Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a very common condition that can cause a baby's skin to become sore, red, and tender. The rash usually occurs because the skin is irritated by soiled diapers; friction from the diaper; or certain brands of detergent, soaps, or baby wipes on sensitive skin. The plastic that prevents diapers from leaking also prevents air circulation, thus creating a warm, moist environment where rashes and fungi can thrive.

Also, the introduction of new foods can change the content and frequency of a baby's feces (poop), which can sometimes lead to a diaper rash. And diarrhea can make a diaper rash worse.

Diaper rash that lasts for more than a few days, even with changes to the diapering routine, might be caused by a yeast called Candida albicans (a type of fungus). This form of the rash is usually red, slightly raised, and has small red dots extending beyond the main part of the rash. It often starts in the creases of skin and can spread to skin on the front and back of the baby. Antibiotics given to a baby or a breastfeeding mom can lead to a yeast infection by killing off the "good" bacteria that keep the Candida from growing.

Preventing Diaper Rash

The best way to prevent diaper rash is by keeping your baby's skin as dry and clean as possible and changing diapers often so that feces and urine won't irritate the skin.

To prevent diaper rash:

• change your baby's soiled or wet diapers as soon as possible and clean the area thoroughly
• occasionally soak your baby's bottom between diaper changes with warm water by running tap water over it or by squirting with a water bottle
• allow your baby's skin to dry completely before you put on another diaper
• pat the skin gently with a soft cloth when drying it — rubbing can lead to irritation
• put the diaper on loosely to prevent chafing

If you use cloth diapers, rinse them several times after washing to remove any traces of soap or detergent that can irritate your baby's skin. Avoid using fabric softeners and dryer sheets — even these can irritate the skin.

Some experts suggest allowing your baby to go without diapers for several hours each day to give irritated skin a chance to dry and "breathe." This is easiest if you place your baby in a crib with waterproof sheets or on a large towel on the floor.

Some babies with sensitive skin can benefit from the application of a preventative barrier cream or ointment with each diaper change, but not all babies need this. Some babies are sensitive to baby wipes and can alternatively be cleansed with a cotton round moistened with water.

Treating Diaper Rash

Diaper rash usually can be cleared up by checking your baby's diaper often and changing it as soon as it's wet or soiled. Creams and ointments that contain zinc oxide or petroleum help to soothe skin and protect it from moisture, and should be smeared on thickly (like icing) at each diaper change. Diaper rash usually goes away within 2 to 3 days with home care, although it can last longer.

When to Talk to the Doctor

If the rash persists, increases or if sores appear on your baby's skin, talk to your doctor. You should also seek medical care if the rash is associated with fever, there is pus draining from the rash or your child is irritable.

Depending on what type of rash your baby has, the doctor may choose to use an antifungal cream, an antibiotic cream, or a mild steroid cream for a few days until the rash disappears.

Reviewed by: Yamini Durani, MD

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We bottle the milk at our own local dairy to control the quality of the entire process, and deliver the best in nutrition to you.

The fresher the milk, the better the taste, and that means families love our milk. Our customers say that milk in glass bottles tastes like old-fashioned milk. And, because we pick up the empty bottles, right from your doorstep, and recycle them for new deliveries, you'll never have to throw away empty containers again.

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Kids and artificial sweetners!

Why Artificial Sweeteners are Not Recommended for Children

Posted in: Health, Moms   

There has been much controversy over the use of artificial sweeteners. Saccharin, for example, was once nearly banned, but got by with a warning label on products that contained it. It has since been declared safe by the government. Aspartame has also undergone scrutiny, and is believed to be responsible for a number of troublesome side effects.

With all of the bad press and uncertainty surrounding artificial sweeteners, it is understandable that people might be hesitant to use them. Even if we do use them ourselves, it has been recommended that we do not allow our children to consume them.

Saccharin

Saccharin was the source of heated debate in the 1970s. Studies linked the substance to an increased incidence of bladder cancer in male rats, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration attempted to impose a ban. They were convinced by the food industry, however, to allow the use of saccharin in products as long as the product bore a label saying that it contained saccharin and that saccharin may cause cancer.

In 2001, the FDA lifted the warning requirement, and now claims that saccharin does not cause cancer in humans. The American Medical Association, however, recommends a limit on the intake of saccharin in pregnant women and children. Considering all of the controversy surrounding saccharin, it is likely safer to avoid it altogether.

Aspartame

Aspartame has been linked to headaches, psychiatric disorders, low blood sugar and many other ailments. As a matter of fact, there are at least ninety-two side affects that have been associated with the use of aspartame. Most regulated drugs do not have that many reported side effects.

