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Monday morning, the stomach flu hit. At 5:30 am, Jackson started vomiting. Oh, the joys.
Wednesday morning, Olivia and I started throwing up too.
It has been a week complete with the stomach flu works — including, of course, projectile vomiting, (what would a round of stomach flu be without projectile vomit?) constant diaper changes and a diaper rash to end all diaper rashes. All I can think of is at least I don’t have more kids to get sick.
SO, my question to you super moms out there with half a dozen kids, how do you survive sickness in a big family?
I can imagine it is challenging enough when everything runs according to schedule, but when vomiting and diarrhea enter the game, HOW do you survive so many kids?
(Can you imagine stomach flu at The Duggars??? WOW, that would be messy!)
P.S. Olivia has a wicked case of diarrhea and diaper rash. I am trying all my tricks — Calendula cream, zinc cream, baking soda baths, and I even resorted to hydro cortisone today because her skin is now raw and about to bleed. I am about to try to get some probiotics in her to help ease the diarrhea, hopefully she will keep it down this time! But if any of you have any other tips, I would love to hear them!
Annie says
I was commenting about Carianne’s story #28 but I forgot to mention that in my previous post.
Annie says
That is so horrible! Do you have any idea where the kids got it? Since they all came down with it at the same time, they must have all caught it at the same time. Were they all around someone who had been sick? Or did they all eat something that was contaminated with the virus? I am just trying to figure out how these things work. I have a website http://stopthestomachflu.com
That must have been the worst week ever.
Bess says
Ohhhh, boy…
Our house was hit with the stomach virus the week of Thanksgiving, and it wasn’t pretty. It started with me, followed by our 3 year old daughter, then my husband. Thank God, though, our then 4 month old didn’t get anything.
We were able to survive because, as I started getting better, I was able to somewhat take care of my daughter and husband. I quarantined them to one room (our bedroom!), and went to town cleaning and disinfecting the rest of the house. Ugh. Also, I read that the virus can stay in your system for up to 2 weeks afterward, so you need to be extremely careful with handwashing and with what the kids touch so that it doesn’t come back!
Faerylandmom says
If it’s a dry, raw rash, try some plain, Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Just put a bit into your hands and massage onto her clean, dry bum. Try to let her air dry, if possible, as well. (Tricky with diarrhea…)
Hope ya’ll get to feeling better.
David says
I don’t have any tips about what you should do, but I believe it is not a good idea to put hydrocortizone on raw skin.
Hope this helps.
jubilee says
Pinxav. http://www.pinxav.com/ (It’s pronounced Pink Salve.) It works wonders. A little dab will do ya. One tube will last months. Worth every single cent.
You’ll never use anything else after you try this.
rebecca says
I am glad we only have 1, and she lucked out of vomiting…though she did manage to poo on me with what my husband described as peeing out her butt. Poor kid. I would try plain Vaseline for your diaper rash. I am all for simple things. They have squeeze tubes, and you can just coat her butt. I have never heard of using yeast infection cream before. Thats interesting.
The Gang's All Here! says
We’ve not yet experienced the stomach/projectile vomit thing with 5 kids. In fact, for all the years that we had 4, we really escaped all of them being sick at once. But we have just been through 4 straight weeks of strep, regular flu, sinus infections, and colds. I was so excited to get out of the house yesterday that I barely noticed that it was only like 11 degrees with the wind gusting!
Carrie says
I have four kids which is not a huge family by any means, but the funny thing is? They never get sick at the same time. The sickness goes through the family ONE kid at a time, which is almost worse because it means we’re stuck in the house far too long dealing with it. 🙂
Lisa says
You’ve got to be careful, some diaper rashes thrive on moist skin. Putting those things on like Vaseline and the like will only keep it around longer. I found airing the rash out as much as you can helps the best, give the skin time to heal itself. Drying it out and keeping it as dry as possible is what has helped our children, by keeping the diaper off for a bit, letting them lay diaperless for a while.
