Caring for Baby's Skin Naturally
When I first started researching product ingredients, I was surprised to find that many popular commercial baby products available were marketed as ‘baby safe’, 'gentle' or ‘mild', when they are in fact not mild or suitable for baby at all! I discovered that these so called 'baby safe' products contained ingredients that could irritate baby's delicate skin; ingredients such as artificial fragrances, petrochemicals, along with other nasties like parabens and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS).
The skin is the largest bodily organ and is a permeable surface absorbing as much as 60% of what we put on it. Baby skin is immature, very delicate, and sensitive to harsh product ingredients. Like adult skin, baby skin is made up of the same number of cell layers. However, the connections between dermal and epidermal layers are not fully developed at this stage so it's important to choose skin care that will be gentle and kind to baby's skin.
Babies actually need very little in terms of skin care products for the first few months of life; however a gradual introduction of gentle, natural based product specifically made for babies skin, which is free from harmful ingredients could then follow.
As a mum, I'm very particular with the products I select, especially when choosing baby products. I've tried and tested many natural and organic products since starting my health and wellness journey. Today, green washing is rife in the cosmetic and skin care industry and many big name brands make claims that they are 'natural' or 'organic', when clearly it is just clever marketing. The best way to know what you're putting on your baby's skin is to read product labels and look out for accreditations and logos.
In this month's blog, I've done the hard work for you and have tested 2 effective organic baby wash products. Read on for the reviews :)
Cherub Rubs Baby Safe Hair and Body Wash:
is a silky and naturally lathering shampoo and body wash ideal for baby, young children or the whole family. Using a blend of organic natural oils like tea-tree, almond, olive and lemon essential oils, it cleans hair, skin and scalp restoring a natural glow.
Overall verdict: This baby wash has a pleasant but subtle lemon scent with a smooth consistency. It cleanses well and is gentle on baby's skin without leaving any oily residue. I like that it cleans baby's skin gently and doesn't strip skin of moisture.
Pros: Product is fully certified organic by the Australian Organic Food Chain (OFC) and is free of petrochemicals, artificial fragrances and colours, DEAs, SLS, PEGs and preservatives. I like that it can be used on the hair and the body which saves having to buy a separate shampoo for baby's hair.
Cons: With baby having daily baths, it's probably ideal if the bottle came in a larger size as the 250ml didn't last long. A pump bottle would also make dispensing the product easier with one hand while holding baby with the other.
Rating: 4 stars
WOTNOT Baby Wash:
Enriched with certified organic flaxseed oil which is one of nature's richest sources of omega-3 and omega-6, this baby wash is a beautiful, extra gentle cleanser suitable for baby's skin and hair. With certified organic chamomile oil and aloe vera to soothe, and organic flaxseed oil to nourish delicate skin.
Overall verdict: I love the fresh scent of this baby wash and found this to be an effective but gentle cleanser. As with the Cherub Rubs Baby Wash, this cleanser won't remove baby's natural skin oils but cleans well and is soothing on baby's skin.
Pros: Contains certified gmo-free vitamin E and certified organic ingredients approved by Australian Certified Organic (ACO). It is also free from sulphates, petrochemicals, PEGs, parabens, caustics, glycols and artificial fragrances and preservatives.
Cons: Again, this wash is also in a 250ml size (tube). The product consistency is a bit runny and prone to leaking even with the tube cap on. However, product performance was not affected.
Rating: 3 and half stars
Shop: For Baby, For Mum, WOTNOT, Cherub Rubs, Vanessa Megan
*Rating is out of 5 stars
Resources:
http://www.parenting.com/section/baby-skin-tips
http://www.webmd.boots.com/children/baby/guide/baby-skin-care-tips
