Your baby has the most delicate, sensitive skin there is. When you need something to help take care of that skin, and keep it healthy, you don’t want to reach for just anything. Due to the sensitivity of baby’s skin, most products can really irritate it. It’s best to go with something all natural, and perfectly safe. This is why so many mothers are turning to Shea Butter. It is all natural, safe for baby’s sensitive skin, and protects your baby’s skin from a number of different things.
Sun Protection
Too much exposure to the sun is unhealthy for anyone, especially your little one. The damaging UV rays can really be bad for baby’s skin. Also, too much sun exposure can lead to sunburn, which is bad enough for adults, but can be miserable to a baby. Shea Butter contains a natural sun screen which will help protect your baby’s skin from the sun. While it is doing this, it also keeps your baby’s skin soft, hydrated, and healthy. Rub some on your baby’s skin before you go outside and rest assured that his or her skin is safe!
Diaper Rash
We all know how bad diaper rash can be. It looks terrible, and can be really painful for your baby. Most of the time, diaper rash occurs at night, when wetness is trapped close to the skin for an extended period of time. With the acids in urine, it doesn’t take long for diaper rash to develop. When possible, allow your baby to go without a diaper in order for the skin to breathe. Also, rub Shea Butter on your baby’s skin to protect it. There is natural latex in Shea Butter which is not irritating, but provides a protective barrier for your baby’s skin, keeping moisture out. Remembering to rub it on at night will keep your baby drier, and will not allow the wetness to reach your baby’s skin.
Baby Massage
Many parents utilize the many benefits of baby massage. It is a bonding time for mother or father and baby to play, talk, sing, or laugh. It also does great things for your baby. When you are participating in baby massage, try using it to make it even better. When it absorbs into your baby’s skin, so does Vitamins A, C and E, essential fats and acids which keep the skin healthy, and other great nutrients which promote healthy and happy skin!
Shea Butter is amazing for so many different things, that it is a must for mothers. It is one of the few things that you can feel safe with, because it is all natural and safe for babies. If only a mother could rely on more things like Shea Butter!
By: Dr. Robyn Tisdale Scott
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