Uh oh zinc oxide

[shinaabikwe]

So I am a new CD mama and have been blissfully unaware that I am WRECKING my prefolds with diaper rash creams containing zinc oxide for the past 6 weeks...ooops!

Is there any way to reverse the damage that I might have caused?

[Mrs-Mama]

Have you noticed any problem with the diapers? My mom used liberal amounts of desitin (zinc oxide) on my brother (and I guess me too) while using prefolds and never had any problems with them. Prefolds wash out well since they're all cotton. Pocket diapers and such have more problems caused by diaper rash cream.

If you are having problems, you might try stripping the diapers or even boiling them to get all of the diaper cream out.

[jimblejamble]

I've been using Avalon Organics zinc diaper balm for about 5 months with no issues.

[octobermom]

I'm coating my babys bum in the "target brand" A&D ointment which is basically lanolin and petrolum at night and no issues so far. I'm also doing one long hot wash cycle (with extra rinse automatically entered) using tide with bleach and machine drying so far all is comming out super clean and no rashes... I'm using preemie prefolds bummi covers and nanabottom AIOs which have multiple inners of fleece, suade cloth, flannel, cotton and bamboo.

Deanna

[Lineymom]

I've been using it on and off w/ pfs for 4 months no problems.

[shinaabikwe]

Hmm well then why do I read all these posts that say zinc oxide is a no-no?

We have used both California Baby and Burt's Bees brands...I have noticed a bit of build up in some areas but they are still working for us.

Well I will keep the zinc oxide warning in mind if we switch to a different kind of diaper in her next size.

[Llyra]

If your diapers start repelling moisture, then you know the zinc oxide is not washing out of the diapers. You'll know you're having repelling if your LO starts leaking wetness even though the diaper doesn't appear to be very wet. It has a waterproofing effect, which is the last thing you want for diapers. But for us, with plain cotton diapers we used it with no trouble, because it washed out. It was only a problem on synthetic diapers, like pockets, because those didn't wash clean. You can get it out, if it is causing problems, by handwashing very vigorously with Dawn dish detergent-- you may need a scrubbing brush to help with the job.