When parents have children, they often think that the best way to care for their child’s new skin is to give a lot of baths. This is not necessarily true, but letting your child “ripen” probably isn’t a good plan either.

In caring for a newborn, there are five general products use for skin care and bath time.

Baby Powder

Avoid baby powders containing talc (talcum) and those with skin irritants like fragrances. In fact, powders made of pure corn starch (or just finely ground corn starch, for that matter) or bentonite clay are best. These are widely available and are some of the most traditional of baby care products. Using powders to treat diaper rash is common, but not helpful. Use natural creams made of chamomile and zinc oxide instead.

Bubble Baths

These are popular amongst parents because, let’s face it, having the soap right in the water sure does make the whole process easier. Right? The problem is with what’s in many of those bubble baths. Many of them contain detergents, which are bad for your skin and especially bad for baby’s skin. In fact, bubble baths have been linked to urinary tract infections and vaginitis in infants.

Lotions

Lotions (and sometimes oils) are almost a necessity with most newborns. Use natural products made of coconut, chamomile, aloe, etc. In short, if you would use it for natural care of your own skin, you can probably use it on baby’s. Read more…