It might be overwhelming to figure out the best baby care products when you become a parent for the first time. Choosing baby care products is a tricky process that can often be very perplexing for new parents. The alternative is to stick to natural products but that requires sufficient knowledge.
Buzz words written on labels can make it even more complicated to take the right decisions. All these words like Hypoallergenic, Dermatologist tested, and Natural Organic sound complicated. How to know which product is good for your baby's skin? What are the best baby care products?
60% of ingredients that we apply to our skin are completely absorbed into our bloodstream so it is of utmost importance to choose the safest products. Here we have highlighted some points to make important decisions when choosing baby care products.
- The first step is to see if you understand the names of the ingredients mentioned on the product. Refer to the internet in case of doubts.
- Second, you should check out if there are any harmful ingredients present in the baby care product. Have a checklist of harmful ingredients to avoid.
It is important to know what we apply to our skin and when it comes to babies we need to be infinitely more careful. A baby’s skin is more prone to skin irritation, is permeable to harmful chemicals ingredients and requires skin products with gentler formulations. The products labelled as “natural” aren’t necessarily suited to our body, and baby skin products labelled as “gentle” aren’t necessarily safe for your baby’s skin.
Few baby skin care products may contain harmful chemical ingredients, like carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, skin allergens and irritants. It can be difficult to figure out, as some of these harmful ingredients may not be listed in the products and others might get hidden with different names. To know more, we require knowledge about the cosmetics industry.
For this reason, it’s important to understand all ingredients that are present in the baby care products you use on your baby’s skin.
Read carefully all the information about baby skin care products and tips to read the labels of the product.
Choosing safe products
There are many safe baby care products you can apply to their skin. Still, you should seek advice from your baby’s paediatrician about the best skin care products at their first checkup and before using a new skincare product.
Moisturizers
Not all babies' skin requires moisturizer. Patches of dry skin will often fade away naturally.
However, if you are looking for the best moisturizer, you can try out ointments such as petroleum jelly, as it is the most effective moisturizer and available at an affordable price.
If your babies are not comfortable with the greasy touch of petroleum jelly, you can prefer moisturising cream over lotions, which has to be applied more frequently for similar moisturising effects.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is usually not advisable to use for babies under 6 months old. For babies older than 6 months, sunscreen can be applied to the uncovered areas of the baby’s skin where they get direct and indirect exposure to sunlight.
It is better to prefer mineral-based sunscreens, also called physical sunscreens, that block harmful UV radiation. It is highly recommended to prefer sunscreens containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for children to reduce the problem of skin irritation.
Bath products
For choosing bath products, it is highly advisable to choose a small amount of mild cleanser with a neutral pH value for bath time. It is important to check out the harsh additives ingredients such as alcohols and fragrances present in the product to avoid drying out the baby’s skin and causing irritation.
The Environmental Working Group has an excellent resource called the Cosmetics Database where you can take a look at baby products as well as the ingredients present in them. Here we have highlighted a list of 5 ingredients you should avoid in baby personal care products.
1. Fragrance
One ingredient that you should avoid using is “Fragrance”. Also, avoid buying natural baby products that contain “Fragrance” (sometimes also listed as “Parfum”). All these products contain harmful chemicals used as fragrance dispersants, such as diethyl phthalate. The fragrance when combined with baby products enhances the chances of allergies, dermatitis, and respiratory problems and causes adverse effects on the reproductive system.
2. Parabens
It is highly recommended to avoid baby care products combined with “Paraben”.Parabens are labeled on the product as benzylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben. Parabens cause a hormone-disrupting problem in your newborn baby. The Environmental Protection Agency has declared to avoid using methylparaben in particular as it disrupts the metabolic, developmental, hormonal and neurological activities in the body as well as causes various cancers.
3. DMDM Hydantoin
DMDM hydantoin act as a preservative that releases formaldehyde and is antimicrobial. This ingredient is more prone to formaldehyde allergy or to DMDM hydantoin itself.
