Swaddlers Issue

Updated on June 18, 2008
A.A. asks from Omaha, NE
31 answers

We have been using Pampers Swaddlers since my daughter was 1 month old. We've never had a problem. She moved up to size 2 diapers about 2 months ago. We were starting to run low, so I went to Target and bought a new box. We started using them 3 days ago. Marissa had a horrible reaction to these diapers and now has what looks like a chemical burn all over her diaper area. It looks like a very bad sunburn. We switched to the hypo-allergenic diapers and we're waiting to see if this clears up. I called Pamper's and let them know what happened and the code on the box so that they can look into it and I was told they would probably contact me to get the rest of the diapers back so they can test them and see what happened. We know it wasn't anything we gave Marissa to eat because her diet has been solely formula and the formula has not changed.... not only that, but the burn is ONLY in her diaper area.

It's so difficult for me to look at. It happened so quickly. Tuesday her skin was fine, weds it looked like she had a slight diaper rash, and this morning, she has burned-looking swollen red skin all over her diaper area. My poor baby.

Has anyone else had this issue??

***Marissa has been to the doctor - people keep telling me to take her in and I have - see "What Happened"***

Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Just so everyone knows, she has been to the DR! I called right away when it started to look bad and they prescribed her a cream. The pedi told me it looked like an allergic reaction to her diapers and told me to use the hypo-allergenic diapers instead of the pampers. I have another appointment on Weds to see if it has cleared up at all.

The red area is not only around her front diaper area... it goes ALL the way up her back... up to the line of the top of the diaper and same in the front. It looks like a horrible sunburn and thankfully does not seem to bother her.

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A.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

We use pampers as well. I have had this issue from time to time. I assumed it was the diaper and used some from a new bag. It sounds very similar.

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J.B.

answers from Lafayette on

Poor Marissa! Besides the usual diaper rash ointments, you may want to ask her doctor for a prescription for something to help with the allergic reaction and the pain, if it doesn't clear up. Babies can get things like yeast infections, etc. just like adults do, a doctor could test for that. I hope she is better soon. A & D always worked well for my son.

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K.R.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi A.,
My daughter had the same thing hapeen about a month ago. It happened overnight. I thought it might have been her diaper, then I thought it was yeast. I took her to the dr and it wasn't yeast, yeast has a very distinct look about it (defined outline). So he told me to use Neosporin, which she then had a reaction to. Finally with the advice of the pharmacist I used Clotrimazole, which is an anti-fungal for athelete's foot. I know it's weird. But it worked and I haven't had any problems since. Hope this helps.

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K.P.

answers from Cleveland on

Does it hurt her? If it's not tender to the touch, it could be yeast. My daughter used to get BEET red on her genital area and I thought it was diaper rash, but in fact, it was yeast. I had to get prescrip. meds and it cleared it up. If it's painful for her . . .probably some reaction to the diapers. I hope it clears up soon!

Good luck.

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T.T.

answers from Indianapolis on

We had this problem when Logan was a couple months old with Luv’s diapers…The weird thing is though I was thinking maybe they’re manufactured with/by/possibly the same as Pampers because that particular box had Pampers Gifts to Grow Points on them. (since then I’ve never seen points on any Luv’s) We just didn’t use Luv’s again for a long time…now we still don’t. We use cloth and Target brand diapers when we go out and at night. I hope they make “right” on this. Poor baby. I hope she feels better soon.

J.D.

answers from Columbus on

It might not be the diapers, I would take her to the Dr, it might be a yeast rash or something similar. My sister had a horrible one when she was a baby, in the pic it looks like she is wearing a red diaper! My kids got them a couple of times, never so bad, but they do come on very fast and really red.

