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One of the first things all new parents learn is just how sensitive and delicate their newborn baby’s can be. This means that the newborn baby’s skin is highly sensitive to common irritants found in most commercial beauty products such as detergents, soaps, lotions and some massage oils.
Of course, purchasing organic and natural baby products is a great way to reduce the amount of harsh irritants your baby is exposed to. However, in order to completely prevent your baby’s skin from being exposed to harsh irritants, try incorporating the following ten baby skin care tips within your natural baby care regiment.
Purchase Unbleached Disposable Diapers
Of course, cloth diapers are best. But, realistically speaking, dealing with cloth diapers is not practical for all parents. So, if you are a parent who relies on the convenience of disposable diapers be sure to purchase unbleached disposable diapers. This is because, as far as dioxins are concerned, they’re a family of organochlorins that includes one of the most toxic chemicals yet made.
In the past, dioxin traces were found in chlorine-bleached white paper and pulp products, including disposable diapers. However, today diapers are usually oxygen-bleached (using hydrogen peroxide), which forms no dioxin. But, hydrogen peroxide can still irritate some newborn babies’ skins. The good news is that there are affordable, unbleached, disposable diapers available on the market.
Sanitize Cloth Diapers Naturally
Washing cloth diapers at a temperature of 65°C or hotter and then drying them in direct sunlight will eliminate germs since the ultraviolet light has a sterilizing effect and a natural bleaching ability.
To sterilize your baby’s cloth diapers:
- Fill a small bucket with warm water
- Add a quarter of a cup of bicarbonate soda to the water and swish to dissolve
- Add 3 drops of lavender essential oil and 3 drops of tea tree essential oil as these essential oils have highly effective natural antibacterial properties
- Soak the cloth diapers in this mixture overnight then wash
- In place of fabric softener, add half a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse for softer cloth diapers
- Dry in direct sunlight
Never Use Commercial Talc On Your Baby’s Delicate Skin
Why? Contamination of wounds or body cavities with talc is liable to cause granulomas which is a form of inflammation. Inhalation of talc can also cause respiratory irritation in small children. But, worse of all, prolonged exposure to talc can cause talc pneumocomosis which is a restrictive lung disease. Talc is also liable to be heavily contaminated with bacteria including Clostridium tetani, CL welchii and Bacillus anthracis, hence it must be sterilized. Organic talc, on the other hand, is usually made with corn flour, arrowroot and white clay and is wonderfully safe and very effective at keeping your baby’s skin dry.
Hydrate Your Baby’s Skin With Natural Massage Oils
Mineral oils are often used in commercial baby oils but these oils are not highly effective moisturizers for a baby’s delicate skin (which loses moisture faster than an adult’s skin).
Instead use natural oils such as extra virgin olive oil or organic coconut oil which can soothe and moisturize your baby’s skin all day long. Likewise, don’t be afraid to add essential oils such as sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, chamomile oil, rose oil, and lavender and mandarin essential oils to your homemade baby massage oil mixtures. But remember to always do a test patch first and watch for any redness or irritation before using.
A Homemade Natural Baby Wipe Recipe
Homemade baby wipes are very easy to make. All you need to do is cut an entire roll of strong paper towels clear in half. Take out the cardboard inner roll. Mix two cups of purified water with 1/2 cup sweet almond oil, 1/2 cup of cool chamomile tea and a teaspoon of honey. Mix well. Honey is a natural antiseptic so it is great at keeping your baby’s bottom germ free and it will help treat an existing diaper rash. Soak the paper towels in this mixture and store in an air tight plastic container. Be sure to use your homemade baby wipes within a week in order to ensure their freshness.
Consider Soap Free Bathing
Newborns can be gently and easily wiped down with rose hydrosol. This is distilled water that contains healing and soothing aromatic rose extracts suitable for the most sensitive skin types. Best of all, this natural baby wash is very economical as you only use a small amount.
Natural Care Tips For Your Baby’s Umbilical Stump
Your baby’s umbilical stump must be kept clean and dry until it falls off naturally. To help the umbilical stump dry quickly, fold your baby’s diaper below the stump so that the stump is exposed to air. Avoid bathing your baby in a bath tub until the stump falls off. Try using the hydrosol wash mentioned above. Do not apply any commercial drying agents as they can cause skin irritations.
Natural Care Tips For Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is completely harmless. This condition is the result of overactive glands in your baby’s scalp that cause the skin of the baby’s scalp to look crusty and flaky. This severe drying of the skin has been attributed to the hormones the mother passes to her child at birth and can continue for several months.The gentlest and safest way to cure cradle cap is to wipe the area with sweet almond oil and/or coconut oil, leave it on for about five to ten minutes, then wash baby’s scalp with warm water.
