Can't get rid of ammonia smell and the redness/rash is comng back!

[runnervt]

Hi

Over the last month or so I've noticed a strong ammonia smell from ds's wet nappies (Fluffles). I think he even got burnt as he went all red under the nappy (cleared up with a week or so in disposables). I've tried soaking with a nappy sanitiser, using less powder and rinsing lots and using vinegar but the redness is coming back now he's been back in cloth for 1.5 weeks. I've run out of ideas of what to try next so would welcome any suggestions!
Is approx a tablespoon of washing powder (surcare) about right for a load of nappies?
Would the type of liner make a difference (using Boots disposable ones)?
Could it just be because my ds has sensitive skin?

Thanks

Oh and i wash at 60C.

my thoughts:

• try fleece liners as they help the skin stay really dry - you can just make your own by cutting up a bit of thin fleece, no sewing required
• change him very frequently and have regular nappy off time to let air to his skin
• lots of barrier cream like sudocrem
• 5-6 drops of tea tree oil in the fabric conditioner drawer makes em smell nice

It sounds like he has very strong wee, how old is he? teething?

Here's is what I used to do foe dd when she got bad.

Boil up some pearl barley until it is soft (you will need to keep addng water) and let the liquid cool.

When cool enough offer to your ds. This will help neutralise the wee, therefore making it less likely to burn.

You can alos use the water that you boil/steam the veggies in, if that's easier.

Only keep theliquid for 2 days and shake if settles.

As they are a synthetic fibre, I would suggest following Fuzzi Bunz instructions on stripping nappies and see if that helps.

I did try a couple of fluffles but after a few mths one of them developed a horrible fishy smell each time DS wee'd in it.

Hi
Thanks for all the tips. I'm definitely going to try fleece liners to start although do I actually need them in Fluffles as they are fleece against the skin anyway?

This happens to my DS when he is teething. Really smelly we esp in the morning and sore bum.

I use fleece liners too and they are really good. I have found no difference from when I used to use disp though, as it still happened then.

Did see some disp liners with camomile in them on twinkle here . Just scroll down a bit. Not tried them as never used disp liners so dont know if they work but look like a good idea?

I read somewhere that if you put two layers of fleece together in the nappy then they actually repell the water. It was on a nappy selling website (cant rem which one) but I dont use ones with fleece sewn in so dont know if that is right?

Hi, I would try Fleece liners next to his skin, and wipe bum with nothing but water with a fannel. Sudocream has quite a few chemicals in it. Neals Yard do a fab barrier cream. What are you feeding him??? I found that fresh raspberries would cause a acidy rash like the one you describe. Also baby oil and disposables and being hot.

just to say, i've found Weleda's calendula nappy change cream the best for nappy rash. Its really soothing and clears up soreness quickly. i tend to use a little at most nappy changes and then quite a bit for the night-time nappy. I would definately always use a fleece liner. In fact i use a fleee with a paper liner tucked in over the top for ease of poo flushing!

I know this thread has pretty much ended, but I am having the same problem! My Dad (ex-GP) said it's the ammonia in the nappy that is burning my dd and that it comes from the wee/poo combination not being properly washed out. He said I should use napisan or something, but I just rewashed at 95 and the problem disappeared completely. Hoped that would do the trick, but as soon as i washed them again at 60 smell and redness back. Bit depressed as don't feel double-washing at such high temperature exactly eco friendly!!! But other GP friend has said that 60 is just not hot enough to kill the germs if not sterilising at all! HELP!!

You could try prewashing with nappy fresh or nappy soak (a milder version of Napisan), Boots and Mothercare sell them.

I do a prewash with a dessertspoon of nappy soak then a 60 wash with a tablespoon of powder. Powder residue can cause a burn like rash and smell bad pretty much as soon as the nappy goes on.

Thanks! Will try that

I think hanging them out in the rain for 3/4 days is supposed to work well?