As for how we manage the puke-fest with 6 kids, lots of towels and spare sheets at the ready! We “set up shop” in one room, usually the living room for the little ones, in which we triple blanket the floor, cover the pillows in towels, with a bucket by their side, and we are ready. Hand-washing and lysol and keeping everyone separated. Messes get cleaned up swiftly. Messes on the carpets get steam-cleaned/shampooed immediately. While living an organic life, during a tummy bug, Lysol is our friend.
I hope you’re doing better soon! Try the air trick with the rash, it works!
brandiandboys says
last time we had diaper rash (nasty virus case) someone told me to use olive oil and it worked GREAT! i was shocked. just poured it on his little bottom and put the diaper on!
good luck!
Angie says
Ah, yes. We had the stomach flu here this week. Not fun with 5 kids. Luckily, it only hit me, my husband, my oldest son, and my 2 year old. The other 3 escaped unharmed (so far). My 2 year old ended up with the most awful diaper rash. We went through 34 diapers in one day. Her bottom was completely blistered. I tried everything, but it all seemed to burn her when I put it on. I finally tried “Nature’s Baby Organics” Diaper Cream, and after the first change, I noticed a HUGE difference. It helped with the blisters so much! I don’t know if it’s sold in stores or not (I won it on a blog contest!), but it is definitely worth the investment. It’s my new miracle cream! Hope everyone is feeling better soon!
Meg says
Oatmeal baths!! and straight air work best for us!
Stacy says
My brother and Sister-in-law us a thing called corona (spelling) but I believe it is made for cows or horses. But it works wonders.
Shannon H says
For bleeding diaper rashes, my doctor gave me a prescription, it was a wonderful cream that cleared up the worst rashes. Sorry I can’t be more specific, she called it “butt paste” (not to be confused with Boudreau’s) and I can’t find the jar, but it might be worth a call to your ped’s office.
Jaimie B. says
I am a lactation educator, and it sounds like Olivia could have a yeast infection that is causing the rash- especially with her and you being on the antibiotics. You can treat it with any vaginal yeast infection cream – use it as you would diaper rash creme, and it should clear up in a few days. I’m so sorry!!! I know it is so hard to wean her, too, but sounds like it does need to happen with all of that mastitis. I had it, too, and it is so painful. Blessings to you…
casual friday everyday says
Hugs to you all. I hope everyone is feeling 100% better by now.
I only have three but I can only imagine how fun it’s going to be for me when we start spreading stuff around again.
My oldest has been out of preschool for a month because we just had a baby but he goes back this coming week.
I’m just going to be as proactive as I can be keeping germs away from the baby since he is only 2 weeks old.
Nell
Virginia says
My little boy used to get diaper rashes that just wouldn’t go away when he had diarrhea. His little bottom was so red and blistered. My doctor gave me a couple of prescription strength brands but Triple Paste ALWAYS cleared it up almost immediately. Between diaper changes (depending on time in between), you can see a marked difference. It became the first thing I reached for whenever one started to appear.
It’s sometimes hard to find but Target carries it and most pharmacies can order it.
Jenn says
We swear by the Earth’s Best Organic line, their diaper cream has NEVER failed me. I also second what someone else said – get away from the commercial wipes if you can – just use plain washcloths, or chop up a flannel sheet into wipe-sized cloths. Go for straight up warm water, or even make your own solution by adding some essential oils to a few cups of water, as well as some aloe vera and/or vitamin e to heal that raw skin. I used to make up a batch and then toss it into an old gatorade bottle, and squirt it onto the dry wipes as needed.
Hope you’re all feeling better soon!
GreenJello says
For yeast rashes: use an OTC vaginal cream, like Monistat. For non-yeast rashes, put a very thin layer of anti-bacterial ointment on (like Neosporin).
All my girls had very sensitive skin. I kept both of those in my diaperbag all the time.
Hillary says
For bad diaper rashes we use Bag Balm. It’s designed for cow udders, but it works wonders on diaper rash and cracked skin. It really gets into the skin and provides a nice protective barrier.
