change him, cos I knew how much pain he would be in 🙁

So, I found 3 products that cleared the wounds and have prevented diaper rash ever since. Thought I would share them here… because a baby in pain is every parent’s nightmare, so I hope you (and your bub) will avoid it!

1. Cloth diapering – I use Charlie Banana because they are the softest and have adorable designs. Already made a blog entry about Charlie Banana diapers, so I won’t talk about it here. But, I’m amazed at how soft and comfortable these are against baby skin, and how absorbent they are! Note: I don’t use wet wipes on Carter’s skin whilst at home, after his doc told me that they are actually highly irritating, no matter what brand you get. Instead, I use large cotton pads and warm water.

   

    

2. aiden + anais Soothing Ointment – I have a strange fascination with this brand. I just find all their stuff so…. enticing!! Their ultra-soft muslins span across various products, of which I own.. errr… virtually everything. I just can’t help myself! So I was naturally excited when they launched their new skincare line. This Soothing Ointment has 50% fresh fermented pawpaw fruit and is meant to relieve diaper rash, minor cuts, insect bites, and cracked/chapped skin and lips. Sounds similar to Lucas papaw ointment? That’s because it’s the same concept, but this aiden+anais version has a smoother and creamier texture, which I like for application. I smooth this onto his bum to soothe his irritated skin, and it melts beautifully in. Tip: this actually makes application of a diaper rash barrier cream a lot smoother/easier afterwards! Also fabulous as a lipbalm.

   

    

3. Sudocrem – this little jar of wonder is a physical barrier cream. It’s a solid white colour and I  apply it after the aiden+anais Soothing Ointment. The purpose of this is to prevent the pee/poo from sitting against the skin and irritating it further. It’s awesome. My only small gripe with this product is that it’s in a tub.. which I find both not very portable, but also gross as I have to dig my finger into it and it always gets stuck under my nails. But, I live with it as this cream is superb and really does its job. Tip: buy this at Mothercare, as it’s way cheaper than if you buy it at pharmacies.

aiden + anais have also released a new series of bamboo swaddles. All my mummy friends own a box of these, because they’re the softest muslins. My only gripe with it was that I didn’t like any of the existing prints.. they were just a bit boring to me. But, their new series includes a GORGEOUS ‘azure’ set… which is basically a light turquoise. aiden + anais were really kind to send me a box from the USA (they’re not available in Singapore, but hopefully will be soon) and WOW THEY’RE LOVELY!!! My favourite colour, and uni-sex to boot. I’m using them as a super-soft blankie for Carter at home, in the car, and in the stroller. It’s so cute to see him snuggled up under the soft cloth 🙂

I also know people that use these muslin cloths in the office, because they’re so light and soft, but make a lovely cover up against chilly office air conditioning.

I’m also using these aiden + anais muslin bibs for Carter because they’re so soft (and get softer every time you wash them) and good for his sensitive baby skin. Snap buttons are on the side, which is really practical since you don’t have to hold baby’s head aloft as you button them up. I was also swayed by them as the designs are adorable 😉

[Note: I’ve updated my previous USA post with people’s recommendations. Worth a look if you’re planning a trip to NYC anytime soon.) Mad thanks to those that gave me their recs, you’ve been so helpful!]