Ointments necessary for when baby comes home?

I am setting up the changing table this evening & not really sure what I need besides vaseline...I know i need creams but not sure which ones.

Any list you can give me would be great! Also, can you use alcohol swabs to clean the umbilical cord?

Re: Ointments necessary for when baby comes home?

I didn't use anything but a damp cloth to wipe his body and maybe a little pure soap.

I would get A&D to have on hand for after his circumsion (assuming you're having him get one).

Diaper creams are debateable - you never know what will work for your child. My SIL and her doctors swore by using olive oil as a natural barrier. I usually use Balmex - but destin, A&D, butt paste, triple paste - they're all options.

Medicines - Mylicon drops for gas are a must in the beginning and I'd have infant tylenol just to have on hand

Aquaphor is also good to have on hand - especially if you need to take his temp (a digital thermometer you're not supposed to use petroleum based for some reason). It's also great for little rashes/chapped skin.

Alcohol swabs are good to have on hand to clean the thermometer.

In the beginning, I didn't use wipes when doing diaper changes - just a wet cloth or paper towel - Viva paper towels are great for this

Message edited 7/15/2009 2:30:43 PM.

Re: Ointments necessary for when baby comes home?

I only used diaper cream when dd had a rash but my favorite is Butt Paste...works awesome...I would pick up a tube of this

Re: Ointments necessary for when baby comes home?

I know Veronica (VWebb85) on here had A&D for his circumcision and desitin for his hiney.

I think q-tips or cotton balls are fine for the umbilical cord.

Re: Ointments necessary for when baby comes home?

I found that I liked the petrolium based ointments best for diaper changes. I love Aquafor, and I use Triple Paste only for diaper rash since it's $$!

For the cord, some Drs. say to use alcohol, some say you don't have to. My Ped and my sister (who is a ped) recommended I use alcohol, I had TONS of alcohol prep wipes left over from my IVF cycles, so I just used those.

Re: Ointments necessary for when baby comes home?

Whenever DS got a diaper rash, we used A&D on it. It's really trial and error to see which ointment will work best with your little one. As for the umbilical cord, we used alcohol swabs on it. Definitely keep Aquaphor around...it's a lifesaver for dry skin!

Re: Ointments necessary for when baby comes home?

Re: Ointments necessary for when baby comes home?

I used A& D for DD. I would not stock up too much one any one type as it is all trial and error. For instance, DD was allergic to all the creams that were white (ie. Desitin, Balmex etc.) she could only use the petoleum based ones.

On thing I LOVED was this cleaning liquid made by Mustela to use on those days when you are not giving them a full bath. Just squirt it onto to some cotton pads and clean them!! (reminds me I need to get some)

Re: Ointments necessary for when baby comes home?

I used the alcohol pads on his umbilical cord. The nurses in the NICU told me just to squeeze a few drops on.

I used A&D for his circumcision. I swear by it and for us it works great. He is 2 and I still use it here and there. I like it better than the creams for him.
It is good to have something else on hand for a diaper rash. I had desitin and balmex that I got at my shower and used them if he got really red.

Re: Ointments necessary for when baby comes home?

Hospital used A&D in the diaper and alcohol pads for the cord so I am doing the same at home (even though I have tons of every other diaper cream/ointment imaginable!).
I had bought a trial size of vaseline for circumcision had Ann ended up being a boy!

Re: Ointments necessary for when baby comes home?

- A&D for the circumcision. I also use this for general irritation.

- Desitin for diaper rash. DS will be 2 in 2 weeks and I still have an almost full tube from when he was born.

- Vasaline for thermometer

- Aquaphor for face irritations

- Eucerin for face irritations