Strange rusty pink color in cloth diaper?

Question

I just asked this question and didn't get any answers. I use cloth diapers with my son. Recently I have noticed that when he poops the moisture from it is a rusty, pinkish color. At first I thought he was bleeding...but he isn't acting any differently or fussier than he normally is. The only factors that have changed is that he eats rice cereal, bananas and sometimes applesauce. I have also recently changed his formula from soy based to milk based. Also we are using a different detergent and I soak his p**p diapers in a water and bleach mixture. I plan on asking my pediatrician so don't tell me to go to the doctor (its in the works). Is it possible that the ph of my sons poops and the chemicals used to clean his diapers could be causing this odd color. It doesn't happen when he pees, only poops. I am just baffled as to what it is if it isn't him bleeding...Anyone else ever notice this?

Answer 1

What kind of detergent are you using now? It could be that the detergent is reacting to the p**p and causing the stain, it could also be from the beach. Also, if you have really hard water it can leave rusty deposits on your diapers when the pee and p**p gets on it, the minerals in the water leave residue on the diapers that reacts with the fluids.

My recommendation to get the stains out would be to hang them in the sun. Sunning is great for getting the stains out.

You should use a detergent without enzymes (most store detergents like Tide, Gain, etc have enzymes) because the enzymes can react with the p**p and pee and cause not only stains, but also irritate his bum.

As far as stopping the stain from happening, I'd say use a detergent like Allen's Naturally on your diapers. A good one to use that is readily available at groceries is Purex Free & Clear, or Publix brand Free & Clear. I have to order Allen's online, but you can buy it at Whole Foods or Earth Fare sometimes. Here is a website that has a really good comparison chart for detergents and some other great info on diaper pails and washing:

http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/ba...

Scroll down to "everyday basics" and read the "choosing a detergent" part. It's really helpful.

IMO bleach is not so good for dipes. It degrades the cotton and wears them out. What I do is dry pail mine until wash day. Shake all p**p into the toilet or use liners. I use Imse Vimse biodegradable flushable liners. They catch the p**p and you flush them away. You can get them at abbyslane.com, cottonbabies.com, or punkinbutt.com.

Anyway, get rid of the p**p, and just throw them in a pail. I use a 54-gal trashcan with a pop-up lid and a Wahmies pail liner. It has a little flannel in the seam where I put a drop or two of tea tree oil and it doesn't smell.

I'd also recommend washing at least every other day.

Good luck!