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C.R.

answers from Columbus on

We've used the pampers swaddlers/cruisers since our son was born and he's now 17 months, without an issue. He did get a really bad diaper rash once after we used Desitin and after that I called the company and they refunded our money. I've not touched it since. My friend turned me onto Beaudroix Butt Paste and it is fabulous! The smell kind of reminds you of toasted marshmallows instead of that yucky medical smell some of the others have. Side note: my mom told me that I would break out every time she used pampers for me and so she always used huggies, but if you've been using them up to this point that shouldn't be an issue. Go see your doctor and make sure you tell them in detail about what might have caused the MINOR diaper rash. If she had a bm or wet diaper a little longer than normal or overnight that could have caused the minor rash, it could have just gotten worse overnight on it's own. Some diaper rashes stay little then go away and some become a full blown problem and it might not have anything to do with the diapers or creams. My sister never had a small diaper rash, it was all or nothing for her! Good luck and hugs to your little one. It's always harder for us moms to watch than it usually is for the kiddo. :)

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A.W.

answers from Terre Haute on

Both of my kids had this issue it turned out to be an allergy to the Pampers for them at least. My mom said that my siblings and I had the same issue. I use strictly Huggies brand now and they did fine although we are now potty training and that is a whole new adventure. Enjoy your little one the time goes by way too fast.
-A.

A.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

From one A. to another...

I had a very similar thing happen to my Emily. She was born 10/8/07. Pampers swaddlers worked just fine for her bottom. I ran out of them and had some other pamper swaddlers with an extra absorbant core and within 2 days her entire fanny was broke out. Not like a rash but like you said. Chemical burn. It turned fire red. It almost looked like a shiney scab. It even bled a little bit. I showed it to her doc & he didn't really know what to tell me except to keep changing the variables. So, what we did was: Put vasaline on her butt until it cleared up. Then we started switching the diapers to see what works and what makes the the breakout come back. What works well for us and is cheap, comfortable for her and good at absorbing is white cloud. There is no fragrance in them. No perfumes. Nothing. They are wonderful. I'm sorry this response is so late but I hope it helps you. Good luck A.!
-A.

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R.H.

answers from Cleveland on

Have you had her to the Dr's yet??? It could be a yeast infection. It would not be from any fault of yours it just happens like it does for adult women. Hope that helps.

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A.D.

answers from Cincinnati on

All three of my children were super sensitive to wipes, not the diapers, which we initially thought it was. Makes sure your wipes are also non-scented/hyperallergenic! Also, do not use Desitin...it burns when placed on a rash, I have no idea why it is still on the shelves. My kids would scream when I used it. We switched to Balmex which worked better. Good luck, hope everything clears up quickly.

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T.M.

answers from Bloomington on

that's why we use cloth diapers. (well, one of many reasons!) they are all natural and do not have any chemicals in them. i have been using cloth diapers for four years now for our two children and we very rarely had diaper rash (maybe 3 times?)and it was never as bad as you are describing. cloth diapers are really not harder to use, especially with all the fancy snaps and fleece and wraps they have now, and they are so much better! i highly recommend them!

two cloth diaper websites i love:
www.diaperpin.com
www.babyj.com

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A.E.

answers from Cincinnati on

I had a one-time similar incident with my daughter as well. She actually she has a slight darkened mark/scar on her bottom where it was most severe. I never associated it with the diaper because we had been using them all along and it never happened after that one incident. I associated it with the diaper cream I was using (though I'd used it before but not regularly). However, other people told me it was most likely that since she had a BM over night it was probably due to that versus the cream. So, I'm still not sure what the cause was, but I agree it was very concerning and definitely horrible to look at. I was using swaddlers, but like I said, it was only that one time. I used Weleda diaper cream and that helped clear it up most quickly.

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A.P.

answers from Indianapolis on

About a year ago there where 3 children at my daughters day care that all broke out in a weird rash. They where all using pampers at the time. Each mother took them to the Dr. and we all got a different answer has to what it was. But all Dr's said to try and use a different diaper. We stopped using the pampers and it went away. One mom tried pampers again after her daughter had been off pampers for a couple of months and there was no signs of rash anymore. She broke out again. My babysitter called the company and they said they changed what the outside of the diaper was made of but not the inside and did not see what the problem was. We all sent our diapers to them and they sent us coupons for more diapers. We never heard another word. My other 2 children used pampers fine and never had this problem. I am sure they have changed something in them that kids are reacting to. I have heard of other cases where kids are getting these rashes from the pampers also. You do need to take your child to the Dr. though, they will give you something to help clear the rash and make them more comfortable.

