Caring for Your Baby’s Skin the Natural Way
Babies spend the first nine months of their lives in the most protective environment, their mother’s womb. A newborn baby’s skin is extremely sensitive and needs to be protected. New parents are sometimes unsure of what are the best and safest products to use on their newborn babies skin.
More parents are choosing to use natural baby skin care products as a gentle approach to help protect babies skin against dryness and diaper rash.
Although most baby skin care products that you find in stores are safe to use on your newborn baby’s skin, they contain synthetic fragrances, preservatives, artificial colors, and additives. Not only do these ingredients irritate your baby’s sensitive skin but they can also affect their health.
Research has shown that many skin care product ingredients are possibly contaminated with harsh chemicals that irritate the skin. Talcum powders are made up of tiny particles that are easily carried in the air and can irritate babies lungs. There have been many reports of life-threatening cases and deaths from babies inhaling the powder.
Watch for signs of sensitive skin such as red, dry patches which can be caused by harmful chemicals in skin care products and detergents. If your baby develops diaper rash, wash baby’s bottom with warm water, change diapers frequently, use a protective diaper rash ointment, and leave baby without a diaper as often as possible to expose the area to fresh air. Avoid using petroleum jelly which traps moisture against the skin.
Tips to remember when caring for your baby’s skin and choosing natural skin care products:
- Avoid products with fragrances, preservatives, and additives.
- Wash babies cloths with detergents that are specially made for babies sensitive skin.
- Never use bleach to wash your baby’s whites.
- Don’t use soaps, shampoos, and lotions meant for adults on babies skin.
- Only bath your baby every 2-3 days. Daily baths will remove the natural oils from babies skin. Use a damp cloth to clean your baby between baths.
- Don’t use sunscreens until your baby is 6-9 months old. When you do begin to use sunscreens, use one that is made for babies with a 25-30 SPF and PABA free.
- Just because it says “natural” on the label doesn’t mean it’s completely natural. Read skin care product labels and buy products that contain no more than 10 ingredients.
- Wash new clothing and bedding before using.
How do you know what products to use on your baby’s skin?
When choosing natural skin care products for your baby look for products that contain natural healing herbs and essential oils.
Ingredients such as natural aloe, shea butter, olive oil, avocado butter, coconut butter, and natural beeswax help moisturize and act as a protective barrier on baby‘s sensitive skin.
Other ingredients such as calendula, comfrey, chamomile, and lavender help soothe and heal baby's skin.
Once you decide on what skin care products to use, keep in mind that your newborn’s skin is very sensitive. Use skin care products in small amounts for the first couple of months until you are sure your baby has no sensitivities to the ingredients.
When it comes to choosing natural skin care products for your baby a little research and some common sense will help you make the right choices for your precious new bundle of joy!
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