I have been thinking about baby skincare products and reading some blogs on the subject. I often meet Mums that are interested in organic baby clothes because their babies suffer from eczema and the cotton has been produced without pesticides and so on.. I found the following information which I felt was very interesting - A recent report in Clinical Paediatrics reveals that more than 75 percent of newborns suffer rashes within the first few months of birth, and researchers suspect that contributing factors include the very products that promise to soften, clean, and moisturize children's skin. As they note in their research, "Newborn skin is relatively more permeable to topically applied agents than adult skin. Therefore, the risk of systemic toxicity is must greater in newborns."

What's more, say these researchers from the Department of Paediatrics at Loyola University in Chicago, "The safety and efficacy of over-the-counter skincare products are not supported by well-controlled scientific studies." Now I have to say that this is something that I have been banging on about for some time.

Bath your baby only occasionally during the first year,with a little warm water. More likely, you'll only have to wipe your baby's genitals and buttocks with a soft cotton moistened cloth.

Bubble Baths - Many bubble bath products for young children are based on detergents that destroy beneficial bacteria and harm the baby's acid mantle. Furthermore, bubble baths are a leading cause of vaginitis and urinary tract infections in infants. This problem has become so prevalent that the Food and Drug Administration has ruled that bubble baths for children must carry warning labels advising parents against excess bathing of their children. Purenuffstuff foamimg cleanser is completely free of chemical nasties and kind and gentle. A great favourite with my grandsons!

If you read the labels of supermarket and chemist baby bath products you will soon see that they contain ingredients likely to be contaminated with formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, and possibly even nitrosamines, all of which are cancer-causing, highly irritating or both.Though plain water usually does the job, occasionally a small amount of soap may be required. If so, use a mild soap such as Snow white containing only pure oils. (All paediatricians recommend avoiding antibacterial soaps.) After soaping, replenish the skin's oils by using a soothing oil or lotion such as Purenuffstuff lotion again natural and chemical free.
Baby Powder - Talc-based powders contain tiny particles that irritate the skin and may contain fragrance, a leading cause of allergy and irritation. Under all circumstances, avoid baby powders containing talc.

Several studies have linked talc to ovarian cancer.

The only places you might need to use a little powder (never talc) are in the creases of the baby's skin-the underarms, genital area, and neck. Purenuffstuff powder is made from cornstarch and very gentle.

Powders, are often used to treat nappy rash rash, but allowing fresh air to get to your baby's bottom whenever you can may reduce the likelihood of nappy rash. Zinc oxide and chamomile, applied to the inflamed area, will help dry and soothe the skin. Most paediatricians specializing in natural skin care warn parents to avoid petroleum jelly, which traps moisture against the skin and is also a common allergen. Try Happy Nappy for gentle protection

Shampoos - Shampooing schedules should be determined by the amount of hair your baby has and how oily it is. Most babies with thin hair don't need to be shampooed all that often during their first year. (Only do so as needed.) When you do shampoo, a mild shampoo is best; you can recognize them by what they don't contain: synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, or highly allergenic and irritating preservatives including quaternium 15, imidazolidinyl urea, and parabens.Purenuffstuff can be used on both body and hair. I think that the most important thing to remember is that less is best. Your baby smells gorgeous anyway and doesn't need all the products that we might consider essential for ourselves.

Linda