I don’t even know if I can write this post, cause the title is CRACKIN. ME. UP!! But a grown woman sitting for long stretches of time laughing at her own jokes is just sad, so I will press on.
We are in the middle of a cold, cold winter here is snow h-e-double hockey sticks Michigan and with that comes snotty noses which leads to messy faces which leads to chapped lips and cheeks. And Hannah has a nasty case of it. I think it is because she has a pacifier addiction that would rival any crack addict and though her mommy was adamant with Lily that she would only get it at bedtime and naptime, her mommy now prefers the sound of silence and laughter to screaming temper tantrums for a “lellow baba.” Or yellow pacifier for those of you who don’t speak Hannah.
It seems frequent pacifier usage tends to trap a bunch of saliva (and some food particles thrown in for good measure) leading to a near constant chapping of skin. And while I don’t mind if my kid has the last 3 meals on her clothes (as long as they match thank you very much), I can’t stand a kid with a dirty, snotty, slobbery face. So I have made it my personal mission to tackle this problem.
We have tried creams, lotions, chapsticks- nothing even dents it. Until I thought to myself that the rashy chapping resembled another chapping of the cheeks that I have seen and cured before. So yes, we are putting diaper cream on Hannah’s face. And though she looks like she has a little white goatee, it is helping. The best part is at night and naps, she now asks for her “beard.”
Now my hope in sharing this is a little so that you might be able to use this info. But I am not going to lie, 50% (at least) of my reasoning is so that some kind soul will leave a comment saying they have done the same thing. Mostly so that I don’t feel like a really bad mom for putting butt cream on my sweet daughter’s face. Seriously, anyone???
For more, hopefully less embarrassing tips, head over to Rocks In My Dryer.
Kristin
says:
It took me a minute to wonder what the big deal was. Then I realized I guess putting diaper cream on the face isn’t the norm…but it certainly is for me. It is like the magic potion in our house! If you have chapped skin (be it on the face or hands or elsewhere), the Desitin comes out!
Kristins last blog post..Works-For-Me Wednesday– Extra Seating
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 12:50 am
nicole
says:
This post made me laugh out loud! My son is in the middle of a nasty cold and has some major red chapped checks! I am going to try this because even the Eucerin isn’t working like I thought it would! Thanks for making me laugh.
Nicole
nicoles last blog post..Works for Me Wednesday~Robeez Shoes
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 1:01 am
Jennifer Sandberg
says:
I do this too! I even asked my pediatrician and he said it was a great idea. Glad to have my craziness validated–thanks!
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 2:33 am
Upstatemomof3
says:
Never for pacifier use, as Big Brother hasn’t used a pacifier in a long time but we have used diaper cream in all measures of creative ways.
Upstatemomof3s last blog post..Sharing my bed works for me
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 5:32 am
Amy Andrews
says:
Though I haven’t tried it myself, no judgement here! I think it’s a brilliant idea. Parenting is about one thing: Whatever works!
Amy Andrewss last blog post..A fine mothering moment
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 7:35 am
Trish
says:
We’ve had great success with Aquaphor and Lanolin. I prefer them over diaper cream since they are clear.
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 9:29 am
cindy
says:
i’ve done and will continue to do it. another good fix is a&d ointment — which we use on the butt and face of little dude.
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 9:47 am
oh amanda
Twitter: oohamanda
says:
I haven’t done that (sorry) but I did put lanolin all over Lydia’s thumb and lips since she’s been a thumbsucker. I just didn’t tell her what it really was…she thinks it’s “cweam”.
oh amandas last blog post..Bloggy Giveaway Day 2: Raspberry Baby Sling
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Shannon
says:
We are in Frozen MI too! And I do use diaper cream for most anything but probably the worst is on myself. I have eczema on the back of my neck and diaper creams like a&d ointment clear it right up! The smell is horrible though!
Shannons last blog post..Wednesday’s Website
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Maria
says:
Hey Jill! I actually use emollient cream from Mary Kay for chapped cheeks, chins and for diaper rash. It is amazing stuff. You might try that if you are looking for another solution.
Marias last blog post..How to Induce a Sugar Coma
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Sara
says:
i too have done this for my little boy. burt’s bees diaper cream works the best!
