What do you use cotton buds for?

[GetOffOfMyCloud]

Apologies if this is a really stoopid question.

I have always had cotton buds in my house which I use for cleaning my ears out correcting make up mistakes. But it has occured to me now that I am expecting DC1 that they are always in the baby section of the supermarket, but what do you use them for on a baby?

You're not supposed to use them for cleaning ears out and I don't think I would even want to attempt that on a wriggling baby as I can see that resulting in a trip to A&E but I cannot for the life of me think what else you use them for.

Any suggestions?

Hamster gladiator fights?
I don't think we ever used them on DS. The last use they got was dabbing antibiotic powder on the cat

I use them for removing smudges of mascara - not really applicable to most babies TBH unless you're Jordan...

I have no idea why they're in the baby section, they're downright dangerous really. The diameter of a cotton bud is the same size as an adult's ear canal so they just push any wax back down the canal and up against the drum, causing impaction.

at hamster gladiator fights! What a fabulous image that's put in my head.

I didn't think there was any real use for them on a baby but I figured that if they are in the baby section I should be using them on my baby but it sounds like that's not the case.

I think I'll just keep using them for the make up then (mine, not baby's!!)

Thanks all,

They make nice little sheeps legs when snapped in two for art work. Thanks Mr. Maker.

What a good question! I have no idea either ....!

very good for cleaning between tiny little toes

Of course you can use them to clean little babies ears out! I have on my two and they've never had any impacted ear wax/ruptured ear drums or such like.

You just take care and clean around the outer part of the ear very gently. I have to do it once a week otherwise I can see the wax building up. Maybe my children just have waxy ears! The other thing I do if I see some wax and don't have a cotton bud handy is use the nail on my little finger very gently. It doesn't hurt, my babies have never even noticed and it is immensly satisfing!

I think the danger is when you push the wax too far in but common sense will tell you how far to go. I think the warning on the pack is just a disclaimer as everyone knows what they are for really.

Having a bath or shower removes wax around the ear though. You don't need to go poking around.

Ears tend to look after themselves quite nicely if you leave them alone.

My itchy ears but nothing whatsoever baby related.

In this house I use them to clean out ears. DD uses them in her art and craft projects.

I used some yesterday to apply superglue so I wouldn't glue my fingers together.

I also dry my ears with cotton buds after washing my hair.

They're good for cleaning mouldy gunk out of the awkward to reach bits of the shower cubicle.

Never used them on a baby though.

This is better than I thought, Sheep legs, cleaning tiny toes, cleaning shower cubicles, applying glue (very good!) all carefully noted!!

I can see that other people could use them for baby's ears but my only experience of babies is some extremely wriggly nieces and if mine ends up half as wriggly (and it feels like it might do) then I'd be too scared of hurting him/her. My ears are a different matter however!

And of course I will be regularly using them for hamster gladiator fights, DH and I had a very long and extremely surreal conversation about this last night!!

cotton buds can be used for cleaning the umbilical cord on a baby.. besides that really nothing else.

This is what it says on Johnsons website -

www.johnsonsbaby.co.uk/johnsons-baby-cotton-buds

For gentle cleansing and drying in-between babies fingers and toes apparently. I came across this thread as I had to Google uses myself. Frantically buying every suggested item on the newborn checklist I have in preparation for my 1st child lol

Congratulations on expecting DC1! It's not a silly question at all. Cotton buds indeed have various uses, including in the context of baby care. Here are some safe and practical ways you might find cotton buds useful for your upcoming journey into parenthood:

1. Cleaning Small Spaces: While you're right that using cotton buds to clean inside a baby's ears is not recommended, you can use them to gently clean small crevices and spaces that might be hard to reach with regular cleaning tools. For instance, you can clean around the folds of your baby's ears, nose, and even the belly button.
2. Applying Ointments or Creams: You can use cotton buds to apply ointments or creams, like diaper rash creams or soothing creams, to specific areas on your baby's skin. This allows for precise application and avoids getting your fingers directly in contact with the cream.
3. Cleaning Around the Eyes: You can carefully use cotton buds to clean the area around your baby's eyes, especially if there's some dried mucus or discharge that needs gentle removal. Always use a fresh cotton bud for each eye and avoid touching the eyes directly.
4. Cleaning the Umbilical Stump: If your baby has a retained umbilical stump, you might need to gently clean around the base using a cotton bud and warm water as per your pediatrician's guidance.
5. Art and Craft Activities: As your baby grows, you can use cotton buds for creative art and craft projects that involve painting, applying small amounts of glue, or even making fingerprint art.
6. Oral Care for Teething Babies: As your baby starts teething, you can dampen a cotton bud with clean water and gently rub it over their gums for soothing relief.

Remember, when using cotton buds for your baby, always exercise caution and gentleness. Only use them for external cleaning and avoid inserting them into any bodily openings. As always, it's a good idea to consult your pediatrician for specific guidance on baby care practices.