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D.T.

answers from Cincinnati on

I have 3 children and never had to many diaper rashes, but when we did they were bad. First make sure she is changed more often than usual and leave her diaper off a little while to let her dry and do not use wipes on her while she has a diaper rash they could irritate it worse, use a wet cloth or baby wash rag that is just wet with water. Then make sure she is dry and put some diaper rash cream on her. That stuff usually worked with my kids and the diaper rash was usually gone in a day.

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J.J.

answers from Columbus on

Hi, our grandaughte had a real bad rash when she started to eat table food. Her mother stoped putting on disposible diapers and used cloth. Also she whould let her play with out a diaper or with large underware on...so that she could get air and have time to heal. after that it was fine.good luck

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J.A.

answers from Cleveland on

A., Just a thought...did you use Desitin or some other cream when you first noticed the rash/burn? I ask because when my son was a few weeks old he started to have a slight diaper rash...so I used Desitin on it....it got worse, I used more Desitin...it got worse again....we finally figured out that he was allergic to the Desitin. The confirmation on that came several months later when someone in the nursery at church noticed a slight rash starting (he rarely had rashes at all) and put Desitin on it....by the time we got home he was in tears and we had to put him in the bathtub and soak him until we got it all off. I ended up using other options -include one from Ireland.
The other possibility - check where the diapers were made. My sister just read an article about Victoria's Secret bras. The newer bras are being made in China and lots of women are having issues with rashes that won't go away - they never considered their new bras because they always wore VS and never had the problem before. Then the docs started talking and someone looked into it. Apparently MANY women are allergic to something used in China to preserve the material -something that does not wash out. I am wondering if there could be a similar issue with the diapers?
Good luck - I remember how awful it was for my son...I cried right along with him.

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T.D.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I had a problem with Huggies. There was a red spot (on more than one occasion)in the diaper. I took the baby to the doctor twice, knowing it looked to orange to be blood but I was too concerned to let it go. Kimberly Clark the company behind Huggies sent me a postage paid envelope to send them the diaper and analyzed it. I don't remember what the issue was now but nothing to do with the baby. They gave me enough vouchers for their products to cover the cost of two doctor copays as well as a little more. I would definitely take my child in to be examined if it were me.

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S.F.

answers from Fort Wayne on

My boys both have very sensitive skin. Try putting a lot of diaper rash cream all over baby's bottom. Then give her a medication with anti-histamine in it. This should help relieve and reduce the allergic reaction. You need to call your family doctor as well just to let him/her know about the reaction. Perhaps it's been reported before or they can suggest some other help.

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S.B.

answers from Indianapolis on

Oh my gosh. I have no advice, but am glad that you contacted Pampers. I would keep a few before sending them all back. You want some type of proof that you ever had them. I would put a couple in a zip lock to keep and send the rest back. Get a name of a supervisor before you do that. I want to know what happens. I just bought my first box of size 2's and haven't used them yet. Now I am afraid to. I would say to possibly take your daughter to the doctor and see what they say too.

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S.T.

answers from Youngstown on

if it havent went away in 3-5 dyas u should take her in it could be a yest infection, if u but baby powder down in her papmer my lil girl had some thing like that and thats what it was she got better in days and i never put powder down there again you never know

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K.P.

answers from Columbus on

A., I agree with the other mothers that you should get your daughter to the doctor, but wanted to add some other advice. Do not give the company all the diapers you have left. Save one or two and get good detailed photos of the your daughter's diaper area right now while the rash is still showing. Be sure you show your daughter's face in the photos and have plenty of light to accurately see the rash. While this could end up being nothing more than a "coincidental" rash, if the Pampers are the cause, you do not know what long term damage might have been done and need to be prepared to take action to protect your daughter and her interests.

The trip to the doctor for his or her expert opinion, the diapers you've saved for independent testing and the detailed photos are all very strong evidence should you end up having a court case. Also, if you want to prepare even further, make a day by day journal of exactly what took place from the moment the rash appeared until it goes away. Include facts as well as your observations of your daughter and what emotions you've experienced.

I am not trying to encourage a sue happy world, but having had a child with many health issues and events, I know just how important it is to be prepared.

