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…

Babies spend the first nine months of their lives in the most natural environment, their mother’s womb. Baby skin care for newborns should be kept simple. New parents are sometimes unsure of what are the best and safest products to use on their newborn babies skin.

More parents are choosing to use natural baby skin care products as a gentle approach to help protect babies skin against dryness and diaper rash.

Research has shown that many skin care product ingredients are possibly contaminated with harsh chemicals that irritate the skin. Many skin care products contain synthetic fragrances, preservatives, artificial colors, and additives. Not only do these ingredients irritate your baby’s sensitive skin but they can also affect their health.

Watch for signs of sensitive skin such as red, dry patches which can be caused by harmful chemicals in skincare products and detergents. If your baby develops diaper rash, wash baby’s bottom with warm water, change diapers frequently, use a protective diaper rash ointment, and leave baby without a diaper as often as possible to expose the area to fresh air. Avoid using petroleum jelly which traps moisture against the skin.

When choosing natural skin care products look for products that contain natural healing herbs and essential oils.

Ingredients such as natural aloe, shea butter, olive oil, avocado butter, coconut butter, and natural beeswax help moisturize and act as a protective barrier on baby’s sensitive skin.

Other ingredients such as calendula, comfrey, chamomile, and lavender help soothe and heal baby’s skin.

Be careful when using new skin care products. Keep in mind that your newborn’s skin is very sensitive. Use skin care products in small amounts for the first few weeks until you are sure your baby has no sensitivities to the ingredients.

A little research and some common sense will help you make the right natural skin care choices for your precious new bundle of joy!