Soft and clean
The skin of a baby is tender and soft. And it is up to 5 times thinner than an adult's and far more sensitive than the skin of a grown-up. It needs special care and protection. But this does not mean just using more cream.
With babies less is more, soap and water and a little olive oil on bottoms after changing will suffice. Many of the baby products available can contain potentially toxic ingredients and should be avoided, chose organic products where necessary or simple ingredients such as organic cornflour instead of talc.
Human skin possesses a natural protective function and not all skin needs cream all the time. Some of the ingredients that are put into personal care products and onto the skin can enter the body. They may even reach the unborn via the pregnant mother. Despite packaging declarations, we do not know, for sure, what is in the product. Labels can mislead. Not all ingredients are listed. Choose carefully. Many ingredients contained in skin care products, such as creams, lotions, soaps and bath foams, shampoo, wet wipes and toothpaste can be harmful to your skin and your health. On behalf of your baby, you should avoid products with preservatives (e.g. parabens), scents/artificial fragrances (can be called perfume/fragrance), or BHT or substances based on mineral oil. When in doubt, it is better not to buy or use the product.
Less is more: alternatives
To avoid having to read all the ingredients, look for certain labels that certify products without dangerous or potentially dangerous ingredients. The description “natural or organic cosmetics” is not a protection and can be used by anybody. You are safe with the “BDIH” quality label and the Soil Association (SA) organic logo. They stand for a natural production and processing of the raw materials as well as established guidelines. Nevertheless, if skin irritation occurs after using a certain product you should stop using it.
Most importantly for a baby's skin: less the better. Generally, a child doesn’t need cream on its skin every day. An exception is the area around the nappy. Here, sore spots will appear more quickly and need more care. Washing needs no more than a cloth, warm water and, perhaps, some oil. Avoid using wet wipes. And the bathwater needs no extra liquids or soaps. If the skin feels dry, add a few drops of olive oil to the water. Babies don’t need shampoo for their hair. Should you use soap after all, then make sure to wash it off thoroughly. Choose a soap with the “BDIH” or SA logo.
Last but not least: the toothpaste. Once the first tooth has arrived, it should be cleaned. Choose a product with no harmful components and only use very little. That’s enough.
