Babies have extremely delicate and fragile skin. As a result, your toddler requires extra attention at all times. All of us want nothing but the best for our babies. But since there are so many brands to choose from, we often get confused as to which is the right one to use for our kids.
The first thing to remember is that we need to protect children from any dangerous chemicals emitted by non-branded baby goods that are purchased simply because they are less expensive. It is necessary to make sure the baby care products are toxin-free and chemical-free. Here’s Why:
Why You Must Choose Toxin-Free Products For Babies
Purchasing some natural skincare items for your kid may provide him with the best kind of comfort. Your baby’s skin won’t just feel hydrated but also healthy after using natural, safe, and toxin-free skincare products. However, It’s difficult to know which baby skincare products to buy. Some components can irritate fragile skin, while others can be absorbed by your child’s body. As a result, it’s critical to understand the components in the cosmetics you use on your baby’s skin.
While each kid is different, there are a few things to avoid in items for your young one. Ingredients that are prone to cause allergies and irritation, as well as those that can be absorbed via the skin, fall into this category.
5 Ingredients To Avoid While Choosing Baby Skin Care Products
Some components/ingredients to avoid while purchasing skincare products for your infant are: Petrochemicals (in the form of petrolatum and mineral oils)
Phthalates: Some cosmetics contain phthalates, which are chemicals. While it’s unclear how they affect health, research by NCBI suggests that phthalates have an impact on human development, allergens, and reproductive health at different stages of life.
Parabens: As a preservative, parabens are found in a wide range of cosmetic items. They’re especially prevalent in “wash-off” items like soaps and shampoos. Since parabens are a typical cause of irritation in skincare products, they should be avoided by newborns and small children who are allergic to them. Parabens are easily absorbed via the skin as well.
Synthetic Dyes: The FDA regulates most color additives and synthetic dyes, and they must be approved before they can be used in cosmetics. This certification, however, does not apply to all colors. Dyes from minerals, plants, and animals do not need to be certified.
Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol is an alcohol that is frequently included in moisturizers and sunscreens. Its skin-softening characteristics have made it increasingly popular in cosmetics, but it’s also a common source of irritation and allergic responses. If you feel your kid is having an allergic reaction, consult your child’s doctor or dermatologist.
Fragrances: Over half of baby skincare products include fragrances, essential oils, or perfumes. Allergies to fragrances can result in rashes and respiratory difficulties. These contents are going to most certainly harm your baby’s skin because of their harsh nature and must be avoided.
7 Ways To Choose The Right Skin Care Products For Babies
What you can do, to avoid a situation where you are expected to choose good skincare products for your baby, here are a few tips you might want to use:
1. Read labels carefully
When shopping for infant items, it’s helpful to be aware of the most frequent toxins to avoid. Most baby products have baby safe written on them but it’s wise to check the ingredients used. Read the labels on the products carefully and avoid buying products that contain chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, and dyes, which are not only harsh for your baby’s skin but also harmful for health.
Buy products that are natural and free of any chemicals and are crafted with the best of organics and natural ingredients like Moringa and Pumpkin Seed Oil. These products not only strengthen your baby’s skin barrier but also provide deep nourishment to the skin.
2. Check if all natural products all-natural
While you may think that products that are labeled natural when it comes to skincare products are safe for babies, it’s not true. Some babies are extremely sensitive to herbal and botanical ingredients. All products labeled natural are not always 100% natural, Read the label carefully.
3. Do not be misled by the ‘hypoallergenic’ label
The term “hypoallergenic” can often be misleading. Hypoallergenic may be less likely to cause allergic reactions but that does not mean that the products labeled hypoallergenic are gentler than others.
4. Do a patch test
Most baby skincare products are mildly fragranced. These fragrances or essential oils that are used can sometimes cause allergic reactions to babies’ skin. The best way to check is to do a patch test before you apply the lotion or moisturiser generously on your baby’s tender skin. Take some of the product and apply it to a small area on your baby’s body and wait and watch for around 24 hours to see if there is any reaction. If there is a reaction then do not use the product on your baby’s skin.
5. Check the pH balance
The pH level or scale is a way of measuring the alkaline or acidic level in any substance. If the score is lower, it means the substance is acidic while a higher score means it is alkaline. When the substance is neither alkaline or acidic then it is pH neutral.
Within a few weeks, after a baby is born, the pH level in the baby’s skin changes from pH neutral to a lower scale of acidic. That’s where pH levels in a baby skincare product are important. If the pH level in the skincare product is close to the pH level of a baby’s skin, it will not harm the skin. Most skincare products come with a pH-neutral label, this works as long as your baby has healthy skin. If the baby’s skin is dry or flaky, it might irritate the skin.
6. Check for safety assessment
While buying skincare products for babies, always look for extra mild products. Most importantly, it should be made especially for babies and have a safety assessment for the same. Remember any product made for children below the age of three has to have a detailed safety assessment.
7. Check with your pediatrician
Your pediatrician is the best person to ask about the safety of the products for your baby. Pediatricians, in addition to their medical expertise, come into contact with a variety of items in their daily practice.
We understand that choosing the best skincare product for your baby is a daunting task but we hope the tips mentioned above will help you in choosing the right products for your precious bundle of joy!