Sara says
Someone already mentioned the Mylanta. We use mint flavored Maalox. Mixed into any regular diaper cream. It cuts the acid which is what is probably causing the rash.
Amy says
When we have the flu, everyone sleeps on beach towels. Makes less laundry than having to wash all the sheets over and over. Plus, I have more towels than sheets!
For the diaper rash, put 1/3 cup of oatmeal in the blender/food processor and blend it until it’s a fine powder. I use my Magic Bullet for this, if you have one, it works great. Then mix in 1/3 cup of powdered milk, and 1/3 cup baking soda. Put a few tablespoons in a warm bath, and soak that sore bottom. This works every bit as well as, and is MUCH cheaper than, expensive oatmeal bath powders.
Try getting her to eat yogurt, if she can keep down dairy right now. They make acidophilus milk, too, which may help. Lots of fluids, of course. That will dilute what is coming out, and may make it less irritating. My kids like hot tea, made lukewarm instead of hot, with honey when they’re sick.
Hang in there! The stomach flu sucks. Somehow we have managed to avoid it so far this year (knock wood).
Amy @ http://prettybabies.blogspot.com
Nancy says
I skimmed the comments so I don’t know if anyone else has mentioned it, but if you’re using regular wipes on her, switch to a wet washcloth. The chemicals in the wipes might be irritating her bottom.
My oldest was prone to diaper rash and letting him go bare-butt helped clear things up too.
christieo says
I see some people already commented about Vaseline and to me, it is a MIRACLE! Two kids and right when I’d see redness, I’d wash their bottoms with a little warm water, pat it dry and slather it on and the red was gone by the time of the next diaper changing. Literally. I have had only two major diaper rashes, we are going through one right now, it started yesterday and was actually pretty scary looking, but today after the Vaseline, a tiny bit of red but otherwise, GONE. I’m serious sister, it works. Every diaper change, a little warm water, pat it dry and slather on the Vaseline. Good luck! Poor little thing.
Amber Pollard says
Well I have been there done that for sure. I have 4 kids and the baby being special needs sooo when it comes to stomach flu we have to be very careful. So when it comes to stomach bug we have to all stay away from each other and sometimes they have to go to grandmas house. If that doesnt work we all go to extreame lysol and hand santizer to keep from getting Brandon sick. But we had a spot of head colds in Dec and it went from person to person and Brandon got it worst. On christmas day he went to the hosptial with RSV. I was in shock but dealt with it the best I could. It is good to have family to help that is for sure.
For diaper rash we use buttpaste by beaudroxs and baby powder with cornstarch. Or even just plain cornstarch works wonders. I have heard people using yeast infection cream I heard that works good to.
I hope that helps.
Thrifty & Chic Mom says
Our children’s hospital mixes equal parts Maalox and aquaphor, it does wonders other than that the yeast infection advice is good, for those my Dr. has me mix equal parts neosporin, cortisone cream and lotrimin anti-itch cream. I hope she is better soon!
Mandee says
We always have the best luck around here with Corstartch Baby Powder, nothing ever seems to work better! Hope yu all feel better soon.
Janice says
These comments are GOLD ladies – you all are so helpful! I LOVE hearing all your valuable input. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
Krista says
I am a big believer in just plain ol’ cornstarch! I pour it on..lots of it and it always takes it away.
Steph says
I haven’t read all the other comments, but if it’s really diaper rash, try Aquaphor. That stuff is awesome. It might also be a yeast infection, so you may need to go to the doctor, or try some OTC yeast medicine. Good luck. Just remember it will get better! 🙂
se7en says
You go into pure survivor mode:
Firstly if one of them has it assume everyone has it – it is just on the way, like an unwelcome guest it just keeps on coming… Get everyone to wash their hands constantly… every time you see someone as them if they have washed their hands. and keep disinfecting the sink and putting a fresh hand towel out…This works and can stop the repeat visitor in its tracks.
