[NICU_Nurse]

When you have babies that just S-T-I-N-K (like long-term trach'ed babies or those who have particularly smelly ostomies), is there anything you can do to make them smell better? I don't mean air freshener, I mean something for the baby (ie, use a particular type of lotion, clean in a particular way, etc.)?

I realize this isn't a priority; just wondering.

[Jolie]

In my experience, "stinky" babies often have some kind of infection, such as yeast or pseudomanas. Maybe a culture of the skin folds or trach secretions is in order. Also, it helps when these kids are in open warmers or cribs, as opposed to the closed confines of an isolette.

As for ostomy babies, I don't have much to offer. The ET nurse may be able to suggest products that contain a deodorizer.

[NICU_Nurse]

Well, I worked with an infant once who was a long-term BPD'er with a trach who just STUNK- he'd been cultured, was on abx therapy, etc., but he was in an open crib and you could stand two feet away and smell him. I'm sorry; it's been a while since I worked with him, so I couldn't tell you specifics. I was just thinking about him. That's a great idea bout the ET nurse- I'll see what I can find at work when I return.

[dawngloves]

My babies don't sink.
I don't know Kristi. Maybe the abx make him smell?

[Jolie]

dawngloves,

You're trying to get your babies to sink? Usually it's the residents that I want under water!

[dawngloves]

Bwahahaha!!!! Ya see what time I was up this morning. My daughter is sick. Or is she a sink???

[Jolie]

Hope she feels better soon!

[NICU_Nurse]

Well, it wasn't that abx-urine smell, it was more like...gosh. Oniony-musty kind of smell. He got a full bath every night with shampoo, scrubbing, and yummy lotion massage when I was there, but sometimes I'd go visit him and he just REEKED and it would almost knock me down. Poor guy.

Okay, I admit, this post has no point. I just miss him. So maybe that's the point. (sniffle)

[dawngloves]

Maybe you're the only one that washed the poor kid?
Thanks Jolie. She is a little better. Feeling just well enough to drive me crazy!

[Mira]

Yes Dawngloves maybe right,maybe it was only you that's giving a nice bath for that baby.I feel shameful when my baby stinks(babies w MRSA or pseudomonas are exceptions).To prevent stinky babies,I bath them thoroughly(clean folds,and orifices)and rinse with plain water,I don't use zinc oxide on their bum because it doesn`t smell nice,I always keep them dry and dress them appropriately,I don`t use lotion because I suspect the sweat does not interact well with it,I use minimal oil on extremities instead.We change their trachy dressings and tie everyday.I change their nappies when I smell poh(Though some milk formulas make their stool very smelly).With stomas I have never encountered smelly ones except when it is infected,leakage prevention might minimise stinkiness.