non-petroleum jelly?

whits900

I thought I had originally heard to get vaseline to take care of multiple things on a newborn - to help with the circumcision, and to use as a lube for the rectal thermometer....so I get the thermometer and it says use non-petroleum jelly.

Anyone know of any brands? The only one I really know of is vaseline.

Also - what else can you use vaseline for on a newborn?  

babydragon1818

Odd....Vaseline is all I know.

manderdoll

Live Clean baby has a non-petrolium jelly

M&M-7/7/07

Vaseline actually IS petroleum jelly. Its main ingredient is petrolatum. I'm a pharmacist and we get this question somewhat regularly. When a thermometer recommends a non-petroleum jelly, it basically means use something water soluble like KY lubricant. KY jelly isn't just for intimate use- it works well for other things, including thermometer lubrication. HTH!

tigerlily71

Look into coconut oil.

houndbaby

We have little plastic slip covers for the rectal thermometer, we just put the jelly on those, it makes clean up easier also.

Petroleum jelly can also be used as a lotion on newborn skin, my pedi told us not to use lotions on newborns because most have alcohol in them which can dry the skin out

wda519

Never use vaseline for anal temp. I work in a group home we always use KY jelly for anal temp, enemas, etc. Vaseline tends to be a barrier and can cause problems, but its a great moisturizer because of that.

whits900

thanks all - I wrote my post a little wonky - I meant that I realized vaseline was petroleum based and was asking for other solutions...but I got them anyways - and already ahve KY so I guess we're all good!  I'm gonna look into those plastic covers too....