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C.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

First, take into account that my youngest is now 11, but when my now 13yo was using Pampers (started with cloth and used pampers for outings, trips, etc). Switched him to all Pampers when his sister was born (16 mo). Both started out fine, then started getting yeast infections. Doctors kept asking if I was using cheap diapers. I wasn't. Switched to Luvs (I know, same manufacturer), but the rashes stopped. Every kid is different. Good luck and keep us informed.

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K.D.

answers from Cleveland on

all my kids have used pampers, but my son (now 5) when he was a couple months started with that too. He was in the swaddlers. We had my dr check it and it turned out the swaddlers had to my elastic in them for him. He was having an allergic reaction. We switched to reg baby dry's from pampers and never had an issues again. He got to the point where those sores were opening and bleeding.. it took a little time to go down but it work.
I hope that it works out for you!!! GOOD LUCK!!

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K.R.

answers from Cleveland on

A.
I have had this issue, but my daughter has particularly sensitive skin. The only diapers she CAN use is pampers. The other ones make her break out & yes, it is really almost too painful to even look at!(poor things). what I have found from my doctor's are the rashes are usually some type of yeast infection, which they prescribe a medicated ointment that helps it to go away quickly. Not sure if this is the same situation... but a trip to the doctor's is probably a good idea!
K.

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J.S.

answers from Mansfield on

I would suggest using Beaudroix Butt Paste because it really works well with diaper rashes. It is expensive for a little bottle but it really works well. I use to use Johnson and Johnson and it wouldn't help the diaper rash. This butt paste clears it up in a matter of hours.

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J.B.

answers from Dayton on

All I have ever used is pampers swaddlers/cruisers and my daughter is 2 now. I have NEVER had a problem with them. That doesn't mean that maybe somehow something happened to a "batch" of diapers that you bought. I think you did the right thing though.

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P.R.

answers from Indianapolis on

Gosh, it is heck to be old!!! I can see the tube of baby ointment, it is white and goldish yellow with black lettering, and I can't think of the name but it cleared the diaper rash thing up in like 24 hours! Desitin? Maybe that was it. I just know it worked great. Another thing to use is aloe, it will help clear up burns.
You might want to check with the Dr. It could be a yeast infection which will require a little different treatment.
It might not be an allergy, it might be splinters. I had that problem with my son and pampers when he was about 3 months old (he is now 26 why I said it was heck to be old. I used cloth 90% of the time with the 10 year old I am raising now. Only used disposables when we were traveling. Scared me, I went to cloth diapers immediately when the rash didn't clear up and he cried a lot. Went to the doctor and was really upset!

P. R

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J.L.

answers from Cleveland on

We have always used Pampers and never had a problem, although as said before you could have gotten a bad box.

I would agree to take her to a doctor. They may also be able to reccomend a cream to make it heal faster if nothing else.

Poor baby!

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T.M.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi A.,
I'm sorry I'm just responding to your e-mail. We've been on vacation and it seems like I'm running around like crazy with the kids lately.
We also use Pampers for our 20 month old and for the past two days he's had a red bottom. It doesn't look like normal diaper rashes that he's had in the past.
He's had one like this before. I kept putting a-lot of cream on his bum to help protect it.
I'm hoping he's not allergic to the diaper.
With him it only happens a couple of times. But, I just got this new box not too long ago (the big one that has two sleeves of diapers) I just opened the second sleeve a couple of days ago and noticed him getting the red bottom within the day (WOW, that was fast).
Now, after reading your e-mail I'm wondering if I should throw them all out incase the new sleeve of diapers have some kind of chemical or something that doesn't agree with his skin?
What did you ever find out about your diapers, anything?
I know when we've tried Luv's etc... we've had trouble with them leaking but I don't want to cause my son to have a red bottom either. He cried durring diaper changes and bath time today :(
One really good cream that I came across is called TRIPLE PASTE...when he had a red bottom before that wouldn't go away, this was the only cream that got rid of it.
Good luck to you.
I hope your daughter's bottom is better now.
T.

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A.W.

answers from Columbus on

You can take her to the doctor but the best diaper rash cream is Aquaphor(sp?) and Malox. Scoop some of the Aquaphor into a plastic baggie (ziplock) then add the malox and mush it together until you get a paste.

My youngest had a similar problem and with a couple of uses she was pretty much completely cleared up!!!!

Hope this helps

A.

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