Secondly get a huge pile of old towels and place them on everyone’s bed… or under wherever they are lying… as they explode whip the towel out and repeat… it saves on sheets (or when you run out of sheets it saves on mattresses, couches whatever. When the washer is full turn it on – it takes a moment and just be disciplined keep the laundry going.
Thirdly keep giving them liquids, tiny bits and often, even if they throw it up at you… if they drink a tablespoon and trow up a teaspoon you are winning. Remember any liquid thrown everywhere looks bad – a little goes a long long way.
Fourthly for all rashes and associated discomfort – use up all those nursing cream samples you got when they were born – nothing beats it.
Fifthly, while you will be busy with laundry you won’t have to make meals (nothing like a good vomit to leave someone a little appetite-less). Go with it, when they are felling better they will eat again and by then the laundry will end… Really they just need a steady trickle of liquids.
Sixthly, when chatting friends and they say they have had a bit of a tummy bug become busy – avoid it as much as possible. It is one thing to have a bad cold and quite another to get a tummy bug.
Sixthly, its not forever, this too shall pass and everything always looks a little better in daylight.
And now I am laughing – I realize I could just keep on going… and write an entire post here in your comments: “How to survive the vomits en masse!”
Tarasview says
yep… we’ve had it here too. My poor Olivia puked so many times…icky. I have three kids and when we are all sick? it isn’t pretty. You’d be amazed at what you can do when you have to… but there were several times that my son would puke and then I’d go right after and then clean us BOTH up. Not good.
I just wanted to mention the nursing lotion stuff that I used on my cracked nipples works wonders with tough diaper rashes- it just soothes it so much. I used Lansinoh or a similar product. It can be used along with the yeast infection stuff too. I swear that stuff is miracle lotion.
hope everyone recovers quickly!
Carianne says
I have 5 kids ages 7,5,3 and twins that are 1. I experienced the flu a couple months ago and they all had it at the same time. My 3 yr old started first and then that night my 7 yr old woke up puking, then two hours later my 5 yr old wakes up and 15 minutes later both twins were puking in their cribs. It was a MIRACLE that me and my husband never got it. The 7 and 5 yr olds slept with a trash can in their room, the 3 yr old slept on a mat in my master bathroom, and the twins slept with me. I laid towels down and when I knew they were going to puke I’d run to the sink. It was a long 2 days. Then 3 days later my 3 yr old started again. I thought I was going to lose my mind. And my house smelt so bad!
Cat says
I hope this passes for you guys quickly.
There’s only 4 of us right now and somehow only my daughter and husband keep getting sick. My trick…lots of Lysol and very little contact.
RefreshMom says
Sorry your family fell victim too. I’ve had one or another sick that way since Monday. We seem to be falling according to size–I’m hoping I’m in the clear as I’m last up!
We had one of those rashes from the great beyond recently and I didn’t want to front the $65 for the doctor appointment + whatever the Nystatin would cost, so I did some research and also came up with the Monistat recommendation. You might have seen those commercials recently advertising a new prescription diaper rash cream–turns out the fancy formula is the same ingredient as Monistat + some white petroleum jelly + zinc oxide. AND the prescription costs over $100! for under $20 you can DIY. I just did the Monistat (for healing the rash) and 40% zinc oxide (for keeping wetness away) and it worked wonders.
Jamaise says
I hope you will try this. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. It is a solid pack oil that has the consistency of maybe cocoa butter. It is really amazing stuff. It’s very soothing. It has anti microbial properties so if there is a yeast issue this would work. It’s food grade so you know there are no chemicals going on to her poor bottom.
Also you can use it as an after bath moisturizer and your skin will love you for it. I love it for my face.
I have been eating a spoonful throughout the day to help with this bug I’m battling.
Hope you all get well soon 🙂
Michelle says
Oh no I do hope that everyone gets better soon. Bath with baking soda in there or even some Aveeno? Burt’s bee’s is amazing.Get well soon.
