There are plenty of baby products on the market, many full of chemicals and artificial colors and perfumes to make them look and smell better. These chemicals tend to be harsh on delicate skin and parents in the know usually prefer organic baby skin care products such as organic baby balms.

Organic baby balms should be completely made of natural ingredients that are chemical free. Each ingredient has a specific purpose and it´s a good idea to understand which ingredient does what for your baby´s skin so you can choose the perfect organic baby balm for his or her skin.

Organic Baby Balm Ingredients

Beeswax: This ingredient is one of the most commonly used in baby balms. It´s a natural ingredient that smells heavenly and also works to seal and protect delicate skin. When used with moisturizing ingredients, it helps to seal them in, maximizing the moisturizing potential of any baby balm.

Calendula: This Mediterranean flower is a very useful natural ingredient. Used on its own, it can eliminate pain and when used in organic baby balms, calendula reduces inflammation and promotes healing. It also reduces the itching of insect bites.

Chamomile: A natural antiseptic, chamomile is soothing and great for use on sensitive skin. It boosts natural cell regeneration and helps reduce rashes and swelling. This herb is particularly useful in baby skin care products meant to treat diaper rashes.

Coconut Oil: An amazing oil that originates from the meat of the coconut, this natural ingredient has anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties that make it a very useful ingredient in organic baby balms.

Lavender: This aromatic herb is well known for its soporific effect on people and a little of its essence added to an organic baby balm will help calm and soothe a fussy baby and promote sleep.

Olive Oil: This natural moisturizer is just as healthy when applied to the skin as it is ingested. Rich in Vitamin E, olive oil helps promote healing and minimizes scarring. It is also excellent for treating skin problems like eczema and dandruff.

Shea Butter: An organic, heavy duty moisturizer, shea butter is also useful for protecting little faces from the wind and sun. It also promotes healing of small cuts and rashes, such as diaper rashes and can be used to prevent and treat blemishes and scars. Shea butter is also used to help reverse skin damage caused by harsh chemicals and can really soothe tender baby skin.

Zinc Oxide: One of the most common ingredients in diaper rash cream, zinc oxide eases inflammation and works as a natural astringent on the skin. It´s gentle healing action is very useful for rashes and sores. It is also a natural sun block.

Organic baby balms are the natural way to treat your baby´s skin. Not all of the above ingredients will be used in every balm, as each is specifically formulated to serve a purpose. For example, a healing balm might contain olive oil, zinc oxide and calendula, while a moisturizing balm would be more likely to have beeswax and shea butter in it.

The simpler organic baby skin products are, the less likely your child will have a reaction to any of the ingredients. Most baby balms have just 4-6 ingredients and all are recognizable, as opposed to chemical laden versions.

Look for an organic baby balm that has the ingredients needed for your baby´s particular skin type. Each ingredient will do a specific job and combined, they are dynamite for treating dry infant skin.

By: Amy Nutt

Everyone has their own ideas about what is best for their baby which is one of the reasons the new organic trend is now being seen with baby skin care products. A growing number of individuals believe natural products are vital for a healthy happy baby and that natural is the only way to go. There are definite benefits to using natural or organic products which are made from ingredients that come straight from the earth including plants and oils. No chemicals are used and the products are prepared and preserved with altering the natural integrity of the ingredients.

Plants have for years been used by naturalists as well as mainstream medicine for their beneficial properties. Each plant produces oil that can be extracted and used to improve our bodies and minds. A few of the ingredients found in organic are as follows:

1. Chamomile is known to be a natural anti-allergen, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic therefore it is effective for healing and soothing the skin. Certain varieties are also known to have a calming effect.

2. Lavender is world renowned for its healing properties, in particular its ability to promote cell regeneration. It is also a powerful antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Lavender when inhaled is also known to calm and promote restful sleeps.

3. Calendula, know to most as the marigold is a potent anti-bacterial, anti-viral and an anti-inflammatory, it is very efficient in treatment of cuts, abrasions and diaper rashes.

4. Jojoba which is said to be very similar to the skin’s naturally produced sebum is an excellent lubricant, moisturizer, and skin protectant.

5. Aloe Vera is widely recognized for its healing properties because of its ability to accelerate cell growth and pain relieving properties. Aloe Vera is also absorbed by the skin four times faster than water so it is beneficial as a carrier ingredient.

A baby’s skin is very delicate which makes organic skin care products a desirable choice for many because they do not contain chemicals and therefore a skin reaction is less likely. Mainstream products use surfactants to essentially produce the foaming action however surfactants are also proven to be skin irritants. Skin reactions can cause a burning, itching, or rash and can also progress into a skin infection if an irritant is used over a prolonged period. If you suspect this is the case see your Doctor or health nurse for assistance.

The variety and selection of organic skin care products has exploded in recent years. A few of these products include shampoo, lotion, soaps and body wash, diaper rash treatment, laundry detergent, and teething medication. Ultimately any product that touches your baby’s skin can be found in the organic baby skin care section.

Not everyone will buy organic skin care products for there newborn this is all a personal choice. The main goal however remains the same and that is to purchasing skin care products which are free of harsh ingredients including perfumes and alcohols. Always seek out the blandest and gentlest products that you can find because their skin is five times as thin and the harsh chemicals found in products aimed at adults can cause severe irritation.

By: Christine Erickson