It's essential to moisturize baby's
delicate skin to protect it and prevent
chapping, especially in cold, dry
weather. And lotion or oil helps retain
body heat. After bathing, gently pat
your baby dry with a soft towel--rubbing
can cause irritation--and apply a baby
lotion, cream or oil while skin is still
damp to seal in moisture.
What differentiates one lotion or oil
from another?
Many parents look for natural baby
lotions made with natural plant oils
such as aloe barbadensis leaf juice,
sunflower seed oils, and glycine soja
(soybean oil). Natural emollients like
shea butter, vitamin E, and squalene are
very rich and great for baby’s skin.
Massaging lotions and oils into your
baby's skin can relieve irritation. But
products should be free of
petrochemicals (especially mineral oil),
which are themselves irritants. Also,
look for healing botanicals in your
baby's lotion or oil like aloe, olive
esters, sunflower seed oil. Rich
emollients like squalene and shea butter
will support baby’s delicate and
sensitive skin.
Massaging lotions and oils into your
baby's skin can relieve irritation. But
products should be free of
petrochemicals (especially mineral oil),
which are themselves irritants. Also,
look for healing botanicals in your
baby's lotion or oil like aloe, olive
esters, sunflower seed oil. Rich
emollients like squalene and shea butter
will support baby’s delicate and
sensitive skin.
Are there any other benefits of
lotions, oils, or massage for baby?
Make moisturizing a special time for
your baby and you. Applying lotion or
massage oil or balm to your baby is a
great stress reliever for both of you.
Always remember, your touch is
therapeutic. Babies grow and develop
better when they are regularly touched.
Lavender, chamomile and aloe have a long
history as soothing and moisturizing
ingredients and have a good record of
safe use in cosmetics. Other healing
botanicals to look for in lotions and
oils (and other baby products) include
avocado butter. The same guidelines for
finding gentle shampoos apply to
lotions: avoid artificial colors,
ethoxylates, and seek out products that
use gentle preservatives.
