Tag Archives: wipes

Baby Diaper Issues: Wiping

Posted by on August 18, 2014 under Everything Baby | Read the First Comment

How wiping and diaper rash may be conntected

Last year, I helped out a neighbor every so often by babysitting her two-year-old. She quickly filled me in on the basics: the child’s food allergies, TV rules and diaper changing specifics. The mom mentioned something I hadn’t heard before, but a quick Internet search told me she was not alone in her thinking. She asked that I only wipe the child if there was poop, but if the child had only peed, to just change the diaper and move on. Wiping after just peeing, she suspected, caused her child diaper rash. It was just a theory she had developed over time, but does it have some validity?

Logically, yes. The idea of wiping as an adult is to keep the area dry. But when a baby is wearing a diaper, that moisture gets whisked into the fluff of the diaper. Urine is sterile at first. Bacteria only start to develop over time. Most of the time, when changing a diaper with only pee, the child’s skin will be dry.

Another issue with wiping causing diaper rash can be the wipe itself. Wipes with perfumes or alcohol can irritate the baby’s sensitive skin. Check to make sure the wipes you’re using are perfume and alcohol free, such as Cuties Premium Baby Wipes. These wipes also have the added advantage of being hypoallergenic and having aloe and vitamin E in them.

An Internet search reveals that many doctors believe wiping after changing a pee diaper is unnecessary. Does this mean it’s always harmful to wipe a child after changing a pee-filled diaper? No. Every child’s skin and PH-balance is different. If your child is developing diaper rash, first pay attention to the diaper changing regimen, and see what changes need to be made.

Camping Checklist

Posted by on August 1, 2014 under BladderMatters | Be the First to Comment

Incontinence Camping Tips

Anyone going camping during this last month or so of summer? If you are, and you need incontinence supplies, there are some some extra items to add to the checklist. Here are a few items that are either essential or helpful. First up, something that everyone should have whenever heading out of the house for the tent life:

1)      Bath Wipes
These unscented, hypoallergenic wipes are extra large, so you’ll only need one for each person each day (initially, at least, as they will also come in handy after meals to clean faces and hands). Each washcloth has more than enough moisture to cleanse thoroughly. They come eight to a pack, but they’re so inexpensive, two packs might be a good choice even for a short trip.

2)      Flashlights, Paper Towels, Can Openers
There are many other convenient items that you could probably get away with forgetting, but these three are pretty much the most essential, besides the tent. Pack these items a few days beforehand to make sure they don’t get lost in the shuffle of last minute packing.

3)      Underpads
A wonderful accessory when camping and experiencing incontinence issues. If you have been employing reusable underpads at home, get a pack of disposable underpads for the trip. While reusable underpads are less expensive in the long run and better for the environment, the convenience of disposable is great for camping. They’ll make the mornings so much easier and with Prevail underpads, you only need one layer at a time.

4)      Games
Chatting by the campfire is ideal, but you want to make sure you have a back-up option in case the talk starts to slow. Take some card games, but nothing large or that requires a board. Then you’ll know that you’re ready to provide the outdoor entertainment once the sun goes down.

5)      Extra Incontinence Supplies
That may sound bulky, but it doesn’t need to be. Just be smart about it. Pack everything you may need (extra briefs, wipes, gloves, creams, washes and disposable bags) into one bag, like a small gym bag. Have a really large tube of cream? Just take what you need by putting some into a travel sized bottle. Keep in mind that because your schedule and activity amount may change during your vacation, your supply needs might change as well.

Having everything securely packed will make you able to relax and appreciate your vacation. Last tip: if you have multiple bags, during packing time, note which item was place in which bag. Then take that list with you. It will save time later and you’ll know exactly what you packed. Enjoy your trip!