When I immigrated to Canada a couple of years ago, I was happy to leave the busy world of The Netherlands behind. In that country, everything is arranged for and everything is taxed. Shortly after my arrival in Canada, my wife became pregnant. We were very excited about adding a new member to our family. And with pregnancy comes the joy of buying all kinds of baby furniture, toys, clothing and baby care products.
One of the biggest differences I have seen so far is the way babies get delivered. In Canada, most women give birth in a hospital, whereas in Holland special trained nurses visit your house. After you have given birth, the nurse visits you twice a day and teaches you how to take care of your newborn. In Canada, most women are on their own.
One day my wife came home with a big box of essential baby care products. As always, the first thing we did when a new products enters our home is to look at the list of ingredients. The first products (Penatal Creme, a very common baby skin care cream) had as its first listed ingredient Petroleum. Petroleum based creams are another example of how a commonly used baby product may actually create problems in some case. Petroleum can block pores and that can lead to a build of sebum and oils in a babies skin. This can lead to irritation, inflammation and the possible build up of the bacteria responsible for acne. Normally I am quite willing to negotiate about almost everything, but this time I said: NO, we are not using gasoline related products on our newborn.
A new study suggests that baby lotion, baby powder, and baby shampoo may be exposing babies to potentially harmful chemicals called phthalates. Phthalates are used to make plastics flexible and stabilize fragrances, and are found in a plethora of consumer products including toys, personal care products and medical equipment.
“At this time, we do not know what the potential long-term health effects might be, but there is a large body of animal studies to suggest developmental and reproductive toxicity (from phthalates) and a few human studies with changes in health outcomes as well,” Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana told Reuters Health (February 2008)”.
Why are so many care givers concerned about only using natural baby skin care? There is evidence that suggests some commonly used infant products may actually do more harm than good for baby skin leading or aggravating skin conditions like cradle cap, rashes and infant acne. The differences between adult skin and baby skin can help to illustrate why some baby products can be so damaging. When a new born comes into the world their skin develops a protective barrier. This barrier keeps out many harsh environmental elements like allergens and bacteria. Harsh detergents may strip a babies skin of much of that protection and may increase the likelihood that damage can occur. Very young infants and premature babies may be at a higher risk.
By: Chris De Feijter
There is nothing more gentle and beautiful than baby skin, and similarly nothing more delicate. Baby skin is very vulnerable during the initial three years and tends to lose moisture as its functions are not completely developed.
It is three times thinner than the adult skin, therefore less resistant and highly susceptible to dryness, irritants and several skin problems. Hence, you must give special attention towards caring for their skin and keeping it healthy and soft.
Important tips on how to give that extra loving care for your baby
1. Oil massage and bathing tips
i. Use oil that has been boiled and then cooled, which can even be your cooking oil or some special baby oil, ensuring to apply on the creases of buttocks and thighs as well.
ii. Since the PH level of babies is much higher than that of adults, use special baby soaps that are mild and high in fatty content, and mild shampoos that do not make their scalp dry
iii. Dry the skin properly after bath.
2. Healthy eating habits. Following a healthy and natural diet will ensure that the skin of the baby grows well and remains healthy
3. Avoid use of talc. Avoid use of talc as its abrasive nature can cause skin irritations
4. Use appropriate clothes. Use cotton clothes that are light and soft
5. Be diligent about baby products. Make sure you check with your pediatrician before using any baby product. Also check to see if the baby develops allergies to a particular product by applying a small sample on the skin and looking for any reaction a few hours later.
6. Use of mild detergents. Use only mild detergents for washing baby clothes. To test if your baby is allergic to the product touch the skin of your baby with the product and see if any reaction occurs a few hours later.
7. Avoid overexposure to sun. The skin of the baby has very less melanin and therefore exposure to sun for a long period can result in sunburns.
8. Check and Change the nappy quite often. To prevent repeated exposure to wetness and irritants such as faeces that can damage the skin in the nappy area, make sure to check the nappy often and also change them as required
9. Use moisturizers and lotions appropriately. To keep the skin healthy it is necessary to keep it well hydrated. For this purpose, use mild baby lotions and creams that come highly recommended and meet the following fulfilled criteria
i. Safe, Gentle, Mild
ii. Tested for allergies and proven negative towards formation of allergies
iii. Alcohol free
iv. Soothing and comforting without any irritant qualities
10. Visiting the doctor. If you notice any allergy reactions, or skin problems in your baby, always consult your doctor for good, sound medical advice. Do not put it off as some reactions could be indicators of serious conditions.
A happy baby is a healthy baby, so give the best care you can for your little ones, tending to their skin care, food habits and emotional as well as physical upbringing.
By: Louise Forrest
