Dr Organic baby bum balm

There are many brands of baby skincare on the market, but many contain dangerous chemicals and lots of essential oils (not needed for babies, as most of what we put on skin goes into the bloodstream). Babies don’t need scent. Here are some better choices. Also read of safe natural skincare for expectant mothers.

This organic baby bum balm, is sold in a glass jar with metal lid. Made with a vegan alternative to lanolin (from sheep), this contains coconut, olive and almond oils, with shea butter. To use, apply a thin layer to a dry clean bottom, after nappy changes. Sold in easy-to-recycle packaging, made from recycled plastic.

Always apply a small amount of product to inside wrist and wait 24 hours, in case of reaction. If in doubt, talk to your GP or dermatologist.

Avoid nut oils for allergies. Avoid essential oils for babies/pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions. Avoid shea butter for latex allergies. Keep zinc oxide away from pets.

Organic Baby Massage Oil (with calendula)

organic baby massage oil

This organic baby massage oil is gentle enough for sensitive skin, in easy-to-recycle packaging. It’s infused with calming plant-based oils and organic calendula. Can be used daily after bathing to nourish dry skin. Includes sunflower, sweet almond, grapeseed and oat kernel oil.

Coraline Skincare’s Natural Soaps

Coraline nettle soap

Coraline Skincare makes soaps for sensitive skin (there are two scent-free versions in Nettle or Chamomile suitable for babies from 3 months plus). This company was founded after the parents of a baby born with Down Syndrome found conventional skincare was too harsh. So they developed their own soaps.

Store the soaps on a dry facecloth (or slatted soap dish) between uses, to dry them out between uses, to avoid them going soggy.

Scent-Free Baby Care (in sugar-cane packaging)

green people baby wash

Green People Scent-Free Baby Wash is made with organic vegan ingredients, for babies over 1 month. Ideal for sensitive skin and babies with eczema, you can also use this as a bubble bath or for cradle cap (below). Contains aloe vera and lightly-lathering aloe vera.

green people softening baby lotion

For dry skin, try rubbing in organic softening baby lotion (also scent-free) that also contains aloe vera and calming calendula (also good for expectant mothers).

Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil for Babies

Kokoso organic coconut oil

Kokoso Coconut Oil is made from cold-pressed raw coconut oil, ideal to calm rashes and eczema-prone skin (which often has a dietary cause, from breastfeeding mothers). Use this to nourish dry skin, soothe nappy rash or use for yourself as a skin cleanser or after-sun lotion.

Coconut oil melts in warm weather, so store in the fridge upright, and it resets. These coconuts are harvested by humans (not monkeys).

The Konjac baby sponge is made from Japanese potato fibre and can be cut up and composted after use. Perfect with plain water or create a nourishing lather with scent-free baby soap.

vegan baby brush

You also apply coconut oil above to cradle cap (don’t worry if hair comes away on massage, it will grow back – don’t pick scales, could cause infection). Often made worse by cold weather, cradle cap is common in babies, but usually goes away in a few months. Use a plant bristle baby brush to gentle brush away loose flakes.

A Zero Waste Vegan Baby Balm

earth conscious natural baby balm

Earth Conscious Baby Balm (Isle of Wight) is made from organic virgin coconut oil, shea butter, almond and apricot kernel oil. Packed with fatty acids, it’s ideal for dry patches or nappy rash cream. Discontinue if irritation occurs. Do not use on broken skin.

Organic Oat Body Powder

Novapure naturals

Novapure Naturals Body Powder is made with organic oats, arrowroot, kaolin clay, chamomile and calendula. Ideal to prevent rashes, there are before/after photos of babies whose skin has healed in weeks (sometimes hours) of use. .

Keep this powder away from water and open flame. Keep away from pets, as it contains zinc (also found in sunscreens, wash off before letting pets lick you!) Vets may wish to look at this site, as a zinc-free version may be good (there is a before/after healing photo of a canine wound)?

The product was created by a mother who got incredible feedback from users with psoriasis,  eczema, acne and athlete’s foot. It has a shelf life of 12 months, store out of direct sunlight/heat and keep dry. Sold in travel tins with refills.

Tips for a (safe) Natural Baby Bath

baby bath milk

This soothing baby bath milk is handmade by a small company in the countryside, near Manchester. Just add 25g for an average-sized baby bath. It contains French white clay, oat kernel flour and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Good for sensitive skin, nappy rash and eczema.

Unless there is pee and poo (!), babies don’t need a daily bath, just ‘top and tail’ (hold them on your knee or lay on a changing mat) to wash the face, neck, hands and bottom. Never use cotton buds to clean inside a baby’s ears (the cause of nearly all ear infections).

NHS has a good 2-minute video by a midwife, on how to safely bathe babies. Never leave babies alone for a second (even with older children). Do not use baby bath seats, these can quickly detach and drown babies, even in a few centimetres of water.

Run cold water first (then add hot water, testing with your wrist or elbow). Keep your baby’s head clear of water. Don’t bathe straight after feeds, or if hungry or tired. Avoid baby oils in baths, due to risk of slipping.

neals yard remedies baby powder

Neals Yard Chamomile Baby Powder is made with organic cornstarch and gentle enough for newborns of 3kg/6lb 10oz and over. Sold in a metal sifting tin, dry skin beforehand, avoid contact with eyes and avoid for allergy to listed ingredients. Store in a cool dry place and replace cap after use.

Avoid talcum powder, it’s linked to ovarian cancer and increasingly banned in many countries. 

tikiri natural rubber bath toys

Tikiri Natural Rubber Bath Toys are from a CE-certified company. Handmade in Sri Lanka, these toys have no holes, so there is less risk of water creating mould. Sold with recycled card swing tags and printed with soy inks. Wipe clean with soapy water and a damp cloth (do not sterilise).

Check regularly and do not give to babies or children, if worn or damaged. Do not leave in direct sunlight. 

natural rubber bath toys

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