As parents, we want to make sure our baby only uses the best and safest products for his skin and his health. So, what do you think about making your own natural baby products?
Natural baby products you can make within the comfort of your home
If you’ve recently given birth to a child, it’s normal to look for strategies to limit your child’s exposure to chemicals and toxic pollutants.
You may be wondering what products are ideal for your baby’s sensitive skin and which household cleaning products contain baby-safe ingredients.
When babies are first born, they don’t require soap or treatments to keep them clean; simply a little warm water will suffice. However, some items, such as baby wipes, will be required right away (and in large quantities!).
When they start needing shampoo, nappy cream, and talc, you can start thinking about what things you believe will be best for your child.
While their children are small, many mothers prefer to use non-toxic, sulphate, perfume, and paraben-free lotions and gels to keep their skin as healthy as possible and to help prevent breakouts caused by harsh chemicals or odours. Examine also your household cleaning products to identify where you may incorporate more natural ingredients
If you want to ensure that your baby is exposed to natural and baby-safe substances, here are ten natural baby products that you can simply prepare at home.
1. Baby oil
This product is useful to calm your baby to sleep, help him with colic, and even remove stubborn cradle cap.
Instead of the mineral oil commonly found in store-bought variations, this recipe calls for 220ml of sunflower oil, 110ml of rice bran oil, 110ml of avocado oil, and 30ml of oat extract. Then, all that is required is a mild reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds, and you’re done. Place in bottles and store in the dark and cool until needed.
2. Baby wipes
If there’s one thing you’ll need a lot of after having a baby, it’s baby wipes. This recipe for producing your own will save you trips to the grocery store. Some say it is better for your baby’s skin because it uses mild and natural components.
Paper towels (split in half across the width), an old baby wipes container, 2 1/2 cups of water (boiled and then chilled), 2 tbsp of baby wash, and 2 tbsp of natural oil are all required.
Taking all of the liquid ingredients, combine them to make a solution before pouring them over kitchen paper. After a few minutes of soaking, you’ll have wonderful baby wipes!
3. Nappy rash cream
One of the reasons for diaper rash is yeast, which is produced by fungal development. If your kid is prone to having a red and painful bottom, you’ll definitely need a lot of diaper rash cream. This recipe yields a large serving and is naturally beneficial for sensitive skin.
You’ll need the following ingredients to produce a simple ointment that can be used to treat and prevent diaper rash and moisturise baby’s skin:
- ¼ cup coconut oil, at room temperature
- ¾ cup shea butter
- 3 drops tea tree essential oil (Be sure to get essential oils that are devoid of any chemicals or pesticides that may harm your baby’s skin)
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
For one minute, whisk together the coconut oil and shea butter in a mixing dish. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and stir it up a little with a spatula to make sure you get everything from the bottom. Whip again after adding the essential oil drops. Repeat for another minute or so, or until it resembles frosting.
Scoop it into a clean jar, label it, and keep it in a cool, dark area. After baths, rub a little on the baby’s skin (especially the diaper area!) to keep skin nourished and diaper rash at bay.
4. Teething oil
There’s nothing worse than an angry baby, and this oil’s natural components assist soothe painful gums when teething. Simply combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, and 2-3 drops clove bud essential oil. Apply to the gums of teething babies. However, best to ask your child’s paediatrician first if using this oil for teething is safe for little ones.
5. Talcum powder
pink talcum baby powder
Talcum powder is a great product to have in your nappy-changing kit since it keeps your baby’s skin nice and dry. It can also prevent baby’s skin from becoming itchy on hot days.
In a food processor, combine 1/4 cup calendula flowers, 1/4 cup oats, 1/2 cup bentonite clay, 1/4 cup arrowroot powder, and a few drops lavender or chamomile essential oil until smooth.
6. Baby shampoo
You should use baby shampoo because shampoos used by adults might cause irritation and the eventual tears!
Mix 1/4 cup Dr Bronner’s Castile Soap, 2 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil, 1 tablespoon pure, organic aloe vera gel, and a few drops of your favourite essential oil (such as lavender) with 1 cup of water.
7. Body Wash
Frequent washing might cause your baby’s sensitive skin to dry out. If your infant requires soap, it’s likely because he stinks of cheese or because a big brother or sister decided to put coconut oil in his hair. In that case, castile soap can be used. Fill a foamy dispenser halfway with the following ingredients:
- 1 ounce Castile liquid soap that is unscented
- 4 ounces filtered drinking water
- 3 drops of essential lavender oil
- 3 drops essential orange oil (alternately, you can use 3 drops lemongrass)
8. Baby lotion
If you see dry skin on your baby, apply a small amount of lotion to soothe and moisturise. This nice homemade version is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
To produce a silky smooth moisturiser, combine 12 cups coconut oil, 12 cups aloe vera gel, and a few drops of your favourite essential oil.
Aloe vera slices and moisturizer
9. Baby safe disinfectant spray
According to a 2012 Environmental Working Group survey, 53% of common cleansers contained compounds that are thought to be carcinogenic and hazardous to respiratory health. It’s a terrific reason to incorporate more natural, cleaner, and greener items into your home and everyday routine.
Overuse of disinfectants that use harsh chemicals to kill bacteria can result in bacterium strains that become stronger and more resistant over time. To make a homemade baby-safe disinfectant spray, you’ll need:
- Spray bottle
- Warm water
- White vinegar
- Fresh lemon juice
- Tea tree oil
- Essential oil (optional)
In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup warm water, 1 cup white vinegar, 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and several drops tea tree oil. You can also add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus, to help balance out the vinegar’s smell. Shake to combine, then use as a multi-purpose cleanser.
10. Baby-safe floor cleaner
It’s impossible to keep your floors clean all the time, but it’s also impossible to stop your kid from crawling around and exploring his or her surroundings. When you do have the opportunity to clean your floors, use this baby-safe solution. You’ll need the following ingredients to produce a homemade floor cleaning for crawling babies:
- Large bucket
- Warm water
- White vinegar
- All-natural liquid soap
In a large bucket, combine 1-gallon warm water, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, and a heaping teaspoon of all-natural liquid soap. Clean your floors by soaking a clean mop in the solution. This is suitable for use on wood, laminate, and most tile floors. For marble, stone, or ceramic floors, replace the vinegar and liquid soap with a few drops of pH-neutral soap.
Sometimes, it’s even better to go the extra mile and create your own things from scratch. It may appear to be difficult work, but we assure you that they are all quite simple and packed with nutritional components to help care for your baby. Furthermore, by producing your own homemade, natural baby products, you’ll know precisely what you’re putting on your child. They can also be a lot less expensive!
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Safety reminders
As with any skin care product, and especially for babies with sensitive skin, don’t forget to do a patch test. Just apply a tiny amount of the product (just a dab or a pea-sized amount) on a small part of your baby’s skin, and check for any allergic reactions. You can also check it on yourself too before using it on baby.
Here are some signs of an allergic reaction to a skin product:
- Hives
- Itchy skin
- Rashes or redness of the skin area
- Flaking or peeling of the skin
- Facial swelling
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and mouth
- Wheezing or coughing
- Anaphylaxis
If you notice any of these signs on you or your baby, stop using it immediately and assess your child’s reaction to it. Some allergic reactions require immediate medical attention.
Do you create your own baby items? Why not use natural ones? What is your best piece of advice for keeping toxins away from your baby? Let us know in the comments section!
Image source: iStock
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