You’re probably looking for the best, most natural baby products for your little one, whether you’re a future mom or a new parent. Minor skin disorders in babies are quite common from birth: dry skin, redness, irritation, pimples, diaper rash… all of these stages are experienced by many children.
So, if you thought babies had perfect skin, you’re definitely a little shocked. Because newborn skin is so delicate, parents rush to find the best treatments to “cure” these minor skin irritations. But, specifically, what does your child require? How do you pick the best items for your child? How do you find the natural products? And, most importantly, what can we actually find inside most of the baby product formulas on the market?
What Parents Want for their Baby
As a parent myself, I can tell you I would much rather have a natural product than one full of synthetic, and likely harmful, ingredients. When you ask what most parents want, this is what they are looking for in a product:
- Fragrance- and perfume-free products
Products that do not irritate the skin - Products that don’t contain toxins
Products recommended by dermatologists
Non-greasy moisturizing products
That’s to be expected. Fortunately, we know how to find them and we’re going to share that information with you today… what to look for and what to avoid along with some recommended products.
Before we dive in further, there are some important facts to keep in mind:
In the first few weeks after birth:
- The three layers of skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) are not fully formed.
- The epidermis cells are not yet bound to one another, which makes baby skin permeable and extremely sensitive.
- The sebaceous glands are not fully functional and the skin is therefore not yet protected by a lipid film. It’s actually the reason baby skin smells so good!
- Baby skin has a neutral pH and is not protected by the acid mantle (protective film) that limits the multiplication of pathogenic germs.
- Baby skin does not yet produce melanin and is therefore not protected from the sun.
- It takes about a year for baby skin to fully develop and protect itself from external irritants.
This part is VERY important… and it’s part of why we are making this article today. Although parents are looking for certain formulations, more than 98% of parents admitted they do not check the ingredients in their baby products.
Ingredients Found in Most Baby Products
Baby-specific products aren’t always the best for their skin and overall wellness. They could have substances that are just as dangerous as those found in adult household and personal care products! The various substances of concern included in most baby care products, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), can easily penetrate their delicate skin’s natural protective barrier and be absorbed into their bodies.
Because they are exposed to more toxins than adults, children are more vulnerable to their effects. Because they eat, drink, and breathe more frequently in proportion to their weight, they are 10 times more vulnerable before the age of two. Because babies and young children are going through vital stages of development and growth, the effects of these chemicals are even more concerning.
The following are known to be cancer-causing and are found in many baby products:
Tocopheryl Acetate and Tocopherol: natural antioxidants that can contain a carcinogenic contaminant toxic for humans and the environment
Polysorbate-60 and Polysorbate-20: synthetic solubilizing agents that can contain carcinogenic contaminants
Triethanolamine: allergenic pH adjuster that can contain a carcinogenic contaminant
Petrolatum: synthetic emollient that can contain a carcinogenic contaminant
PEG-100 Stearate (and other PEGs): synthetic emulsifiers that can contain carcinogenic contaminants (EWG score: 3). These petroleum-based polymers can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, as well as ethylene oxide, manufacturing residues that are known carcinogens according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer
Read the Label on the Baby Product
In addition to conventional baby items, several natural and “organic” baby products are available in pharmacies and grocery stores. Regardless of what’s on the package or whether it’s labeled natural or organic, it’s always a good idea to read the label and check the ingredients.
Why? Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’ll be good for your baby’s sensitive skin and it could be falsely identifying as natural.
Look for a Safety Seal
The EWG VERIFIED™ seal identifies products and brands whose ingredients meet EWG’s stringent health and safety criteria.
For a product to be certified EWG VERIFIED™:
- The manufacturer has to provide all the details of the ingredients used, including ingredients not listed on the label (very small quantities)
- They must be completely transparent and certify that their products do not contain any carcinogenic contaminants
- Not permitted to contain endocrine disruptors, mutagens and other synthetic and polluting chemical substances
What to Look For in a Baby Product
- A hypoallergenic moisturizing lotion or cream
- A gentle and hypoallergenic shampoo or body wash. The 2-in-1 version is practical for baby’s bathtime
- Zinc diaper cream to help repel dampness that leads to diaper rash
- A moisturizing cream for especially dry and sensitive skin
- Non-nano zinc mineral sunscreen (do not use before six months of age)
- Natural, biodegradable baby wipes