SarahHub says
Oh, you poor thing!
When Evie has bad diaper rash from diarrhea, it’s usually really a yeast infection. Our doctor told us to use Lotrimin AF with each diaper change, on the red areas. Works like a charm!
I hope you’re all feeling better soon!
HolleyV says
So sorry you all haven’t been feeling well. My daughter had several really bad rashes. The only thing that would work for her was to sprinkle scourched flour on her bottom (like you would baby powder). Don’t ask me how or why but it worked for us!
To scourch flour, place a cup or so in a pan and bake in a 350 oven until golden brown (like bread). Yes, it’s crazy. Let it cool and then sprinkle liberally.
Hope something works for you fast!
Debra says
For a bad diaper rash such as this one, we mix zinc and 0.5% hydrocortizone. If we think its fungal then lotrimin too(or nystatin). For preventing diaper rash in general (barring any major bouts of diarrhea), we actually switched to chlorine-free diapers and we haven’t had to use a stitch of anything on his bottom, and he used to always have a diaper rash.
Amy, the Resourceful Mommy says
I’m going to second the Vaseline comment. Most creams that you put on a baby are absorbed much more quickly by the diaper than the skin. My mom has been a family doc for 35 years and has always reminded me about the beauty of plain, old petroleum jelly. And if you can keep the diaper off for a period of time, that’s a bonus!
Jus Shar Designs says
I didn’t read through all the comments so I don’t know if this has already been suggested, but I’d try something like Monistat cream and regular corn starch. Not baby powder with corn starch, but real corn starch.
Janice says
You ladies are PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
I have never heard of the ice cold milk trick – I am going to do that when she wakes up next!
And the yeast ideas are helpful because I thought that might be the issue considering I have had been battling thrush with the antibiotics. So I tried nystatin – I had it here because I have been using it on my infected nipples. BUT I got worried that maybe I shouldn’t do that for her. I tired it twice in the beginning and it didn’t fix it so I stopped. But I might try again. (Jackson used to get TERRIBLE yeast infections/diaper rashes)
I will do the cornstarch too. I used to do that for Jackson, but forgot to try it this time.
I have never heard of Aquaphor… I am soooo going to look for that!
That triple paste idea sounds brilliant too.
Just so many helpful ideas – gosh what did moms do before the internet!!! LOL
It Feels Like Chaos says
I have 3 kids and do dread the stomach viruses; it seems there is just no way to keep it from running through the whole family!
For the diaper rash, I’ve found applying a thick coating of regular Desitin (not the creamy) and then topping it with baby powder (the cornstarch kind) will clear up even the worst rash in a couple days. I hope this helps!
Jennifer Clark says
I hope you all feel better soon. Try giving her lots of water (or water based drinks if she kicks on plain water) to keep her hydrated & system flushed. The high acidic levels in urine is what usually kicks the diaper rashes into high gear (unless it’s a yeast based diaper rash). Also try keeping the diaper off of her as much as possible (i know this can get icky but, keeping it aired out does help). The point is to keep moisture away from the rash so the skin can heal. You can also try oatmeal baths to help sooth the irritated skin. Good Luck!!!!
Stephanie says
Oh, your poor family! I hope you’re all rested and recovered in no time!
Keli says
Oh no!! I hope you all start feeling better soon.
My mom got this diaper rash cream from her pharmacist called Dr. Sheffield’s — it is amazing! It has a higher content of zinc than the normal OTC zinc ointment, and it works.
http://www.kiddiecastle.net/product.php?productid=16170
Charmaine says
For my son, a bath in Epsom Salts always seemed to do the trick. As for ointments, my favorite is A&D. You could always let your kid just play in the kitchen (or bathroom or other non-carpeted room) for the day and dry out. Of course then you’ve got to watch them like a hawk and clean up whatever ickies happen like a ninja. Nope, not worth it.
