| When parents have children, they often think that the | | | | it for natural care of your own skin, you can probably |
| best way to care for their child's new skin is to give a | | | | use it on baby's. |
| lot of baths. This is not necessarily true, but letting your | | | | Shampoos |
| child "ripen" probably isn't a good plan either. | | | | Most babies have thin or no hair and don't grow a lot |
| In caring for a newborn, there are five general | | | | of thick or oily hair on their heads until several months |
| products use for skin care and bath time. | | | | after birth. So washing baby's hair should only be done |
| Baby Powder | | | | when needed, if at all. Use a mild shampoo and never |
| Avoid baby powders containing talc (talcum) and those | | | | use the shampoos you use as an adult, especially |
| with skin irritants like fragrances. In fact, powders made | | | | those meant for dandruff with harsh chemicals. Avoid |
| of pure corn starch (or just finely ground corn starch, | | | | anything with synthetic fragrances, allergenics, and |
| for that matter) or bentonite clay are best. These are | | | | parabens. Instead, use shampoos with natural |
| widely available and are some of the most traditional | | | | ingredients and that are not harsh. Until your child is |
| of baby care products. Using powders to treat diaper | | | | older, he or she will not be taking mud baths in the |
| rash is common, but not helpful. Use natural creams | | | | back yard or smearing strange substances from |
| made of chamomile and zinc oxide instead. | | | | who-knows-where into his or her hair. So heavy |
| Bubble Baths | | | | cleaning is not really required. |
| These are popular amongst parents because, let's | | | | Soap |
| face it, having the soap right in the water sure does | | | | Be careful with soap. Most soaps contain detergents, |
| make the whole process easier. Right? The problem is | | | | which remove healthy bacteria and destroy the |
| with what's in many of those bubble baths. Many of | | | | protective mantle on our skin. This is especially true of |
| them contain detergents, which are bad for your skin | | | | baby's skin. In fact, many pediatricians recommend that |
| and especially bad for baby's skin. In fact, bubble baths | | | | babies be washed in warm water only, without soap, |
| have been linked to urinary tract infections and vaginitis | | | | for most of their bathing. Antibacterial soaps are |
| in infants. | | | | especially to be avoided. |
| Lotions | | | | Hopefully these recommendations will help you with |
| Lotions (and sometimes oils) are almost a necessity | | | | your newborn baby's skin care needs. Have a |
| with most newborns. Use natural products made of | | | | favorite? Let us know by commenting! |
| coconut, chamomile, aloe, etc. In short, if you would use | | | | |