Organics for Children – Baby Skin Care

Baby skin is so delicate and sensitive, try to avoid using strong soaps and shampoos made for adults on your baby. Additives such as artificial colors, fragrances, and preservatives can cause irritation and allergic reactions.

It is always good to choose natural, organic oils and creams for your baby. These products are not tested on animals, are biodegradable, and can be guaranteed to be free of synthetics and petrochemicals.

• The skin of a baby's face is more sensitive than elsewhere, never use soap products on his/her face.
• Use lotions, oils and powders that come from natural and organic sources, examples, almond oil and cocoa butter.
• Dry your baby with a soft cotton towel. Avoid using talcum powder that has found to be linked to serious illness if inhale it accidentally.

Another thing that most of new parents may not often think about is laundry. New baby will generate massive amounts of laundry, and therefore, it is important that laundry has to be done correctly, so that baby’s delicate skin is not irritated.

• Make certain that all new clothes that come into contact with your baby are laundered before use.
  
• Should not wash your baby’s clothes with your own clothes, or in the same detergent that you use. Most infants have very sensitive skin, and your perfume, your bleach, your softener, could very well cause irritation.
  
• It is always good to do baby’s laundry separately for at least the first year, and maybe even longer if baby has unusually sensitive skin.
  
• When shopping for laundry detergent, you will need to purchase either a special baby detergent with no added dyes or perfumes that could be harsh to baby’s skin.
  

Cleaning Cloth Nappies
Rinse wet nappies and dispose of solid matter down the toilet. Place the nappies in a bucket with a borax or baking soda solution, and leave to soak for 6-8 hours or overnight. Drain the soaking solution down the toilet. Machine wash the nappies on a hot cycle at 21deg-C (70deg-F) with a double rinse. Dry outside if possible, sunshine is a natural bleach and disinfectant. If you have to tumble-dry, it will help to sterilize the nappies.

Treating Rashes
When you change your baby, make sure that you keep an eye on baby’s skin, so that if there are any signs of a rash or allergic reaction, you can take prompt action. An uncomfortable baby is no fun for anyone, so if you catch these things early enough, you can take care of them before they escalate.

• Use shampoo containing chamomile oil which is gentle for baby hair
• Treat skin rashes with calendula cream.
• For nappy rash, mix 3 drops of German chamomile oil with 30ml (6 teaspoons) of almond oil and rub on the affected area.
  
• Buy nappies cream containing ingredients such as red clover, a natural anti-inflammatory.

Try not to change detergents often, otherwise, if your baby has shown sign of allergies, you will have hard time to pinpoint the cause. So, if you find one detergent that is suitable for baby, then stick with it.

If you have questions, or suspect an allergic reaction, you should seek the advice of your pediatrician, just to be certain!

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