When you begin researching skin care products for your infant, you could discover that a few products are listed “natural”, but do not call themselves organic, but at the same time others list themselves as organic. You might be in mystery about the difference, and what makes something truly “organic”.
Being organic means more than only containing natural ingredients. Although there are no governmental guidelines for what makes up an organic baby skin care product, there are guidelines for organic food, and those same guidelines can be applied to any product that claims to be organic.
Any naturally grown product or ingredient must be produced without any chemicals, which includes any fertilizer or pesticides. Natural pesticides and fertilizers may be used, however no toxic chemicals are used on the plants at all, at any time. Organic skin care products, both for infants as well as grownups, must contain no chemicals, meaning artificial dyes, colors and preservatives.
Some products tout their “natural” ingredients elements, but when you study the ingredients you find a lengthy list of chemicals used in addition to natural coloring, scent or other ingredients. The most common chemical ingredients are coloring, scent, and SLS, or sodium lauryl sulfate, a detergent that could cause eye problems, difficulty breathing, as well as skin problems.
Organic products do not contain any kind of chemical, and any product that contains chemicals, despite how natural it says it is, is not organic and can harm your infant. If you see any words in the components that you do not understand and which have chemical-sounding names, like words ending in -yl or any name with a number in it, you’re likely not looking at an organic product.
Why are organic skin care products so important for your infant? Infants have extremely soft, delicate skin. It’s also extremely sensitive, the same as their newly developing lungs, their eyes, and everything else about them. Small children can be very sensitive to all chemicals, because they haven’t been left vulnerable to them previously and their systems are left open to reactions to chemicals.
When you make the choice to purchase only organic skin care products in caring for your child, you permit your little one to grow into the world without being assaulted at an early age by chemical preservatives, fragrances, and colorings designed to make his skin care products look and smell better. No baby yet has ever complained that her shampoo didn’t smell sweet enough. But quite a few have developed rashes or had their eyes become red when chemical-laden shampoo or soap got in their eyes.
By: Yigal Ben Atiya
A surprising number of mothers will buy expensive lotions and soaps for their sensitive skins, and yet bathe and shampoo their baby in cheaper, chemical-ridden products.
Even those moms who believe they are being very careful about the products they use on their baby are likely not being careful enough.
An article in Clinical Pediatrics reports that over three out of four infants suffer rashes within the first few months of births. Sadly, the reason for such frequent breakouts appears to be the skin care products parents use to keep their babies’ skin moisturized. A baby’s skin, like all organs, is not fully developed and isn’t as effective a barrier against toxic substances. Natural skin care products are much, much safer than the chemical-heavy conventional ones.
The Danger of Over-The-Counter Products
Many products supposedly designed for infants’ sensitive skin are the same harsh cleansers for adults, just put in a cute package with a higher price. Reading labels to see what is really in the bottle is even more critical for your baby than for yourself.
Many bubble baths destroy beneficial bacteria on the baby’s skin. In fact the problem is so bad that infant bubble bath carries an FDA warning against excessive bathing. These products often contain known carcinogens and irritants such as formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane.
Shampoos are no better. Ingredients to avoid include quaternium 15, imidazolidinyl urea, and parabens. Of course you should also stay away from artificial colors and fragrances.
Baby powders are one of the most common treatments for diaper rash. Many moms use cornstarch, and treat rash with whipped-up egg white that’s allowed to dry and form a protective barrier.
Lotions and oils that contain petrochemicals, artificial colors, or artificial fragrances should never be used on a baby.
Natural Skin Care Products
Although most of the skin problems that babies face are due to dangerous ingredients in mass-produced skin care products, this is not the only concern. Even organic skin care products can cause problems if used excessively.
During the first year, babies do not need to be bathed frequently or even at all. An occasional wipe of the genitals and buttocks with a damp cloth is usually all that is needed. If a bath is needed, a small amount of warm water should suffice. Babies don’t sweat like children and adults so don’t need soap most of the time. If necessary, use a mild soap containing palm, coconut, or olive oil and use as little as possible. Never use antibacterial soap.
Shampoo is also seldom, if ever, needed during the first year. If needed, use a very mild organic shampoo.
Lotions that contain soothing or healing natural skin care ingredients such as chamomile or aloe can be beneficial. They moisturize well and a gentle massage can help a fussy baby sleep.
By: Christine Harrell
Looking after baby’s skin and safeguarding it against the bad weather conditions is similarly vital to providing him healthy food. Use of the right products is critical for the baby’s skin. For best baby care, it is vital that only the most appropriate products which are organic and totally natural are used. Baby care is a job which needs to be done with complete care and responsibility. Using any other product carelessly like it is done in case of adults may not be popular with the skin of the baby.
There are various products which pander to these wants. These include oils for the baby, nursing cream, wash free cleaner, solar care lotion, nappy rash barrier cream, first aid lotion, common-or-garden cream, for example. All these products are available on the net and available at highly nominal rates in order to make it simple to look after the baby. Utterly organic, these products inflict no harm to the skin of the baby. Complete benefits of the natural extracts that are used are obtained by the skin of the baby. Any synthetic products that are used for baby care may result in rashes, allergies or even an everlasting damage to the skin of the baby.
It is suggested that only those products should be used which have nothing apart from completely healthy ingredients which are organic. This may make sure that the baby’s skin comes in contact with only the soft textures of natural extracts.
There are several desires of the skin of a baby. Care is important for his delicate skin. It is critical the right products are selected which are warranted by the numerous agencies that have stern rules for approval. These rules make sure that no damaging chemicals are used for the baby care products which can in turn harm the skin and health. It is better to use quality products than inflicting damage to the skin of the baby.
By: Roberto Ciccolella