Unlike some other artificial sweeteners, aspartame dissolves easily and can end up in any tissue in the body. That means that it can cause problems with any tissue or organ. This is a problem for adults, and an even bigger problem in growing children, who could experience more damage than a person who is fully grown and developed.

Other Artificial Sweeteners

While saccharin and aspartame are two of the most controversial artificial sweeteners, most others have been associated with similar side effects. There has also been little testing done on them, so it’s hard to know just what problems could be associated with long-term use, especially among children.

Children Do Not Need Artificial Sweeteners

There is no practical reason for giving children artificial sweeteners. Even overweight children can benefit more from eating naturally sweet foods such as fruits. Giving these kinds of foods to our children in place of sugary sweets or foods with artificial sweeteners will allow them to develop a taste for them, thereby developing healthy habits that they can benefit from for life.

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Keeping Kids Health

Five ways to protect your family during cold and flu season

by: Dr. JJ Levenstein

Preventing Colds and Flu

• Bundle kids up and go outside instead of hanging out in germ-ridden indoor playgrounds, malls and other densely populated areas.
• Teach kids to wash their hands frequently with soap and warm running water for 20 seconds.
• Use disinfectant furniture wipes around surfaces such as doorknobs and shopping carts.
• Keep a sick child at home and avoid traveling until she’s feeling better–typically 24 hours after her fever is gone.

As a pediatrician and mom, I know the flu often favors little ones who aren’t overly concerned about catching a bug when they’re jumping into a ball pit at an indoor playground. Fortunately, in addition to getting them the flu vaccine, there are a number of things parents can do to keep kids healthy and bug-free during cold and flu season.

1. Steer clear of indoor areas

Indoor areas that bring together a large number of people are a hotbed for germs. That’s because the flu virus spreads easily when respiratory droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze move through the air to the mouth or nose of others in close proximity. If possible, instead of frequenting areas such as indoor playgrounds or malls, usher your kids outdoors to enjoy the fresh air if temperatures aren’t too cold.

2. Cover mouths and wash hands                                             

The flu is easy to catch when you touch your nose or mouth after touching respiratory droplets on another person or object. Two of the best–and simplest–protective measures you can teach your child are to wash her hands frequently and to cough or sneeze into her elbow or shoulder if she doesn’t have a tissue handy.
The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and warm running water for 20 seconds. I also suggest keeping non-alcohol cleansing wipes, such as MD Moms Cleansing Towelettes Travel Pouch, on your child’s person at all times. When soap and water aren’t available, this is a great alternative to alcohol-based hand sanitizers, as their alcohol component can become a safety concern for babies and children who often put their hands in their mouths.

3. Surround yourself with healthy people

As parents, it’s our job to prevent any germs that we come across from infecting our children. This means doing our best to refrain from coming into close contact with those who are sick. So if you’re visiting friends or relatives and discover they’ve been unwell, your best bet is to postpone your visit until everyone is feeling better.

4. Disinfect surfaces

It’s important to not only keep your hands clean, but also to keep objects such as telephones, keyboards, toys and furniture clean–both inside and outside the home. Use disinfectant furniture wipes around surfaces such as doorknobs and shopping carts. A combination detergent/disinfectant to clean and kill germs can be used on surfaces that aren’t visibly dirty. When a surface is visibly dirty, use soap or detergent, rinse with water, and then use disinfectant.

5. Keep sick little ones at home

If your child does get sick, keep her at home and avoid traveling until she’s feeling better–typically 24 hours after her fever is gone. This is especially important as young children may be contagious for longer periods of time. Also, allow her to rest in a room away from the main areas of the house so that you don’t put your family at risk for catching her bug. In addition to rest, antiviral drugs can be used to treat seasonal, or H1N1, flu.

Meet our expert:

Dr. JJ Levenstein is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics with a private pediatric practice in Encino, Calif. She serves on the clinical staff of two hospitals and has been consistently voted one of the Best Doctors in America® from 2003 through 2008. Drawing from her experience as a pediatrician and mom, Dr. Levenstein serves as president and co-founder of MD Moms, makers of Baby Silk, the first personal care line for babies developed by pediatrician moms.

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Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch offers so much....

FALL FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER - OCTOBERA great way to spend a day with family, school and youth groups and more.
Daily Self-Guided Tours. Click here.

OCTOBER PUMPKIN FESTIVAL (WEEKENDS ONLY)Don't miss our famous Fall Festival in the month of October that includes educational tours, carnival fun, and the traditional pumpkin patch and hay maze. to find out more.I have personally done this trip every year for many years. First

We also have educational tours for children's and school groups throughout the week lead by our Pumpkin Tour Guides.