What You Need To Know About Baby Toiletries

Choosing products to use on your babys skin isnt as simple as picking something off the shelf. You need to look beyond the pretty packaging and get to grips with what ingredients are really insidehellip;

Reading the ingredients on the back of a shampoo bottle is like trying to understand a foreign language (just not one where nodding politely is an adequate response). While you may not mind taking a gamble on your own skin, its just not worth the risk with your baby.

Her skin hasnt fully developed yet and is really delicate so its definitely best to read the label of every product you use to know exactly what is in it before applying.

Its best to avoid certain ingredients which can cause a rash or irritate your baby#39;s skin.

#39;Parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, PEGs, cocamidopropyl betaine, propylene glycol, sodium benzoate and dimethicone should all be avoided,#39; says midwife and baby skincare advisor Sharon Trotter.

Try not to use products containing mineral oils as they have a greasy texture that creates a barrier on your babys skin. This means that your babys skin cant breathe properly or eliminate toxins, which could lead to allergies or dryness such as eczema.

Vegetable oils arent recommended for your babys skin, either. Olive oil is high in oleic acid which can strip away the delicate barrier that is there to protect the babys skin from damage. This can reduce the natural water content of the skin which becomes more prone to eczema.

If you do want an oil for your babys massage, sunflower oil is a safer option as it has a lower level of oleic acid.

Avoid using products filled with fragrances and colouring too, and try to use only toiletries that are lsquo;tear free to dodge hours of crying!

Its hard to say which ingredients are definitely safe, as every baby is unique and may react to something that doesnt pose a problem for other babies.

It can be a case of trial and error and seeing which ingredients agree with your babys skin

So, it can be a case of trial and error and seeing which ingredients agree with your babys skin.

lsquo;Test the product on a small area of skin before you use it for the first time, says Sharon. lsquo;Do this even if the product claims to be natural or organic.

Stick to active natural ingredients that are mild and contain organic fruit and flower extracts, like Vitamin E, vanilla, chamomile, beeswax, shea butter and aloe vera.

If youre not sure, check with your GP or pharmacist or use the rule that if its good enough to eat then its good enough for your little ones skin.

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