Saras last blog post..wordless wednesday
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Dawn
says:
My children are teens so we haven’t used anything for diaper rash in quite some time….I have to say though that your blog cracked me up. I am trying to picture your daughter taking a nap with a white face slathered in butt cream!
Dawns last blog post..Sometimes He Calms His Child
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Gina
says:
We don’t have pacifier issues, but we do have teething issues, which lead to drooling issues, which lead to chapped skin issues. I have never tried this, but you better believe I’m going to do it right now! Thanks for the tip!
Ginas last blog post..Only a Mother
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Jeni
says:
Last year about this time, I definitely used diaper cream on my Girlie’s face. It worked, and we had it on hand, so it was no big deal!
Jenis last blog post..Generalizations
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Rachel Briggs
says:
That is so funny. I haven’t tried this but thinking I might. My son gets a horrible rash on his face every once in a while, usually due to drool. He still uses a baba (so funny that someone else’s kid calls their pacifier this) for naps and bedtime. And I think still teeth’s sometimes. And nothing seems to work. Maybe I should try the diaper cream. Let you know how it goes next time.
Rachel Briggss last blog post..Facebook
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 11:29 am
Alisa
says:
I love burt’s bees “bunner butter” is what we call it around our house. We use it for all sorts of things so nope, you are not alone. Do what works!
Alisas last blog post..Not too sweet Banana Oat muffins
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Katie @ Heart Gone Walking
says:
Been there, smeared that.
Love your blog!
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Amanda- VintageDutchGirl
says:
Holla!
A & D works WONDERS for chapped cheeks (teeheehee!) and doesn’t leave the lovely white beard
Amanda- VintageDutchGirls last blog post..The End Of A Season…
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 11:47 am
T with Honey
says:
I haven’t used diaper cream for this specific purpose but it is one of the ingredients in our magical nose cream that helps to soothe and heal noses that are starting to resemble one of Santa’s famous reindeer.
T with Honeys last blog post..No More Homework Assignments, Please
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Erin G
says:
ummm… no. never done this. but I have put deodorant on my feet if it makes you feel better.
Erin Gs last blog post..Twilight
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Mary Jo Smith
says:
Aquaphor works wonders on chapped cheeks and chins…and it’s clear!
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
MommyAmy
says:
I didn’t read all the comments so maybe someone else has already suggested it. But there’s a product out called Desitin Clear Multi-purpose for just that type of situation. It’s thick, can be used on any part of the body, and it’s CLEAR!
MommyAmys last blog post..Homemade Granola Bars
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Kim
says:
I know I have used Butt Paste on my own cracked, sore, red nose. It doesn’t look great, but it smells OK.
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
nicolerenae
says:
My doctor told me to do that, and sometimes I use it on my kids’ faces too. So, anyways, that came from our doctor!
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Candice
says:
LOL That is really funny though I have used anything from olive oil, lanolin, antifungul (my daughter has a ringworm on her nose right now! prob got it from 3k), and cortizone cream for my 4mo eczema. I’ll have to remember that. Does it wash out ok from bedsheets and all? I use cloth diapers and not all creams wash out without staining.
Candices last blog post..Birthdays
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Lisa Schuemann
says:
A friend of mine has done this before. Her mom suggested it!
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Katie at Listmaker's Life
says:
Sounds like creative problem solving to me!
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Debbie
says:
Necessity IS the mother of invention. Moms gotta do what a mom’s gotta do… Good for you – great idea and thanks for sharing it!
Debbies last blog post..Snowed In! *Updated* say
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Christy
says:
Been there, done that! My oldest daughter, who is now five, will not stop licking her upper lip. We have used Palladin diaper creme to take care of the irritated lip several times. It works overnight. All right so is doesn’t smell that great, but what would you rather have, pain and discomfort or a little smell? =)
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Christy Klein
says:
Sometimes you just gotta think outside the box. I love it!!
I like to use chapstick on my eyes as an eyeshadow base because it helps the shadow stick to the skin and last longer. Anyway, one day I used my peppermint chapstick – it was like putting Vick’s on my eyes. I walked around all day with red, watery eyes.
Ain’t I so smart?
