Natural Skin Care for Your Baby

A surprising number of mothers will buy expensivecourse you should also stay away from artificial colors
lotions and soaps for their sensitive skins, and yetand fragrances.
bathe and shampoo their baby in cheaper,Baby powders are one of the most common
chemical-ridden products.treatments for diaper rash. Many moms use
Even those moms who believe they are being verycornstarch, and treat rash with whipped-up egg white
careful about the products they use on their baby arethat's allowed to dry and form a protective barrier.
likely not being careful enough.Lotions and oils that contain petrochemicals, artificial
An article in Clinical Pediatrics reports that over threecolors, or artificial fragrances should never be used on
out of four infants suffer rashes within the first fewa baby.
months of births. Sadly, the reason for such frequentNatural Skin Care Products
breakouts appears to be the skin care productsAlthough most of the skin problems that babies face
parents use to keep their babies' skin moisturized. Aare due to dangerous ingredients in mass-produced
baby's skin, like all organs, is not fully developed andskin care products, this is not the only concern. Even
isn't as effective a barrier against toxic substances.organic skin care products can cause problems if used
Natural skin care products are much, much safer thanexcessively.
the chemical-heavy conventional ones.During the first year, babies do not need to be bathed
The Danger of Over-The-Counter Productsfrequently or even at all. An occasional wipe of the
Many products supposedly designed for infants'genitals and buttocks with a damp cloth is usually all
sensitive skin are the same harsh cleansers for adults,that is needed. If a bath is needed, a small amount of
just put in a cute package with a higher price. Readingwarm water should suffice. Babies don't sweat like
labels to see what is really in the bottle is even morechildren and adults so don't need soap most of the
critical for your baby than for yourself.time. If necessary, use a mild soap containing palm,
Many bubble baths destroy beneficial bacteria on thecoconut, or olive oil and use as little as possible. Never
baby's skin. In fact the problem is so bad that infantuse antibacterial soap.
bubble bath carries an FDA warning against excessiveShampoo is also seldom, if ever, needed during the
bathing. These products often contain knownfirst year. If needed, use a very mild organic shampoo.
carcinogens and irritants such as formaldehyde andLotions that contain soothing or healing natural skin
1,4-dioxane.care ingredients such as chamomile or aloe can be
Shampoos are no better. Ingredients to avoid includebeneficial. They moisturize well and a gentle massage
quaternium 15, imidazolidinyl urea, and parabens. Ofcan help a fussy baby sleep.