Shea Butter Benefits for Baby’s Skin
March 28, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
One of the many things that mothers and fathers do consistently for their baby is tend to their skin. They want to have the most protective lotions and creams, and the best quality products. There are products for diaper rash, regular rashes, to help calm your baby, and keep his or her skin healthy and soft. Many mothers and fathers are turning to natural products to put on their baby. Recent studies include frightening results for parents and others alike. Many of our products that we use everyday are pumped full of chemicals, preservatives and toxins that are damaging to health. It has prompted people to turn to something different.
Shea Butter that is all natural and unrefined is one of the best things you can put on your baby’s sensitive skin. It has healing properties and is amazing for many things. Here are just a few things that it is good for.
Diaper Rash - Shea Butter is great for treating and preventing diaper rash. For irritated and red skin that’s caused by diaper rash, it can be smoothed on for relief and comfort. To prevent diaper rash, all a parent has to do is smooth it on just like they would their old diaper rash cream. It creates an effective layer that will keep wetness off of your baby’s skin, and prevent diaper rash.
Calming - Shea Butter which has had a great essential oil, like Lavender, is great for soothing your cranky baby. After a warm bath, it can be rubbed on your baby, and the Lavender will sooth him or her and promote a good night’s sleep. The Shea Butter will protect baby’s delicate skin while the calming Lavender does it’s work.
Lip Balm - Shea Butter can be rubbed right on baby’s lips to keep them from becoming cracked if he or she has chapped lips. Often times, this can result from teething and constant moisture around the mouth. It contains latex, which provides a natural barrier against moisture while it soothes dry, chapped lips.
Protection against Sun - Shea Butter contains Cinnamic acid, which naturally protects baby’s skin against the sun. While it’s not a replacement for sunscreen, applying Shea Butter can help protect your baby’s sensitive skin. This is great for normal inside days when you wouldn’t apply sunscreen. UV rays can still reach your baby in the shade, on an overcast day, and even indoors with the windows open.
Baths - You can add Shea Butter to a warm bath to soothe your baby’s skin. Just heat the Shea Butter a bit until it’s melted and add it to the running water. Make sure that there are no ‘hot spots’ before you place your baby in the bath water. This is great for helping maintain your baby’s soft and healthy skin.
There are many things you can do with Shea Butter to help your baby’s sensitive skin. You can do some great things for his or her skin, and your own peace of mind. You know that you are not placing anything harmful on your baby, and that is a valuable thing to know.
Sun Care For Your Baby 101
March 11, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
As humans, we are naturally meant to be in the sun. That been said, babies have very sensitive skin so it is kind to protect her skin with sunscreen but also to be cautious not to allow too much exposure. It’s also ideal to choose a “physical” or “chemical-free” sunscreen made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide — look for one of those ingredients on the label.
Unlike chemical sunscreens, which may cause irritation or allergic reactions because the skin absorbs the active ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on top of the skin, forming a barrier against the sun’s rays. There’s no evidence chemical sunscreens are dangerous or toxic, but we just don’t know enough yet about how young children react to the ingredients. Also, sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide start protecting as soon as you put them on, whereas chemical products need to be slathered on 30 minutes in advance so the skin has time to absorb them. Also make sure any sunscreen you use is labeled “PABA-free.” PABA was once widely used in sunscreens but now has been linked with skin irritation.
You may have heard you should look for a “broad-spectrum” product that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Any sunscreen that contains the physical blocker zinc oxide or titanium dioxide will do this.
The sun protection factor (SPF) should be at least 15, but you generally don’t need to go above 30: Higher than that and you’re getting smaller and smaller amounts of added protection — which, in a chemical sunscreen, means a higher dose of unwanted chemicals. It’s fine to use a “children’s” sunscreen, but don’t go out of your way to buy one of these, since they’re usually no different from the adult versions.
Sunscreens and Hats
March 11, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Here is a list of some of the safer sunscreens we have found:
TruKid’s SunnyDays sunscreen – Safe and affordable.
California Baby SPF 30 + Sunblock Stick – No Fragrance – Our top pick for kids! This is a non chemical sunscreen. It uses non-penetrating titanium dioxide (no nano particles) to protect against the sun. It is also made with organic & sustainably grown ingredients.
California Baby SPF 30 – This is specially for children to be safe and it a favorite among many natural parents. We have used this on my own kids and I really like it. I usually opt for the fragrance free versions.
California Baby SPF 30 + Bug Repellent – This is a good sunblock/bug repellent combo that is DEET free.
Badger Face & Body Sunblock SPF 30 – There was huge run on this sunscreen not long ago and you could hardly get it. It is known to be one of the safest sunscreens out there.
Miessence Organics Reflect Outdoor Balm SPF 15 – We have some if this and I like it…very clean smelling and not sticky. It is also made by a great company with organic ingredients. It has added antioxidants and beta carotene to help nourish skin and protect it.
Lavera Baby and Children Sun Screen Lotion, SPF 30 – Contains organic peach seed, apricot seed oil and calendula and protects against UV A, B and C rays with waterproof protection.
Jason Natural – Sunbrellas Chemical Free Sun Block SPF30+ – Chemical, Fragrance and Paraben Free Complete UVA & UVB Protection Ideal for Sensitive Skin.
Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Faceblock SPF 25 – Another chemical free sunblock using non-penetrating titanium dioxide. This has a hint of color…most likely to hide the streaky whiteness of the natural titanium dioxide.
Sunscreen SPF 30 by Soleo Organics – Made with Zinc Oxide, it provides 3 hours of water resistant protection without the use of chemical UV-absorbers or synthetic preservatives. This sunscreen is made with nano particles.
Also don’t forget your protective gear…so you won’t need sunscreen as much:
Legionnaire Hats – These hats for kids have flaps on either side that protect the face, head, and neck areas from getting burned. They are also made with UV protective fabric.
Sunday Afternoon’s Kid’s Play Hat UPF 45 – Made of lightweight water-resistant supplex fabric, blocks UVA and UVB rays, rated 45 UPF. Full veil covers back of neck, mesh panels for ventilation, down-sloped flexible brim shades face.
Baby Banz Sunglasses – 100% UV/UVA & UVB ray protection. You can also get a sunglasses/hat combo.
Also Frubi Shades. I have used both of these brands with my own kids and I like them.
