Personal Care For Baby

Newborn babies are many times more likely to absorb toxic substances found in personal care products than adults. It's important to use only pure, gentle products and to use them sparingly. Here are some tips on keeping your baby clean yet safe.

1. Avoid synthetic bubble baths. Conventional bubble baths can strip skin and mucous membranes of the natural, protective oils important in healthy skin development. Sodium Lauryl or Laureth Sulfates (SLS's) are the chemicals used to create the bubbles in bubble bath. They should be avoided as they are common skin and eye irritants and are a major cause of urogenital infections in newborns and small children (many adults too).

   Opt for natural, plant-based bubble baths that are scented with essential oils that are safe and pleasing to children (chamomile, lavender and tangerine are good choices). Greenfeet has great safe bubble baths.

2. Plain water and Washcloths make great baby wipes. Commercial baby wipes contain chemicals and other nasty chemicals such as propylene glycol (same chemical as automotive anti-freeze) that can irritate your baby's tender skin. Plus, they create unnecessary trash in our landfills that can potentially contaminate water supplies.

   If portability is an issue, simply wet a few washcloths and keep in a plastic reclosable bags. They can be tucked in a diaper bag and tossed into the washer upon your return. Don't want to go that far, you can get natural baby wipes by Seventh Generation.

3. Use only pure, chemical-free baby oil. Most "popular" baby oil's are mineral oil based. Mineral oil is a petroleum product and can be very drying to the skin. Manufactures claim that it creates a protective film on the skin, keeping in skins' moisture. Actually, while mineral oil does create a barrier on the skin, it prevents the skin from breathing and can become sticky and trap dirt thus creating a dirty baby.

   There are many wonderful natural, plant-based baby oils on the market. You can find them scented with essential oils or unscented. Use a plant based oil such as soybean, sesame or even olive oil that are readily absorbed by the skin providing moisturizers, vitamins and in many cases, antioxidants. Be sure to test any new product on a small patch of baby's skin and wait 24 hours to see if an allergy occurs.

4. Beware of Talcum Powders. Talcum powder has a similar fiber structure to asbestos and can build up in the lungs causing long-term respiratory problems and even cancer. Talc is a cause of respiratory problems in babies.

   As an alternative, look for cornstarch or arrowroot based baby powders, preferably scented with essential oils safe for baby. Or, if you have the inclination, try this recipe by Rosemay Gladstar in her book Family Herbal (Storey Books 2001).

   2 parts arrowroot powder 2 parts white clay (available in natural food stores and ceramic supply stores) ¼ part comfrey root powder ¼ part slippery elm or marsh mallow root powder

   Mix ingredients together and place in a container with a shaker top, such as a spice jar (be sure to sterilize first). Use as needed. If you wish to add a scent, try 3 drops of lavender or orange essential oil, mix with a fork then fill shaker bottle.

   To treat diaper rash, add to this mixture 1/8 part organically grown goldenseal powder, 1/8 part myrrh powder and 1/8 part Echinacea powder. Apply as a powder, or mix into a thin paste and apply as a poultice to the rash.

5. Avoid Petroleum Jelly. Petroleum jelly or petrolatum as it is sometimes called is a mixture of semi-solid hydrocarbons from petroleum. These derivatives have been proven to be cancer causing and may cause skin irritations. As they create a barrier on the skin, this can lead to trapped moisture creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

   Seek out natural baby creams with calenduala and lavender for a natural, healing alternative.