A new baby’s skin is so soft, and delicate, and precious. Unfortunately, many of the conventional and name brand baby care products contain ingredients that we wouldn’t want to put on our own skin, much less our sweet babe’s. If you’re reading this, you’re probably already trying to keep your baby’s bum away from shady ingredients. However, that might not necessarily mean that you know what to look for on natural labels to really get the most skin-nourishing salves.
Here’s a list of natural ingredients to soothe skin safely, and the great thing is that you could use it on your own skin as well!
CASTILE SOAP
Gentle, cleansing castile soap forms a better base for bath time. Castile soap often comes entirely from plant derivatives, and as a base can be scented with your favourite pure essential oils. No caustic chemicals, artificial colours and fragrances, or irritating foaming agents.
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, so it will help to heal up the diaper rash, and protect the skin at the same time. If you use cloth diapers you’ll want to be careful about using coconut oil though, because it could cause oily build-up on the diapers and make them repel.
BEESWAX
Beeswax doesn’t cause irritation, and in fact it’s known to soothe abrasions and calm itching. The active biological components in beeswax, present even after processing, help fight bacteria, making it an effective element in organic nipple balm and diaper cream (since you won’t even need to wash it off before breastfeeding).
COCOA BUTTER
Chock-full of antioxidants and vitamin E, cocoa butter is ideal for moisturizing, protecting, and conditioning skin without plugging up pores. Another fun fact- its melting point is the same as the human bodies, so it’s easy to spread on stretch marks as well as tender baby skin.
ORGANIC OATMEAL
Cradle cap occurs when the oil glands are over-productive. Sometimes the most effective cure is to simply clean the affected area daily with water and then brush with a soft baby brush. You can try 1/3 cup organic oatmeal blended to a powder form in a food processor and mixed with 1/4 cup water. Apply the oatmeal mixture to the scalp, leave on for 10 minutes, then carefully wash away with water. Follow with a few drops of organic olive oil or coconut oil on the scalp.
CHAMOMILE AND NETTLE TEA
To clear up eczema on baby’s skin with organic ingredients, try boiling two cups of water and adding one teabag each of organic chamomile and nettle tea. Let the tea cool and apply with a very soft washcloth to your baby’s clean skin. A warm bath with 1/2 cup organic ground oatmeal can relieve itching.