Q: When should I start using bath time products on my baby?
A: Recent research suggests that it is safer to bath your baby in plain water for at least the first month of life. At birth, the top layer of your baby's skin is very thin and absorbent. This means it is more sensitive to damage from germs, chemicals and water loss. Over the first month (longer in premature infants) your baby's skin matures and develops its own natural protective barrier. Skin conditions may develop if this natural barrier is damaged. Remember that anything placed on, in or around your baby has the potential to harm.
For the latest information and advice you can access version 5 of the TIPS Babycare-back to basics™ leaflet (sponsored by Halos N Horns) on the TIPS website at: http://tipslimited.com/publicationsForParents.htm#babycare
If you would like your own copy email me or ask the kind people at HalosnHorns to send you a free copy.
Q: My baby suffers from cradle cap. What is this and what can I do to help?
A: Cradle cap (sometimes called infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis) is a greasy scaly rash usually confined to the scalp of a baby. It is thought to be caused by an over activity of the sebaceous glands. This can be due to increased circulating hormones from the mother or overuse of harsh skincare products in the early weeks of life. Cradle cap can be treated with vegetable oil: apply the oil to baby's scalp, leave it overnight and gently comb the loosened skin flakes in the morning. Strong cradle cap treatment shampoos should be avoided as they may contain harsh detergents which could aggravate the condition.
It is not necessary to wash baby's hair with shampoo until they are a year old. Once you have started to use baby bath products, simply rinse your baby's hair in the bath water. Make sure any shampoo you use is free from sulphates (SLS and SLES) parabens, phthalates, artificial colours and perfumes.
Q: My baby suffers from: eczema, dry skin or has really sensitive skin. Is it okay to use Halos N Horns products?
A: By avoiding baby skincare products during at least the first month of life and by following the latest advice on baby skincare (published in the Babycare - back to basics™ leaflet) you will greatly reduce the chances of your baby suffering from any dry skin conditions, including eczema. By doing this you will help to maintain the delicate natural protective barrier.
If after a few weeks you decide to use baby skincare products always read the label carefully. Do not use products that contain ingredients your baby is sensitive to and look for products that are free from sulphates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, artificial colours and perfumes. This includes the Halos N Horns range of products. Always test skincare products on a small area of skin before using them for the first time. This is to make sure your baby does not suffer any reaction.
You can help dry skin by putting a small amount of porridge oats in a sock. This can then be tied and placed in bath water to produce a milky solution which softens the water and helps to soothe dry skin. Your baby will also love playing with the sock.
Remember that when it comes to baby skincare 'less is always more'!
Q: What sun care products should I be using if my little one has eczema or sensitive skin?
A: Before rushing out to buy sun-protection products, always remember to keep your baby out of direct sunlight when he is under one year of age. Use pram covers (even on cloudy days), UV pods, wraparound sunglasses, parasols and hats. Make sure hats have a wide brim, are made from natural fibres and don't have seams or labels that can irritate delicate skin. Few ranges of sun protection creams are free from potentially sensitising ingredients, and I can only recommend the following:
Always test skincare products on a small area of skin before using them for the first time. This is to make sure your baby does not suffer any reaction.
You can find the latest advice on sun-protection for babies and children on the TIPS website at: http://tipslimited.com/skincareFAQs.htm
What's TIPS been up to lately?
As always TIPS has been busy testing more products, and the first trial of organic baby food was completed in May. You can see the full results and read the latest advice on baby-led weaning on the TIPS website at: http://tipslimited.com/AwardEllasKitchenBabyFood.html
TIPS also trialled an innovative washable bed pad which proved highly efficient at protecting beds - whether tested by pregnant or breastfeeding mums, or with children prone to bed wetting. You can check out detailed results of this trial on the TIPS website at: http://tipslimited.com/AwardAquasolari.html
Meanwhile if you have any particular questions relating to your little one's skin (or any other parenting topic for that matter) then please feel free to email me.
See you next time
Sharon
Sharon Trotter©2009
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