When Cloth Diapers Are NOT Best

Baby Mo's staph infection is clearing up, albeit slowly. Yesterday I took him to the doctor because a new rash had popped up. I thought it was impetigo, which can be caused by staph infections. Thankfully the doctor did not think it was impetigo but he decided to treat it as such just in case with a topical ointment. 

I asked the doctor why this rash had come up while the staph was healing and he said that the cloth diapers were likely irritating his skin. He said that since cloth diapers don't chemically wick away wetness, the urine that collects in the fabric overnight is probably causing a new rash while there is already an infection in that area. He suggested I switch back to disposables until the staph clears up. 

I left his office feeling a bit defeated, I have to be honest. You try to make choices that you think are best for your child and then in instances like this, they backfire. I hate disposable diapers - for a lot of the same reasons as Nathalee - but I obligingly switched back until the infection clears up. I hope that is soon! Staph can be known to take its sweet time going away! 

I called my mother-in-law on the way home from the doctor's office and she was very sweet and encouraging. She told me I was being too hard on myself. How was I to know that staph was one of the few instances where cloth diapers would not be the best choice? She basically told me to take a breath because motherhood will continue to throw me curve balls like this and all I can do is try to keep up. I know she is right but I still can't help but feel a little responsible. 

Thankfully Baby Mo does not seem sick, uncomfortable, or otherwise inconvenienced in the least by any of this. Kids are resilient, eh? 

Meanwhile, I am putting gauze over the infected area in between the medicine and the diaper. I am also using Thirsty Duo Diaper Wraps at night over the disposable to prevent leaks. These things work just as great with sposies as they do with cloth! Highly recommend for all mommies! 

Side note: I had forgotten one thing since switching to cloth diapers nearly a year ago: disposable diapers are expensive! Sheesh!!