Your baby’s
skin is highly sensitive. Before using any baby clothes or baby
linens for the very first time, make sure to wash the baby items in a
hypoallergenic soap formulated for babies. In addition, use only natural,&
organic baby products designed for babies when you bathe your little one.
Products for adults are usually too harsh for your baby’s delicate skin.
It is not
necessary to give your newborn a bath every day. Just be sure to wash and keep
your baby clean. Wipe your baby’s face and head gently with a soft, wet
washcloth or use dampened cotton balls. Make sure to get into all the skin
creases, especially where dribbled milk and spit up can collect for good
skincare. Also, wash your baby’s bottom well for proper skincare with each
diaper change to avoid diaper rash.
When it is time
to dress your baby, choose loose-fitting, soft garments. Baby's clothes can be
layered for warmth. Be sensitive to your baby’s environment and make sure to
peel off or add a layer or two when in a warm or cold car, store or restaurant.
If you find your baby has little pimples along skin folds, especially on the
neck, back, shoulders, chest or diaper area, he or she may have prickly heat,
which can be remedied by avoiding heat and humidity. Give your
baby cool baths and dress him or her in light, loose-fitting baby
clothes. It is healthy
and recommended to take your infant outdoors to get fresh air. Simply
dress your child appropriately. You may need to protect your
baby from the sun and from insect bites. While the sun is an important
natural source of vitamin D, it can also do damage to your child’s skin.
Shield your baby from direct sunlight by keeping the stroller hood up.
Once
your baby is six months old, get in the habit of using sunscreen on your child
year round, even on overcast days. Choose a hypoallergenic, PABA-free sunscreen
with an SPF of 15 or higher that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. When applying
sunscreen, avoid your baby’s eyes and keep it off your baby’s fingers as your
child might rub his or her eyes. Also, avoid or limit exposure to the sun
between 10am and 4pm. To keep bugs away from your little one, use an all
natural insect repellent.
Some Ingredients to Avoid for Sensitive Skin
Baby:
- Bisphenol-A (Bis-fen-ol) - Bisphenol A (BPA) is a hormone-mimicking chemical used in polycarbonate plastic resins, epoxy resins, and other products. It is most commonly used in baby bottles or any type of hard shatterproof plastic containers. It is also found in the lining of canned goods, plastic wrap and other household plastics. Bisphenol has estrogenic properties which, in animal tests has shown to cause a bevy of health problems such as an increase in prostate and breast cancer, uro-genital abnormalities in male babies, a decline in semen quality in men, early onset of puberty in girls, metabolic disorders including insulin-resistant (Type 2) diabetes and obesity and neurobehavioral problems such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Research is showing that when plastic containers, mostly those used to hold liquids and foods, are leeching Bisphenol into the foods and liquids they are holding. Heating food and liquids with these plastics is shown to increase the leeching of this contaminate.
- Phthalates (pronounced THA-lates) are a common class of chemicals used in many household products and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic to improve flexibility, and in cosmetics to bind fragrance to the product. Different types of phthalates include diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), and many others. Global phthalate production is estimated at 11 billion pounds per year. It is thought that of the adverse health effects of phthalates include: Early puberty in girls, Premature delivery, Impaired sperm quality and sperm damage in men, Genital defects and reduced testosterone production in boys, Genital defects and testicular cancer. (Source: Environmental California)
- Parabens - Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bacteriocidal and fungicidal properties. They can be found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals and toothpaste. They are also used as food additives. Animal experiments have shown that parabens have weak estrogenic activity therefore sending up a flag with researchers. In one controversial study parabens were found in breast tumors. This study has fueled the belief that parabens in underarm deodorants or other cosmetics migrated into the breast tissue and contributed to the development of the tumors. The cosmetic industry holds steady that parabens are safe for general population use, but its hormone mimicking properties have proven enough of a “what if” that consumers are opting now for paraben-free products and cosmetics.
- 1,4 Dioxane - Possible carcinogen. 1,4-Dioxane is primarily used in solvent applications for manufacturing; however, it is also found in fumigants and automotive coolant. Additionally, the chemical is also used as a foaming agent and appears as an accidental byproduct of the ethoxylation process in cosmetics manufacturing. It may contaminate cosmetics and personal care products such as deodorants, shampoos, toothpastes and mouthwashes. 1,4-dioxane is a known eye and respiratory tract irritant. It is suspected of causing damage to the central nervous system, liver and kidneys. Dioxane is classified by the IARC as a Group 2B carcinogen: possibly carcinogenic to humans due to the fact that it is a known carcinogen in animals.
- Propylene Glycol - Propylene glycol is a thickening/filling agent derived from glycerin and is in everything from store bought hair dyes to many of your natural deodorants. Propylene glycol has been determined as “generally safe for use” by the FDA for both food and cosmetic use, yet it raises your risk of cancer, carries toxins that affect reproduction, is a known allergen and eye irritant and can also be toxic to your immune system.
- PEG’s - (also known as Polyethylene Glycol) - Polyethylene glycol is a family of synthetic chemicals that function in cosmetic formulations as surfactants, cleansing agents, emulsifiers, skin conditioners, and humectants. PEG’s are thought to increase cancer risks, including women’s risk of breast cancer. PEG compounds often contain small amounts of ethylene oxide. According to experimental results reported on in the National Toxicology Program’s Eighth Annual Report on Carcinogens, ethylene oxide increases the incidences of uterine and breast cancers and of leukemia and brain cancer. PEG compounds are routinely contaminated with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane. Source: Aubrey Organics Article.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - PVC is one of the most widely used plastics, making up everything from shower curtains, water pipes, electrical wire, signs and toys. It is said that PVC can release numerous toxins during its lifetime and breakdown including mercury, dioxins, and phthalates. Not to mention, this and other plastic are filling up landfills at an alarming and bulky rate. Recently, some large chain stores including target and Wal-Mart have vowed to reduce the use of PVC in packaging and urge their suppliers to do the same.
- Oxybenzone - Used significantly in sunscreens. Associated with photoallergic reactions. This chemical absorbs through the skin in significant amounts. It contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans according to Centers for Disease Control research. Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor which can affect the nervous system, has been linked to cancer in some laboratory studies, and creates free-radicals when exposed to the sun which are harmful.