I have conservative views on what products are safe for babies. Babies are born without a defense system for allergens and develop a resistant as they grow. Product used on babies should have a very low allergy risk, contain the most natural ingredients with no extra perfume or preservatives. Babies don’t need perfume – nothing in the world smells sweeter (most of the time!). Although there are a number of products in the marketplace for baby care, many cause problems for babies. Baby products should be as simple and safe and natural as possible. BABY COSMETIC RULES ·Babies are not dirty, they require gentle and soothing products. Babys skin is perfect apart from the first little while when it may be a bit dry and wrinkly. The natural acid barrier of baby skins is essential for their well being and should not be stripped away by harmful detergents. Babies should never be set in water with bubble baths. This is one of the most common irritants and it well documented to increase the risk of urinary tract infections in babies, toddlers and even grownups Soap will strip away the babies natural protective lipids on the skin. ·Bath time should be relaxing and enjoyable for both babies and caregivers. ·Babies are delicate. Products which are scented or have strong preservatives can cause eczema and allergies. Babies smell sweet enough without extra perfume. ·Babies do not need to be exposed to ingredients in cosmetics that have fallen under suspicion and are under investigation for possible toxic effects. Products and ingredients which have not been proven safe should not be tested on our children. ·Babies need protection from the sun. Although babies should avoid the sun, they still go for ‘walks’ in the pram and stroller and may lie under the shade of a tree. At those times, when babies are out and about, they need full-spectrum protection from the strength of the sun. Nano particles also known as “micronized zinc” or “micronized titanium” are currently under scrutiny and may possibly be able to pass the skin barrier and collect in the blood stream and lungs. When choosing a sunblock select the non micronized zinc or titanium until we know for sure the others are not harmful. These are the products that show up white on the skin.In the summer buy light UV clothing that covers the baby’s arms and legs and get them a nice wide brimmed hat to protect their face. ·If you feel you must use powder avoid talcum and use Rice, Corn or Tapioca Flour.Talc is chemically similar to asbestos, a known cancer causing substance. It is found in baby and body powders. An American Journal of Epidemiology study found talcum powder to be directly linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer and general urinary tract disorders. I cannot personally say how well documented this is but why take the chance when there are so many other options available to us. ·Avoid products with Parabens. I mention this group of preservatives because this group of preservatives have been found to be weakly estrogenic. That means that they produce the same effect on the body as estrogen. Although they are inactivated when eaten, they are absorbed into the skin from cosmetics in an active form. They have been linked with changes in the sexual organs and sexual development in rats and salmon. This has raised concern as to the possible effects on humans. It is really very simple to make safe and affordable products for you baby and I offer several suggestions on how to do this.
Preservative Free Body Wash and Shampoo: Mix 1/3 part undilutedPurefactant™with 3 parts tap water. Lather baby with the wash and rinse of with clear warm water. Make sure you get all the soap off. You can also make a weaker solution or use a bar of natural handcrafted soap. Castilian and Goats Milk are two nice choices. Avoid fragrances and essential oils in the soap for your newborn.
After Bath Baby Lotion: While baby is still wet massage the baby with a natural oil such as Rice Bran Oil. Initially it is a good idea to avoid nut oils as some babies start off with an allergy to some of these oils. As you massage baby with the oil it will emulsify with the water as a lotion would. It will become milky white. Pat your baby dry.
Something to help Baby Relax:Hydrosolsare the by product of the distillation of essential oils. They contain all the holistic goodness of the flower or plant from which they are derived. They are perfectly safe to use as a linen spray and can also be sprayed directly on baby. Chamomile and Lavender are particularly popular for baby products.
Baby Bottom Balm: A simple balm that will help keep moisture from baby’s bottom and help avoid irritation may be make by melting together 20% Beeswax, 20% Lanolinand60% of your favorite Plant oil. If you have access to Calendula Flowers you can first infuse your liquid oil in the flowers as they help to soothe and heal.
Wet Wipes for the bottom: Makeup a weak soapy solution (once again avoid fragrances and essential oils) using 2 parts Purefacatant, 1 part Lipsoft and 4 parts distilled water. Soak clean soft cloths in it and use it for cleaning baby's bottom. Follow with a clear water rinse. You can make this up safely ahead of time and it will keep for up to a week if you use pure distilled water. The lipsoft is meant to mimic that white fatty layer babies are born with and refat the skin after a soapy wash.
