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How to Care for Baby Skin on a Budget

By Martha Sanders

As the skin on your baby is very delicate, it can be very sensitive and can react easily to weather temperatures as well as irritants. Irritants can come from numerous substances but mainly through the chemicals contained in baby products. You can avoid these irritants by using organic baby products but they can take a toll on your wallet. Fortunately, there are cheaper alternative to care for your baby's skin and keep it healthy. Let’s take a quick look at some of these extremely affordable baby skin care items.

How to Take Care of Baby’s Skin

1. As you already know, unbleached dye-free disposable nappies are the best choice for your baby’s health. However, they are often more pricey.

The less expensive solution is to use cloth diapers instead. Not only you save money and protect your baby’s skin, you can also do your part to reduce your impact on the environment.

Wash cloth diapers at a temperature of 65 °C or hotter and then dry them in direct sunlight to kill germs. Ultraviolet light has a sterilizing effect and a natural bleaching ability.

2. Talc powder which contains mineral talc is very harmful to babies. Inhalation of talc can cause respiratory irritation and prolonged exposure may result in pneumocomosis.

If you want to use talc on your baby, then use only organic non talc baby powder made from corn flour, arrowroot and white clay. They are safe and effective for keeping baby's skin dry.

3. Mineral based massage oils make your baby's skin drier when absorbed. Try natural and organic oils instead. You might want to look for moisturizing products that contain sweet almond oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil and chamomile, rose, lavender and mandarin essential oils.

Always do a test patch on a small area of your baby’s skin first and discontinue use if any signs of redness or irritation occurs.

4. Homemade baby wipes are very inexpensive and incredibly easy to make at home using simple ingredients such as paper towels, tea tree oil and aloe vera gel.

Mix 2 cups distilled water with ¼ cup aloe vera gel. Add 1 tablespoon calendula oil, 2 teaspoons baby shampoo, 2 to 3 drops each of tea tree oil and lavender oil. Use solution to wet wipes.

5. Newborns can be gently and easily wiped down with rose hydrosol which is distilled water with healing and soothing aromatic rose extracts. It is also suitable even for sensitive skin.

Avoid adult washing products on older babies as they contain harsh ingredients that can irritate baby's skin.

6. Did you know that honey is a natural antiseptic that is good for keeping baby's bottom germ free and will also help treat existing nappy rash? Alternatively, use organic apple cider cider (diluted in water) to get rid of bacteria and fungus that cause diaper rash.

7. Always wash baby's clothes and sheets before using and wash in pure soap flakes or a gentle skin sensitive washing solution. Do not add fabric softeners or conditioners as these can also irritate baby's delicate skin.

Dissolve soap flakes in a little warm water before adding to the washing cycle, and they need not be disinfected.

Wash baby clothes, bedding, and blankets separately from the family's laundry. Remember to give everything an extra rinse.

You might want to consider soap nuts. Soap nuts are allergy-free and hence very gentle on babies’ delicate skin.

8. If your baby has cradle cap (looks like a crusty patch on scalp but it is not dangerous), here’s what you can do to safely treat cradle cap. Wipe the area with sweet almond oil, leave it on for about 5 to 10 minutes and then wash your baby's scalp with an organic baby wash or shampoo.

9. Cigarette smoke is a general irritant that can harm your baby’s health. Babies absorb harmful chemicals from “second hand smoke” when they’re exposed to a smoky atmosphere, which put them at a higher risk for developing asthma and chest infections.

In addition, “third hand smoke” can be swallowed and absorbed through skin when babies touch furniture in a smoker’s room, or hug their mothers after they had a cigarette.

Keeping these baby skin care tips will go a long way in helping your baby maintain healthy skin.

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