Michelle says
The only thing that will cure a diaper rash after a virus is ice cold milk! I know it sounds crazy but soak a washcloth or a cloth diaper in cold milk and let the baby sit in it for about 10 minutes. All will be resolved! Repeat a few times until rash is gone! I have 4 year old twin girls and we have been through more horrendous viruses than I care to remember. Milk was the only thing that made their bottoms feel better!
My old Italian neighbor told me this, and I thought she was nuts but I did it one night out of desperation and it worked like a charm!
Feel Better!
Bailey's Leaf says
Triple paste is what Akron Children’s Hospital uses. It is equal parts of vasoline, cornstarch and liquid Mylanta. I used to make it and use it on my daughter. Works wonders. So does just straight up cornstarch. I used to keep it in a sprinkle top container in her bedroom. Cheap, too!
Good luck! We’ve been dodging the stomach flu and then my friend came over today with her children and came down with it AT MY HOUSE! I’ve bleached and lysol’d the house to death. UGH!
Hope that y’all are feeling better!
littlesanctuary (Kim) says
Hey,
Use Lotrimin used for athlete’s foot or an off brand. It works wonders. That’s what my pediatrician suggested when my children had severe diaper rash. For normal diaper rash I use Boudreaux’s Butt Paste
mom of eight 🙂
Mary Kay says
Oh, I feel you pain … remembering when my boys were little & all sick at the same time. Not fun.
For diaper rash, Desitin worked for me every time. And at the first sign of redness, I stopped using wipes, and used soft paper towels instead, with warm water and a little mild soap.
ginger says
Get the purple lasinosh (spelling) from the nursing section of any store. It works the best ever!
Sandwiched says
My 4 year old used to have horrific diaper rash. One day I took her into a local pharmacy, both of us nearly in tears, and asked the pharmacist for a recommendation. She said the store didn’t carry the product she used on her baby, so she picked up the phone, called her husband, and had him read the list of ingredients to her. Then we went over to the shelf, and we approximated it as best we could. She also gave me the name of the product: Triple Paste (http://www.triplepaste.com). Works AMAZINGLY well! Never bought anything else since!
Carol says
Aquaphor is the best thing on the planet for diaper rash. And many other skin ailments.
My oldest is a redhead with porcelain skin. She got diaper rash at the mere mention of a wet bottom.
Aquaphor got us through the diaper years.
Hope everyone gets well soon at your place!
Andrea says
My dr used to recommend putting on your favorite diaper rash cream, and then applying vaseline on top of that. The vaseline acts as a barrier between the rash cream and the diaper, so it stays on the baby’s skin longer. I always found that to help a lot (when I actually remembered to use it! :P).
I hope you’re all feeling better soon!
Mandy says
The only thing that will heal my baby’s rash is old fashioned cornstarch from the pantry. Just apply liberally like powder and it helps dry it out.
Steph at the Red Clay Diaries says
Hey, I’ve had some luck with Monistat. A doc told me that some diaper rashes are actually yeast.
When it was yeast, Monistat really did the trick almost instantly. When it wasn’t yeast, I used Aquaphor (made by Eucerin and in a tub).
My daughters were rashy ALL the time. So I tried just about everything. I hope this helps you. 😉
Myrinda says
If the rash is after all the sickness, I’d consider an anti fungal cream (like, yes, Vagisil, external only). If it’s raw and such, she might have an external yeast infection vs standard diaper rash. Also, I know this might be a tad messy, but a pair of panties with a liner, cloth diaper or even let her go naked.
I find hydrocortisone to not do much really…and zinc can make it worse too…
I also lay off the regular wipes and use soft cloths (like flannel) with plain warm water and I like the California Baby®
Non-Burning & Calmingâ„¢
Diaper Area Wash
hope that helps!
Jeni says
I’m sorry you’ve all been so sick! Are you sure Olivia’s rash isn’t a yeast rash? A yeast rash wouldn’t respond (and might get worse) with the things you’ve tried. I had to get a prescription cream for my Girlie’s awful rash once, and it was gone within 48 hrs!