Diapering
- Warm up baby wipes in the microwave for a few seconds if you don't have a wipe warmer. For times when I'm either already in the kitchen, or when I know I'll have a diaper to change (after naps, for example) this helps little ones - especially those who loathe diaper changes - be just a little more comfortable.
- When you're out and about with your little one and need to change their diaper, but there isn't a diaper changing table, use this trick: First, put a bunch of toilet paper or a seat cover on the seat to cover it. Sit on the toilet seat (clothed) holding the baby, keep your legs pressed together and put your legs out horizontally, then put your feet on the door to stabilize them. Voilà - a makeshift changing table in a pinch!
- Fold over the top front of boys' diapers before fastening it; this helps prevent leaks that boys can be more prone to.
- A tried and true approach I use to treat/prevent diaper rash:
- After changing cleaning baby's diaper area, let him/her air-dry completely before diapering again. (A main cause of diaper rash is lack of air circulation.) If diaper rash is already present or getting bad, you could put a tablecloth or shower curtain on the floor and let them lay/crawl on that for a while. I've noticed that the longer a baby can go without a diaper on, the faster the diaper rash will heal. (This is not always possible, but it really helps if you can make it work!)
- If the baby normally has regular bowel movements or is prone to diaper rash, use a thin layer of petroleum jelly to provide a barrier over their skin. For example, a little one I took care of normally had a bowel movement around 1:00-2:00 PM (after lunch/naptime), so before I put the baby down for their nap I would make sure to smooth on a thin layer of petroleum jelly. Diaper changing was a cinch using this method because this also makes clean-up so easier because (to put it bluntly) less poo sticks to the skin!
- If a diaper rash does not get better by using diaper rash creme and airing out, it could be a yeast infection. Go ahead and buy a yeast infection treatment creme, but also call your doctor to schedule an appointment so they can properly diagnose.
- If you don't like petroleum products or your baby's skin reacts poorly to them, check out Alba Botanica Multi-Purpose Un-Petroleum Jelly
Feeding
- Shake up some applesauce or yogurt with a little water, juice, or other liquid in a sippy-cup for a mess-free, convenient snack.
- Super messy eater? Before you put a bib on them, wrap a dish towel around their torso so it loosely covers the stomach and lap area. All of the food that the bib does not catch will fall onto the dish town instead of their clothes!
- Money saving tip: buy one big container of applesauce and mix in jelly/preserves to flavor it (instead of buying flavored applesauce). Kids also have fun by mixing in diced fruit, jelly/preserves, nut butters, and other fun stuff to liven up their applesauce or yogurt.
- Squirt or dollop yogurt, or fruit purées, onto a baking sheet covered in aluminum foil then freeze. When completely frozen, scrape the dots off and store them in a ziplock bag. This snack is especially fun for summertime or kids who are bored with their snack options! This can also be used as a great leaning activity to teach how liquids behave differently at different temperatures.