Christy Kleins last blog post..R.A.K. WEEK TWO: Jan. 26th-Feb. 1st
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Courtney
Twitter: cookingupfamily
says:
I did this with my daughter too, don’t feel alone!! I used California baby cream on her and would forget I used it and be like what is that rosemarish smell, look around and finally realize what it was. Can we say slow a bit!
Courtneys last blog post..Works For Me Wednesday
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Britiney
says:
I only recently stumbled on your blog, but love every post. I nominated you on my blog today for the I Love Your Blog and Friends blog awards. Thanks for brightening my day.
Britineys last blog post..Wedding Cards
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
Lindsey
says:
I am so glad I am not the only person who has done this. My 7 year-old daughter has special needs and is a drooler. Because I’m always wiping her chin w/ her bib, winter-time brings a chapped chin. We only use Desitin on her bottom (the ONLY thing that work for her down there), but I now use plain A&D ointment on her face (because it IS clear) and it works like a dream.
Lindseys last blog post..Tackle It Tuesdays
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Jenny from Mommin' It Up!
says:
nope, but what I have used, and is GREAT, is NIPPLE CREAM! soo…nipple face?
Jenny from Mommin’ It Up!s last blog post..It’s a blizzard!
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Kathi C
says:
Been there, done that!! We’ve used Aquaphor Baby, too, which works well and is clear. Ah, the things we moms think up!!
Kathi Cs last blog post..Saying Goodbye
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Kasandra
says:
This Mom has used Desitin and A & D ointment on chapped/ wind burned cheeks for years!! Great call, Mom!! Works well and without the burn you get from lotions!!
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
Esther
says:
Desitin is the best! I use it for all kinds of rashes. Rock on, girl!
Esthers last blog post..Happy Blogaversary to Me!
[Reply]
January 28th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Mrs. Q
says:
You are not alone. Just recently my oldest son’s mouth broke out in a weepy rash. He kept picking at it and it kept bleeding and weeping. And it burned, and he cried. So short of putting a band-aid on his face (which I would have done had I had one on hand at the time) I put A&D Ointment (the zinc oxide kind) and it cleared up in a matter of days.
I love your sense of humor…if I were as witty as you I would be sitting at my computer cracking myself up too
Mrs. Qs last blog post..The Paradox…
[Reply]
January 29th, 2009 at 4:16 am
bee
Twitter: willblogforshoe
says:
Yep, that title is a keeper!
I’ve been know to put some butt cream on Bug’s face… Boudreaux’s Butt Paste to be exact. I use Aquaphor most of the time, but if it’s not within reach, Buttface she is!
bees last blog post..Stickin’ A Fork In It
[Reply]
January 29th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Lana
says:
my parents started using Boudreaux’s Butt Paste (like, finally, for baby number 7!) While hubby and I were with my brothers and sister as mom and Dad were in the hospital to get #8 (c-section. Can you say she was ‘born’, or is “taken out against her will” more accurate?)
my oldest bro at home informed me that mom has discover butt paste makes an excellent chapstick, if you don’t have time to look for the carmex.
Ewwwww, but probably after I have 7 babies, I’ll be there, too.
(if it’s not TMI – I’ve actually used desitin for a yeast infection rash…)
Lanas last blog post..My latest learning endeavor
[Reply]
January 29th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Alyson
says:
Aquafor has worked wonders for us. My boys have both had mild eczema, which wintertime in CO makes worse. Also, my 4 yr old keeps licking and biting his lip–works great for that, too. I also use it when our noses are red and tender from sniffles. Love it because it barely has a smell (I tried A&D, but gagged!).
[Reply]
January 30th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Leah
says:
Oh you are not alone! I use A&D ointment all over my chapped children’s cheeks. Currently Elora smells like a tube of the stuff. I lube up her limbs after a bath and slide her into her footie pjs and then lather both girls faces. It does the trick without turning them into bearded ladies.
[Reply]
January 30th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Bridgette
says:
I have had great success with Aquaphor clearing up the “paci face” I didn’t even think of trying Lanolin but have a bunch left over from my failed attempt at breast feeding. The beard idea is really funny though!
Bridgettes last blog post..Contour Changing Pad
[Reply]
February 2nd, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Cajun
says:
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste has always worked best for me – on both sets of cheeks!
[Reply]
February 4th, 2009 at 2:17 pm