LilSugar

What Do You Know About Diaper Rash?

LilSugar — Wed, 18 May 2011 12:16:20 PDT

Diaper rash ranks high on many a mother's list of evils. The red and bumpy condition can cause discomfort for everyone involved. Despite the pain it may cause to your little one, diaper rash is a completely normal part of being a baby. Take the quiz to see how much you know about it.

Take the Quiz

OnSugar Blog: Butt Paste Anyone?

OnSugar Blog — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 01:02:15 PDT

Lots of moms like to think out loud and Melissa-Emily is one of them. This is the latest post to her Life Beyond Base blog.

Recently I've made the switch from A&D/Desitin to Butt Paste and I must say I love it! For my daughter's bottom of course! All the other diaper rash creams I've tried have such a weird Vasline-y or powderish smell, which I hate.

After trying this one, I am happy to say that it's a keeper and no not just because of the smell, but because it actually works well. Just minutes after applying some on my daughter's bottom her rash almost instantly disappeared, which was great because she had a very bad diaper rash due to her teething.

Now Mya's bottom smells lovely and is free and clear of diaper rash! Have any mommies tried Butt Paste before? If so what do you think of it?

Want to see more? Start following Life Beyond Base, or start your own OnSugar blog. It's easy, it's free, and we just might feature your post on our site!

Five Tips to Treat Diaper Rash Naturally

babysugar — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 06:00:58 PDT

A baby's bottom may be the epitome of softness, but the tender skin can be pretty sensitive when suffering from diaper rash. The prickly red dots can wreak havoc on a newborn and send mama searching for remedies. Before purchasing fancy potions, check out these all natural (inexpensive) treatments.

Tips to Aid Diaper Rash Naturally

babysugar — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:02:12 PDT

It is torture to watch a babe with a bloody bumpy bottom writhe in pain. Every time they relieve themselves, it becomes a fire drill for the mom as she scurries to change the tot at record pace. While many parents would try just about anything to rid their child of such a situation, there are natural remedies to put a stop to the redness.

Wash cloths: Use warm water on wash rags instead of wipes. Most wipes contain alcohol and irritate the diaper rash further while stinging the child's bum.

To see my other tips,

Would You Buy Pregnancy Products by These Names?

LilSugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:00:53 PST

You can't judge a book by its cover, but can you pick on a product line because of its name? LeastLikely2Breed sells a line of remedies ($6 - $18) for expectant and new mamas. From stretch mark potion to nipple salve and hemorrhoid ointment to vaginal jelly, there's even some diaper rash balm for baby. But the names of the products are another story. In your ninth month of pregnancy, would you find humor or insult in rubbing Whale Oil ($12) on your big belly?

OnSugar Blog: 5 Must Haves For a Clean, Stylish, Happy Baby and Mommy

OnSugar Blog — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 03:15:36 PDT

Lots of moms and mommies-to-be like to think out loud, and Nicole Pearl, the Beauty Girl is one of them. She recently posted about her favorite products for baby and mom on her The Beauty Girl blog.

It's only Tuesday and it's already been a big week of celeb news: Kim K's divorcing and Jessica Simpson's having a baby! Breakups suck, but personal experience proves they make you stronger. Babies, on the other hand, are the biggest gift of love. I can't believe my little man Rex is already 8 weeks old! I admit, the past couple of months have been grueling between the sleepless nights and never-ending bouts of spit up. But they've also been the most rewarding, magical moments of my life.

Jessica's announcement got me thinking about how far I've come as a mom. Like, I went from not knowing what a breast pump was to being able to put the parts together in the dark. And the full five minutes it once took me to change a diaper has been shaved down to seconds. In just two months, I've become fluent in baby from gadgets to products. I still have a lot to learn, and I've been grateful to all the moms who have shared their tips with me. Now, it's my turn to pay it forward. I've listed a few of my favorite finds (more installments to come!). Hopefully these will come in just as handy for baby Simpson and all the future tots-to-be.

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash: After washing Rex's hair and body with this, he smells just like a baby should - fresh, clean and yummy all at once. I've been sent a lot of baby bath products from a bunch of different companies and will report back on the others as I give them a try.

Kicky Pants, Ralph Lauren and Splendid onesies: A onesie is the baby equivalent of a dress. Just slip it on and the look is complete. From preppy to hipster, I love dressing Rex up in stylish looks, and I've fallen in love with the fashions from these three brands. Kicky Pants onesies come in fun prints and are made with a bamboo fabric that's so soft, I wish they made clothes for adults. Rex may as well be a model for Ralph Lauren because every other thing he wears is RL baby. From the most precious white nightie to a velour jumper, there's a wealth of adorable options, especially for boys. Splendid wins for creating mini versions of fashions that you'd wear yourself. Like the brand's adult line, the clothes are comfy and cute. Check out Rex in the lower photo with his teddy. He's rocking a Splendid hooded onesie.

Baby Aquaphor: I oil Rex up from head to toe every night. I keep a tub by his changing table and a tube in my diaper bag. I swear by this ointment. It's kept his pretty baby face acne free, has fended off diaper rash and stopped the first signs of cradle cap in its tracks.

Keep reading to see the rest of The Beauty Girl's recommendations.

