Need some guidance, please

[3Taureans]

Hopefully someone can help me figure out my wash routine and what is causing a persistent rash on my 2 year old. My stash consists of prefolds, covers, some fitteds and about 2 dozen BGOS (these get used the most). I got tired of the BG microfiber inserts smelling, so I currently stuff the pockets with infant prefolds. I use a hemp or terry doubler for overnight.

I use Country Save detergent (but have used numerous others without success). We have new HE machines, so I'm still trying to find something that works. I currently do a quick cold wash, then a long hot wash with 1/2 scoop of CS w/ extra rinse. I then follow that with another hot wash and no detergent. This has seemed to get rid of the stinkies.

However, my daughter has had a persistent diaper rash for at least a month now. Her diapers were smelling heavily of ammonia before I washed them all with a 1/2c of vinegar followed by the above-mentioned wash routine. The diapers came out of the wash smelling clean, but when I pulled back her overnight diaper this morning, it smelled heavily of ammonia and her diaper area was raw.

I strip with Dawn about once a month, but I wonder about doing that with these new machines. Does it sound like there is still ammonia build-up or could the rash be due to using a less-absorbant insert in the BG? I just FINALLY got rid of the stinkies, but her bottom doesn't seem to be getting any better. Feeling very frustrated at the moment!

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated, mamas!

[MommaShark]

I don't know about your wash routine - but the only thing that keeps my 4 week old's rash at bay is lanolin.......

[fruitfulmomma]

I would start by adding more soap to your wash routine. It sounds like the core of the diaper is not getting clean and when she thoroughly soaks the diaper, as they do at nighttime, it allows the smells from the core to come out.

Also, is she drinking enough water? If she is somewhat dehydrated her urine is going to smell more than normal.

[Woolly Meredith]

When my daughter was 2 yrs., 4 months she was getting really rashy too. I tried a few things - but what worked was the potty. At 2 they are old enough to understand and begin using the potty, and this could be just the catalyst that you/she needs.

I explained to my daughter that she was really too old for the diapers now and that is why she was getting the rashes. I showed her how she could use the adult potty and within hours she was using it.

I think 2 is the perfect time because they are still so sweet and want to please you. The closer to three you get the harder it is because they become a bit ornery. Also, summer is the best time because you can go without pants and not freeze their little butts off

Best of luck!

[Michigan Mama]

I don't have an HE machine, so I'm not really sure I can help there, we have a lot of food allergies/sensitivies at our house and my son gets rashy easily from that sometimes. Introduced any new foods lately?

1/2 scoop of CS is what you are supposed to use for a TL machine, so it might be worth trying a little less for a FL. I'm not sure.

The extra hot rinses are always what help me with stink, and it sounds like you are already doing that. It takes a lot of rinses to get Dawn out, and probably even more so with a FL.

Not sure how helpful I've been, but I hope you find something that works!

[3Taureans]

Originally Posted by Woolly Meredith

When my daughter was 2 yrs., 4 months she was getting really rashy too. I tried a few things - but what worked was the potty. At 2 they are old enough to understand and begin using the potty, and this could be just the catalyst that you/she needs.

I explained to my daughter that she was really too old for the diapers now and that is why she was getting the rashes. I showed her how she could use the adult potty and within hours she was using it.

I think 2 is the perfect time because they are still so sweet and want to please you. The closer to three you get the harder it is because they become a bit ornery. Also, summer is the best time because you can go without pants and not freeze their little butts off

Best of luck!

It's funny you should mention the potty today. I've decided to treat DD's rash as yeast since she's had it for so long and isn't responding to ointment. I've had her running around nekid with yogurt slathered on her bum today. And after cleaning up puddles this morning, I thought "why not start the potty while we're at it?" The issue is that we have one on the way in about a month, so I hate to start now and have the routine disrupted. The potty would be WAAAAAY easier than dealing with this rash and diaper issues though! Thanks for the tips....