4. Avoid using Diethanolamine (DEA), Monoethanolamine (MEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA)
All three of these chemicals cause hormonal imbalance in the body and also produce cancer-causing agents. These chemicals cause kidney and liver cancer. These harmful ingredients are available in shampoos, soaps and bubble baths.
5. Sodium Lauryl (and Laureth) Sulfate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate are strong irritants present in many skincare products that are foamy in nature such as shampoos, toothpaste, hand soaps, and body washes. Research studies have revealed that constant exposure to SLS triggers eczema outbreaks.
Many other harmful ingredients should be avoided while choosing the best skin care products for your babies and yourself.
Conclusion
Your baby’s skin may require some different steps to take care of it, but don’t get overwhelmed. Seek help from your doctor to recommend you the best skin care product that suits your baby.
Sometimes rashes are common and do not need any specific treatment to take care of your baby's skin. If you are not able to figure out the rash, then seek professional help. They can help to understand the symptoms more clearly and assist you accordingly. Make sure you identify the ingredients correctly while choosing the products for your baby. After all, you want your baby to remain safe and comfortable, don’t you? Use Mamy Poko Baby wipes to clean your baby and keep him/her dry and rash-free.
FAQ's
Q. Why is it important to choose safe baby care products?
Ans.A baby’s skin is delicate and easily absorbs ingredients. Harmful chemicals in products can cause irritation, allergies, or long-term health risks. Always choose baby products with safe, gentle, and dermatologist-recommended ingredients to protect your baby's sensitive skin and overall health.
Q. What ingredients should I avoid in baby products?
Ans.Avoid ingredients like parabens, synthetic fragrance (parfum), DMDM hydantoin, DEA/MEA/TEA, and sodium lauryl sulfate. These may cause skin irritation, hormonal imbalances, allergies, or even potential cancer risks. Always read the label and research any unfamiliar ingredients before using a product on your baby.
Q. How do I know if a product is really natural or safe?
Ans.Don’t rely solely on labels like “natural” or “hypoallergenic.” Read the ingredient list thoroughly. Cross-check ingredients online or through trusted databases like EWG’s Cosmetics Database to ensure the product is truly safe for your baby’s skin.
Q. Can I use moisturizer on my newborn’s skin?
Ans.Most newborns don’t need moisturizer unless they have visibly dry patches. If needed, opt for petroleum jelly or a gentle, fragrance-free cream. Avoid lotions with harmful chemicals or strong fragrances that may irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.
Q. What type of sunscreen is safe for babies?
Ans.Sunscreen isn’t recommended for babies under 6 months. For older babies, use mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These block harmful UV rays and are less likely to irritate sensitive baby skin. Avoid chemical sunscreens with harsh ingredients.
Q. Which bath products are safe for babies?
Ans.Use a mild, fragrance-free baby cleanser with neutral pH for bathing. Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol-based products, and those containing artificial fragrances, as they can dry out or irritate the baby’s skin. A small amount of gentle cleanser is enough for each bath.
Q. What does "fragrance" on a label actually mean?
Ans. “Fragrance” or “parfum” often refers to a blend of undisclosed chemicals, some of which can cause allergies, respiratory issues, or hormone disruption. Even in “natural” products, this label should be avoided unless all fragrance ingredients are clearly listed and proven safe.
Q. Why are parabens harmful for babies?
Ans.Parabens are preservatives that can disrupt hormones and potentially cause developmental or reproductive issues. They may be listed as methylparaben, propylparaben, etc. It’s safest to avoid parabens in all baby products and choose alternatives with safer preservation systems.
Q. What’s a reliable way to research product safety?
Ans.Use resources like the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Cosmetics Database to check ingredients and product safety ratings. Always review scientific-backed data instead of just marketing claims. Consulting your pediatrician before using any new product is also highly recommended.
Q. Are baby rashes always caused by skin products?
Ans.Not always. Some rashes are normal and may appear due to heat, diapers, or sensitivity. However, if rashes persist or worsen after using a product, stop using it and consult your doctor to identify the cause and find a suitable solution.
