I get a lot of questions about overnight diapers smelling like major ammonia in the mornings. Well, the good news is, you can treat your overnight diapers in a way that will cut down on the smell (or at least make your eyes water a bit less!) Older babes with high protein diets have stinky pee, and the more diapers I sanitize, the more I am starting to agree with the suggestion that boys are even extra stinky in the wee wee department. I usually suggest a couple of things. First, look at the diet. Things like acidic fruits, eggs, cheese, meats - all make the ammonia in urine much higher. You can dilute this in one pretty easy way - increase the water supply. I have had moms notice an immediate difference when they cut back on the juice (especially pineapple/orange/citrus) and increase the water intake. Also, cut down on high proteins before bed. Give them grounded foods like whole grains and low acid fruits. Second, hot water is your best bet to combat ammonia. Get a bucket with soapy hot water and let them soak for a bit in the AM, or give them a very good scrub with hot water and soap right in the sink. Then, rinse them until there is no bubbles. Third - use a bit of Grapefruit Seed Extract to disinfect - but remember that this is an acidic compound so make certain that they are well rinsed. I put in the bleach container during the hot wash, only a tablespoon. Dont soak them in GSE that is not diluted and dont pour it directly on the fabric. These things should help, but, unfortunately pee that sits in a diaper for 10 hours is gonna stink. However, making some dietary adjustments, especially before bed, will make a difference, and soaking/rinsing first thing in the AM.
Posted on: Tue, 27 May 2014 19:43:59 +0000