Are Moms Skimping on the Diaper Changes These Days?

Rebecca M Gruber — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:33:20 PDT

Check the language on any package of disposable diapers and you're sure to see some boast about the nappy's absorbency. All diaper manufacturers love to discuss how much their products can hold, and it seems that moms are tuning in to their claims.

Every time my own mother or MIL come to visit, the first thing they want to do is change my tot's diaper. They love to tell me how they are amazed by the efficiency of today's disposable diapers compared to the versions they used. So I found a recent report in Consumer Reports about a decline in diaper sales rather interesting.

They linked the decline in nappy sales and a rise in diaper cream sales to the fact that mamas are changing their lil ones' soiled nappies less frequently than before, ultimately leading to more diaper rashes. There's no telling if it is the bad economy that is pushing moms to hold off on the changes or if it is the better absorbency of the diapers, but it is an interesting correlation. What do you think?

Oversensitive Tots: 8 Products to Soothe Sensitive Skin

LilSugar — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:01:07 PDT

Stop scratching! Kids with sensitive skin - and their parents - know that dry, itchy, or painful skin is no joke. There's no one cause of sensitive skin. It can be hereditary, caused by harsh products, or simply from spending time outside in the cold Winter or the hot Summer. Oversensitive kiddos aren't doomed to a season full of scratching. These products will help soothe their irritated epidermis, leaving everyone (and everything) a lot calmer.

Clockwise from top left:

Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Head-to-Toe Ointment ($10): A good rule of thumb when looking for a kids' moisturizer is the greasier the better. Ointments are better than creams, which are better than lotions. Part of SheaMoisture's Organic Raw Shea Butter Baby Collection, this ointment combines the hydrating properties of shea butter with argan oil, which is naturally high in skin-softening Vitamin E. This is an amazingly multitasking product; it works great on baby's chapped lips, cheeks, hands, arms, and legs.
Dr. Sears Baby Wipes ($3): Developed by everyone's favorite cosleeping enthusiast, Dr. Sears, these wipes are made with biodegradable, ultrasoft bamboo fabric, an incredibly gentle way to clean babies' delicate bum.
Gentle Naturals Eczema Baby Wash ($5): Eczema is an extremely common, and uncomfortable skin ailment, for which there's no known cure. It's essentially a really bad, itchy rash, which can be red, rough, scaly, and oozing. It can't be cured, but there are ways to treat and prevent eczema flareups. It's especially important to use a mild cleanser, like this baby wash by Gentle Naturals - made with aloe, calendula, jojoba, and vitamins A, D, and E to gently cleanse, moisturize, and soothe itchy skin.
C.O. Bigelow Lotio Mentholus No. 002 ($25): Seriously itchy kids will get real relief from this nonprescription medicated cream - not recommended for kids under 2 years old.
Dr. Smith's Premium Blend Diaper Ointment ($13): Diaper rash is the most common skin ailment suffered by infants, and it can get bad. Applying a generous layer of a good, thick diaper cream like Dr. Smith's will create a barrier between baby's tender bum and the offending, rash-causing moisture
Earth's Best TenderCare Chlorine Free Diapers: One of the first recommendations doctors make when a baby has diaper rash is to try switching to a different brand of diapers. Made with soft, cloth-like, chlorine-free materials, these Earth's Best diapers are free of any latex, dyes, and perfumes, which can all cause major irritation.
Madii & Dyl Luxe Cleansing Flannels ($15): Specifically formulated for tots with skin issues, these cleansing flannels are super soft. The air spun cloth is made from eco friendly materials.
Carter's Sensitive Skin Baby Shampoo + Body Wash Duo ($8): Classic kiddie brand Carters recently launched a line of baby bath and body products - all chemical free and hypoallergenic. This moisturizing cleanser is made without any dyes or fragrances, leaving babies clean, moisturized, and comfortable.

10 Beach Bag Essentials For Baby

Rebecca M Gruber — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 04:10:30 PDT

A day at the beach sounds like the perfect way to spend a Summer day – that is until mama thinks about everything her lil one needs to make it through the day. Just the thought of pulling it all together is enough to make some moms abandon the sun and surf until their tots become teens. Before jumping ship, take respite in knowing that we've thought it through for you. You remember the umbrella and towels, and we've put the rest of your list together!

Sunscreen

This year's list of the safest sunscreens is packed with brands that can be purchased at your local drugstore. Given the FDA's new regulations of sunscreens that go into effect next year, beware of lotions containing the word "waterproof" and don't be swayed into buying a tube that boasts an SPF over 50. According to the FDA, neither is actually true. Most importantly apply the sunscreen to your tot before you leave the house, and reapply often throughout the day.

Shoes

Sand gets hot after baking in the sun all day. Protect lil toes from scorching sand with a pair of waterproof beach or sand shoes that keep feet safe and covered throughout the day.

Toys

A bucket and shovels are a great start to a day at the beach, but there's so much more that can be played with in the sand. From plastic cars and trucks to make-believe cupcake kits, sand toys have come a long way. While you're at it, don't forget to add a beach ball to your bag – they collapse easily and can provide hours of fun while playing in the sun.

Keep reading to see the rest of your beach bag essentials.