DIY Hand Soap For Kids

In the haze of the early COVID 19 panic buying, I also needed bath soap for my babies and antibacterial hand soap for the entirety family. As stock was depleting at most retailers I started researching alternatives and stumbled upon Dr. Bronner’s soaps. I specifically got Pure Baby Castille soap as it’s the mildest version and would be best for my kids. It’s concentrated soap which is great as it means we can get several uses out of this. Here are the things we’ve used it for so far:

1. DIY hand soap for the kids and the entire family! We just poured a bit into an empty pump foam bottle and added some drops of tea tree essential oil to give it antibacterial properties. This has also helped to reduce the ashiness of our hands.

2. As a bath soap for the kids. This has been really helpful in clearing up a stubborn patch of eczema on my youngest that even the fancy baby eczema soaps could not budge.

3. This has made a great laundry detergent for rinsing my babies soiled cloth diapers and clothes. A little really does go a long way here.

What are some other uses you’ve found for pure castille soap? 

Vaseline: The Ultimate Diaper Rash Blocker

Now to talk about an experience that can scare any new mom and some seasoned ones too and that’s the first time baby gets a diaper rash. The last thing a mom wants is to see her little one uncomfortable and in pain; so here’s how new moms can prevent it from happening in the first place.

Step 1: Be sure that baby is wearing the correct size diaper. It’s especially important for chunkier babies who may be prone to skin irritation around the thighs.

Step 2: Change diapers often and on time. During each diaper change, properly wipe all of baby’s private area that is covered under the diaper which includes the genitals + inner thighs and the bum area. Be sure to completely dry the area with a clean rag after wiping.

Step 3: Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to the entire area covered by the diaper. A popular and well trusted brand is Vaseline but any petroleum jelly should work fine.

Remember it’s important to complete all these steps each time during the diaper change, to prevent diaper rash.

Disclaimer: Despite our best efforts as moms and despite following these steps, diaper rash could still occur for a number of other reasons including allergic reaction to a specific diaper etc. It’s important to seek medical help from your child’s doctor if the rash sticks around for more than a couple days after using diaper rash ointment. 

What steps do you take to make sure your baby is diaper rash free? 

Q-tips Cute Tips

My number one use for a Q-tip is to dry between my baby's cute little toes after a bath! Q-tips are especially useful when they are newborns and their toes are so tiny that it's difficult to dry inbetween their toes with thick towels and rags.

I also use Q-tips for other purposes such as cleaning my baby's outer ear (note that a Q-tip should never be used to remove wax from baby's inner ear as this can have damaging effects.), applying any topical ointments, applying diaper rash cream and the list goes on.

Retailing under $4 it certainly is a good buy for baby and definitely a must have item for baby's on the go first aid and grooming kit!

What is your number one use for a Q-tip?

Safety First Comfort Pacifier

A little device I'd recommend for pacifier loving babies (or even just those who will take a pacifier) is the @safety_1st comfort check pacifier! The bonus pack also comes with a pacifier medicine dispenser. This combo has given me the confidence I needed when baby had to get the first set of immunization shots. I simply threw it in the diaper bag and started fever checking and continued at home for the 2 weeks following. Luckily, baby didn't get a fever this round, so I didn't have to use the medicine dispenser. I'm glad I have these two handy devices to face future rounds of baby immunization. It also is the best kind of budget thermometer for vacation and travel. As baby's safety comes first, this is definitely a top 10 baby must have in my books. 

What’s your go to thermometer while on the go with baby?