Petroleum Jelly? What's the purpose?

robbi123 · March 2011

Okay, this might sound ignorant but I keep seeing petroleum jelly on the lists of "must haves" for baby but I don't really know the purpose.

My guess is for taking a temp rectally. Am I right? Could someone with more experience enlighten me?

Lisa Frank · March 2011

Yes, for rectal temps. I never used it on my DS' circ (we used polysporin or something like that) but that could be another use for it.

rickandcaitlin · March 2011

I used (will use) it for diaper rash. It works better them most expensive diaper rash creams.

AnneShirleyBlythe · March 2011

I prefer aquaphor (for rash, even though they are very similar) and I use KY for the rectal temps (we didn't circ).

cdnvb4 · March 2011

I read that it's needed for circumcision care as well.

amahrey · March 2011

it's great with my toddler for when his nose is getting all red and cracked from being wiped so much. a little before bed and it's much better in the morning.

augustjam16 · March 2011

We have 2 containers. One for heiny's, one for faces. Sometimes the diaper rash creams burn a little, vaseline is always good for a rash.

AZ123 · March 2011

1. Circumcism treatment

2. Repelling pee. There were times where DS was a baby and would wake to even the slightest wet diaper. So, i'd use it to lather a little coat on his front and it would repel the wetness.

3. Colds. I also have used it for under the nose. Supposedly, it helps breathing better at night when you have a stuffed nose. I use it too and it totally works!

iris427 · March 2011

Like pp said, you can use it as diaper cream. Petroleum jelly is one of the main ingredients in A&D ointment.

I never had to take my daughter's temperature rectally and never used petroleum jelly for anything baby-related.

00tedsgirl · March 2011

We don't use it for anything. We used coconut oil for buttrashes, chapped cheeks in the winter, eczema, raw nose... everything.

robbi123 · March 2011

thanks everyone!

nice to know

sparkymcgeee · March 2011

I have it in case I have to take the baby's temp. Its rectal. I don't want to cause her pain by not having the thing lubed. I mean how would you like that? Yikes.

00tedsgirl · March 2011

meimsx:
I have it in case I have to take the baby's temp. Its rectal. I don't want to cause her pain by not having the thing lubed. I mean how would you like that? Yikes.

Temporal artery scanning thermometers mean you never have to shove anything up your kid's butt (unless they get a wicked sore throat and you have to give them suppositories).

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Petroleum Jelly? What's the purpose?

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