Checklist for Using Bath & Body Product for Babies

With a new baby in the house, parents ought to come up with a list of needful items to keep around. Keeping a checklist prepares you for many troubles, enabling you to ensure that basic items are within reach in time of need. Do keep in mind that the delicate skin and overall body condition of babies require a careful consideration on the best products to use for them. Not every ‘baby’ product is fit for use simply because the tag carries the name ‘baby’ on the label. Before any purchase, make sure to check product labels for ingredients that may not be baby friendly.

Baby Clothes

You won’t need to keep a large number of baby clothes during the first year. Babies grow fast and your newborn will change sizes quickly. Keep only a handful of basic clothing, such as: one piece outfits, snap-crotch bodysuits (for easy dressing and diaper changing), stretchable pull-on pants, snap-crotch T-shirts, side snap shirts, sweater, sleepwear, footed sleepers, hat or bonnet, socks and booties, and a wearable blanket sleeper.

Choose fabrics that are dye-free or untreated and that are fragrance and chemical free. Organic clothing is now available for babies. This type of clothing makes use of natural materials like organic linen, cotton, and hemp. You may also opt for pure cotton materials instead of synthetic products like nylon or polyester.

Bath and Cleansing Products

Basic bath and body products to keep in stock are the following: baby bath soap, shampoo, and bottom wash. Bubble bath products may be used, however, be wary about over soaking the baby in bubble bath water. Be careful in patronizing products without a thorough check on ingredients used. One report released by Campaign for Safe Cosmetics revealed that among 48 products tested, according to USA Today, over half had traces of formaldehyde. This is a chemical which is considered by the Environmental Protection Agency as a probable carcinogen, which is released as preservatives break down over time inside of product containers.

Safe Mama lists ingredients parents should watch out for, advising parents to stay away from products that contain such ingredients as Phthalates, Parabens and Sodium Lauryl. Phthalates have been linked to impaired sperm quality and damage in men, genital defects, and reduced testosterone production in boys, testicular cancer, and obesity.  Parabens, preservatives used in cosmetics, have been linked to tumor growths. Sodium Laurel Sulfate, which is found in most shampoos and body washes, toothpaste, detergents and others, is a possible carcinogen and well-known skin irritant. Propylene is derived from glycerin, and though it was declared as “generally safe for use” by the FDA, it raises risks of cancer, and can be toxic to the immune system.

Invest in the products offered by such companies as The Honest Company which use natural or organic ingredients in the manufacturing process. Ideal baby products are non-toxic, pH-balanced, and hypoallergenic. The skin is indeed the body’s largest organ and what gets applied onto a baby’s skin can directly enter the blood stream. That is why ingredients are to be carefully considered when purchasing items for baby use.

Diaper and Skin Care Products

Diapers are a major expense and a very important one. Many babies have suffered greatly because of sub-standard or harmful diapers being used on them. Go for highly absorbent nappies that are eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and fragrance free.  Plant-based diapers are now available on the market; these are chlorine free and free from various other chemicals. As for baby wipes, use non-irritating ones that are alcohol and scent free.

Diaper rash creams, ointments and baby powders are important supplies, according to Baby Center. Go for talc free products and natural ones that possess anti-bacterial properties. Organic creams act as a barrier and protective layer, helping prevent rashes and itching problems. Some baby friendly products also have probiotics that foster balanced and healthy skin conditions. Change diapers frequently and air the baby’s bottom in between nappy changes. You may wash the diaper area each time, but make sure the baby’s bottom is fully dried before snapping on the diaper.

Other Products

Additional products to keep on hand are sunscreen and rubs. Sunscreen keeps your child protected from the sun’s harmful rays. If you can avoid doing so, do not take the baby for an outside trip during the hottest hours of the day. Take a stroll when it’s cooler so you can spend more time in the shade. If it cannot be avoided, apply sunscreen at least fifteen minutes before leaving the home.

Stick to SPF 15 products; go for non-toxic products and stay away from whitening sunscreens.  As for medical rubs, focus more on organic aromatherapy oils that help soothe and clear the baby’s breathing. Eucalyptus and tea tree oils are baby friendly; these and several others on the market today contain no harsh chemicals and are menthol and petroleum free.