How to Deal with the Trickiest, Stickiest, Messiest New Parent Problems

5/19/17 - By Jessica Laird

Protecting your little one is probably at the top of every parent's to do list, but between the sleep deprivation and the fact that you seem to be missing the instruction manual to your new bundle of joy, a little guidance goes a really long way. After all, parenthood hurls a lot of tough stuff at you in the first year—sometimes literally—and you don't have the time to desperately search for solutions. You barely even have time to shower.

If you're trying to steer clear of the germiest germs and clean up the messiest messes, just one trip to the store (or, let's be honest, one Amazon Prime order) could actually game-change how you keep your baby safe and clean...ish. So, with help from Babyganics, we're bringing you some of the trickiest, yuckiest, messiest new parent problems and the products that'll help you deal. Founded by two first-time dads who now have five kids between them, Babyganics' goal is to create affordable, easy-to-find products that parents feel good about using around their babies. The company relies on personal experience and community feedback to determine what much-needed products they put on the shelves, and its long list of "never use" ingredients won't be one of things keeping you up at night.

1. So. Much. Spit-up.

How can such a small human produce such a large volume of liquid? Yes, parents have been asking each other this one for centuries. And while I'll leave the answer to your pediatrician, a good stain remover is about to become your new best friend. An on-the-go stain eraser is a diaper bag staple that'll tackle that spit-up on the spot and will also serve you well as you enter the world of solid foods around six months. For larger areas, like the entire back of your shirt or half of the sofa, a spray stain and odor remover should do the trick. Babyganics' removers are made with plant-based cleaning power, and like all their products, without chlorine, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, fragrances or dyes.

2. Another diaper blowout.

Speaking of stains and large volumes of liquid... Those early diapers aren't pretty and they have a way of making their way out the legs, up the back, and sometimes even up the front. My husband and I liked to call the ones that spilled out of all sides "four-alarm diapers." There's not a whole lot you can do to prevent these inevitable explosions, which become less frequent albeit smellier over time, but there are certainly sanity-saving clean-up solutions. An effective detergent like Babyganics 3x Laundry Detergent—which can even be used as a pre-wash treatment—is key to combating major messes. Made with plant-based ingredients and zero optical brighteners, plus a super concentrated formula that saves you time and money, it's really a must for the whole family. And speaking of efficiency, when paired with Babyganics Natural Wool Dryer Ballsthat decrease drying time by up to 25% while making fabrics softer and less staticky, you can spend less time doing laundry and more time with that adorable baby of yours.

3. Diaper rash, diaper rash, and more diaper rash.

As if the blowouts weren't bad enough, diaper rash is common, cruel, and sometimes tough to beat. Along with frequent changes, a good diaper cream or healing ointment should help to resolve it and keep it at bay. Babyganics Diaper Rash Cream helps to seal out wetness and protect chafed skin with its non-petroleum, zinc oxide-based formula that's made with 100% natural NeoNourish® Seed Oil. Meanwhile, the Soothing Protective Ointment moisturizes as it helps protect dry, irritated skin, with Vitamin E and calendula. Add it to your skincare arsenal and you can even apply it to cuts and scrapes when your toddler starts to toddle. Like all Babyganics' products, it's pediatrician and dermatologist tested.

4. Seriously sensitive skin.

Rashes, dry patches, and baby acne, oh my! A newborn's skin can be more than a bit temperamental, but it needs to be treated with the utmost care. Sensitive, non-allergenic products are an absolute must to avoid causing more problems than the ones you started with. Consider a fragrance free daily lotion with shea butter, olive oil, and avocado oil to combat dryness, or a naturally scented night time lotion that will actually calm baby down while moisturizing. An organic lip and face balm is great was to beat chapped skin caused by the heat and cold (or that drool induced mouth rash that's oh-so-common...). Meanwhile, if eczema is the problem, Babyganics' Skin Protectant Cream—made with colloidal oatmeal—is clinically proven to give your little one relief by increasing and improving skin hydration, and protecting and supporting skin barrier function.

5. Sniffling, coughing, germy visitors.

Not only does your baby want to touch everything... Everyone wants to touch your baby! It's flattering, but the revolving door of guests with their coughs, and colds, and bugs could mean welcoming a whole lot of not-so-welcome microscopic visitors into your home. Play it safe by kindly asking everyone to wash their hands, and make it easy by stocking hand soap at your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Babyganics Foaming Hand Soap nourishes skin as it cleans, and the instant foaming technology saves time and money. In case anyone misses the handwashing memo, set out some foaming hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes, too. Both alcohol-free formulas kill 99.9% of germs while moisturizing and protecting skin.

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Just feeling completely overwhelmed? Skip the stress of trying to find all of the right problem-solving products and snag this essentials-filled gift set, stat.