Q: What is the best way to deal with diaper rash?

The Mommy Panel’s Advice:

As moms we have hands-on experience that tells us that those diapers can be real messy. When you think about it, it is no surprise, given the amount of ick down there, that diaper rashes occur fairly often. Most children will experience at least one diaper rash and many more will have frequent breakouts. To help you be prepared for the battle, here’s a crash course in diaper rash care. read more

I Swear. My husband sometimes slips with colorful language around the kids. I didn’t realize how often until a neighbor came over one day and was chatting with us, including my 3-year-old son. She said something like, “Thank God that turned out OK.” My son, hearing the conversation said, “God? Like God Dammit?” My husband promised once again to watch his language around the little ones. They really do repeat everything they hear!
– Macomb, MI

Sleep in Peace. One Sunday we where in church, my two-year-old daughter had been quietly busy with her toys, colored a picture, had a snack and been relatively well behaved for 35-40 minutes. She began to get tired just before the homily and put her head on my lap. Brother John, just home from a trip to South America started to talk about his trip and everyone settled in to listen. My daughter wiggled around and said in a very loud whisper, “Mommy, tell that man to be quiet. I am trying to sleep.” I had to struggle to not burst in to laughter as several people gave us the send-to-Siberia look, but several parents next to us just smiled.
– Greenbelt, MD

Miracle of Birth. I found myself and my children (ages two and three standing in front of the Miracle of Birth exhibit at our local state fair. Now this was a very busy opening day with lots of promises from the staff that there was sure to be several deliveries of little lambs, calves, and even piglets. Before I could really decide if the children were old enough to experience such a fascinating but yucky (as my son would say event, we were more or less forced by the crowd around us to commit. Under pressure, I surrendered. We slowly climbed to the top of the bleachers, which, by the way, were the only seats left. One of the staff members spoke into the microphone in a very hushed manner and proceeded to tell us that the sheep was going to be delivering very soon. She said, “In order for her to do this, we have to be very very quiet.” As a mom that is prepared for anything, I gave my little darlings each a toy and hoped that they would respect the sheep’s wishes. The sheep started to give birth, and suddenly I realized all three of my children were standing up, eyes glued to the sheep. The toys dropped out of their hands. Before I could get them settled again, my son shouted in his great outside voice, “MOM DID I COME OUT OF YOUR BUTT LIKE THAT?” The crowd roared with laughter. I couldn’t escape at all. I realized that day that, in fact, I wasn’t prepared for anything.
– Farmington Hills, Michigan

There is a certain kind of embarrassment that only a Mom can truly understand. Our MomMoments column is filled with these war stories of motherhood. We’d love to hear your stories so please share with us!

Make yourself Mrs. Clean with these Sudsing Sensations

Who says your home is the only thing that should be spiffed up this spring? After you’ve rendered your house spic and span, get your skin warm weather worthy with this collection of top-notch cleansers. They’ll wash away your winter flakiness and reveal that healthy, glowing complexion underneath, just in time for bathing suit season. Scrub-a-dub-dub! read more

‘Tis the season for spring cleaning, but before you groan, we’ve got an idea that will make your chores more enjoyable. It’s not a maid service (which would be great, we admit it.) No, we’re talking about luxury
household cleaners, many of which are on par with your favorite pampering bath products. These cleaners are all-natural and loaded with goodies like essential oils so you’ll have good reason to whistle while you work.

	floors Being a mom, it’s more likely that you’ll be pushing around your vacuum than soaking in the tub. So we think Good Home Co. struck genius by turning vacuuming into an aromatherapy treatment with their relaxing Vacuum Beads. Available in 5 scents for $15 at goodhomestore.com.
	The new o-mop from Method features an earth-friendly, washable microfiber pad. The accompanying method floor cleaners smell so incredibly divine that you’ll want to taste them — the almond cleaner (for wood floors) reminds me of my favorite pastry. They are all-natural but not edible, unfortunately. $6-30 at methodhome.com and in Target stores.
	surfaces This surface cleaner from Mangiacotti Florals will make short work of those greasy little handprints on the kitchen table and countertops, and the new clementine fragrance is a real pick me up. $16 at mangiacottiflorals.com.
	Your furniture puts up with a lot. I mean how many times have you asked junior not to stand on the coffee table? Give your woods a little TLC with Sweet Grass Farm’s all-natural furniture wax. Handmade using only the best natural ingredients. Try the delightful lemon verbena scent. $6 at sweetgrassonline.com.
	windows Kids love to look out the window… and kiss the window, and press their cheek on the window making that adorable smooshy face. So you’ll be needing a non-toxic way to clean that window. Try Mrs. Meyer’s Lavender Window Spray — it’s ammonia free and the calming effects of the lavender essential oil certainly couldn’t hurt. $5 at mrsmeyers.com.
	Nothing is more handy then paper towels, but what they leave behind on glass can be frustrating. Caldrea’s Lint Free Cleaning Cloths are perfect for getting that streak-free shine. caldrea.com

– Bettijo B. Hirschi