Huh. I seem to have lost five pounds. Wasn't actually really trying to lose weight, but I have been eating better lately. (More homemade, less processed, and almost two weeks vegan. More for budget reasons than health reasons, but hey, whatever works.)

So, our little man is having his first taste of nappy rash. Jusging by his face, I'd say it tastes of betrayal. We had been using disposable wipes to clean him, but I gather they contain alcohol which is not congenial to the little Penguin right now. (Maybe if I get him to bite down on one during nappy changes instead...)

Does anyone with more experience than I've clocked have any thoughts on how best to clean him right now? The websites are a little contradictory. I'm gathering that a water-soaked face washer is pretty reliable, a couple of other sites have suggested things like mild soap or olive oil. Possibly cotton wool too. (We have a zinc cream for afterwards.)

Not a parental unit, but when my mom taught me how to change diapers so I could babysit my nephews, she told me she preferred Handi-Wipes [link] (don't know if they have 'em where you are) over pre-made baby-wipes, because she could use warm water from the tap. She believed that was less of a shock to the system of sensitive little bottom. They are washable, inexpensive, and when they get really cruddy, can be tossed out.

It's been ages since then and part of me wonders if they are being made with ever more cheap fibers, and therefore no longer as soft and absorbent.

Office etiquette question -- if someone is listening to music on headphones, and it's loud enough that I can hear it (like, clearly hear it, well enough to easily identify the song) from about ten feet away, is it OK to ask them to turn it down? (Officemate and I are having music battles. I need total quiet to concentrate. He needs music, preferably loud. I thought headphones would be the solution, but I can still hear everything. Maybe I'll get earplugs.)

bt, the hospital told us to use just plain, damp gauze pads for the first week and we did. you can get the large square one used for larger wounds. they're actually better at the sticky poo than anything else. Then switch to a sensitive skin type wipe. A zinc based rash cream is also a good idea.

Not a parental unit, but when my mom taught me how to change diapers so I could babysit my nephews, she told me she preferred Handi-Wipes [link] (don't know if they have 'em where you are) over pre-made baby-wipes, because she could use warm water from the tap. She believed that was less of a shock to the system of sensitive little bottom. They are washable, inexpensive, and when they get really cruddy, can be tossed out.

Ooh, that's a great idea. I like that.

For those first few weeks I used unmoistened wipes that I rinsed in warm water, after that I will 'fess up that I just used the unscented, premoistened kind. The main thing is to use a diaper creme on that little bottom so it's protected.

Have him turn it down. Way too loud.

I kind of feel like, he's already compromised by using headphones rather than the speakers, so if it's still not good enough, it ought to be my turn to compromise next by getting earplugs. (Which will also have the benefit of stopping him from interrupting me while I'm working to ask, "You get distracted really easily, don't you?")

Have him turn it down. Way too loud.

Ok, serious double-take moment there.