Recipes For Comfort: Organic Alternatives For Common Children's Skin Care Products
A kid's skin is very sensitive and applying just any children's skin care products without consulting your pediatrician can considerably damage your baby's skin – especially on the bum area where the skin becomes irritated with prolonged nappy use. Although there are still a considerable number of moms who use children's skin care products, more are realizing that practicing baby skin care the organic way is safer and equally effective.
One of the most common skin problems in babies is diaper rash. Since our kids' bums are covered in nappies almost 24/7, the moisture and friction causes their tush to become inflamed. Grocery stores and health stores are overflowing with ingredients that could make natural organic baby products. Skin care, for baby's skin problems like this, is as easy as whipping up an organic recipe.
Breast milk is said to be one of the most effective remedies for a nappy rash. But if you don't have any with you, try making an all-natural ointment – a calendula ointment – to treat rashes on your kid's tush. All you need are 1 lb organic coconut oil, a handful of calendula petals and comfrey leaves – be careful about using the latter on pregnant women though.
When you have gathered all the ingredients, start making the ointment by melting the coconut oil in a steel pan. Then, add the herbs and cook them in oil on low heat for about half an hour; be careful not to burn the petals – they should be crisp but not burnt. When cooked, filter into jars then store for use. This will give soothing relief to your baby's diaper rash.
Try using a home-made cocoa cream too, to offer the same relief. Just melt cocoa on a double boiler, then add a mixture of 3 tbsp jojoba oil and 2 drops chamomile oil. Pour into a container and wait for it to harden. Use as needed.
As an alternative for bubble baths which contain toxic ingredients that can harm baby's skin, try doing baby skin care the organic way with the use of oatmeal. Grind a good amount of oatmeal and place in a cotton bag. Soak this bag in your baby's bath water as he is enjoying the tub.
Sometimes, skin irritations are so itchy that kids can't help scratching them – making them more inflamed. Although children's skin care products can provide instant relief, a more natural method like the following essential oil-mix proves to be safer and effective.
In a clean container, mix an ounce of witch hazel with tea tree oil (about 4 drops). Then, add 4 drops each of lavender, chamomile and orange essential oil. Give the mixture a shake and store for future use. Apply this solution on the affected skin with a cotton ball.
Another home-made solution that is an alternative for baby wipes can be made using: half a cup of distilled water, a quarter cup each of vinegar and aloe vera gel, a tbsp of calendula oil and 1 drop each of lavender and tea tree essential oils.
Just mix all these ingredients together and you will have something that can prevent your kid from developing fungal skin problems. Be sure not to use this on inflamed skin though, since the vinegar can sting your baby's skin
These natural alternatives are as effective as children's skin care products that are available commercially, and no doubt safer. With these recipes, you are in charge of what you are putting on your kid's skin and so you can be sure that his skin is well taken care of.