Baby powders are amorphous in nature and have particles of very fine size that are soft and comfortable when applied on baby’s delicate and sensitive skin. These agents also have the capacity to absorb moisture making it useful for long hour application on nappy rashes. Since the product is directly applied onto the skin of the baby, parents must make sure that the quality and standard of the material being used is at par. Many dupes available in the market may look and smell like the original product, but in fact they contain materials that may cross-react with skin leading to rashes and allergy.
Are Baby Powders Safe for Baby Skin Types?
Baby powders that are certified and approved by FDA are safe to use, but these should be used only after reading the instructions carefully.
Mothers should not use large amounts of any baby powder on their babies, since it tends to form aggregates and may increase the risk of skin allergies and even blistering if the chemicals cross-react with skin. What’s more, chances of powder inhalation are always a topic of huge concern. Over time, the inhaled baby powder may settle in the lungs and leads to lung damage and breathing hazards. Pediatricians no longer advise talc powder, as talc particles are very fine and dusty. Corn-starch is a good alternative and is excellent in absorption capability.
Method of Using Corn-Starch Baby Powders
Corn- starch powder is a better choice of baby powder
Place a small amount of powder on your hands (make sure to move a couple of steps away from your baby while pouring powder on your hands), rub the powder on your hand first and then apply on the baby’s skin gently. These steps ensure that only sufficient amounts are applied and no extra particles are inhaled by the baby.
Here is a demonstration video to further help you:
Tips on Choosing Baby Powders
- As the reasons discussed above, it is recommended to avoid the talc based powders.
- Ask your baby’s pediatrician to suggest a baby powder or speak to the representatives of well-known baby-friendly brands to help you in the process. Make sure whatever product you choose for the baby is certified by FDA for use in babies.
- Select a corn-starch based powder. These are soft and healthier to use. Using corn-starch powders on wet areas can prove effective in keeping them dry and preventing bacterial accumulation due to sweat.
- If the baby’s skin is very thin, damaged or hyper allergic, try using creams and ointments. These creams are helpful in two ways. One they do not cause over drying of skin as commonly reported with powders. Secondly, most creams have absorbent agents and contain ingredients that have a cooling effect on skin, preventing any discomfort to the baby.
Things to Mind When Using Baby Powders
- When changing the baby’s diaper, make sure the bottle is away so that they do not play with it. There are chances of choking on the powder, if the container is left open.
- Baby powders should not be used directly on the skin. Instead, the mother should first take a small amount on her hands and apply gently.
- When pouring powder onto your skin, make sure to prevent the inhalation of particles by turning off fan or moving away from window.
- When reapplying baby powder, make sure that any aggregates or clumps are wiped off properly from the skin. Be especially careful about the creased areas of the skin such as neck and armpits.
- Make sure not to use the powder excessively; otherwise, it tends to combine with the sweat and urine and form clumps that may cause skin irritation.
- It is important to know that powder should be applied with caution in areas with skin folds or wrinkles such as armpits, buttocks and thighs. It is in these areas that sweat or urine tends to accumulate over time and may cause irritation to skin.
- Never apply baby powder near sensitive areas such as nose and eyes. This can cause inhalation problems and may even lead to powder accumulation in lungs, in case of long term usage of powder. In addition, chemicals may enter the eye or nose to elicit an inflammatory response or allergic attack.
Important Notes:
- Parents should make sure to keep up with regular pediatric visits and feel free to share any concerns or queries if you have doubts regarding any break out, allergic lesions or red patches.
- Although most diapers today have superior absorption power, using baby powder can help act as a precautionary measure to ensure the baby stay comfortable for a longer period of time.
- You can also consider medicated powders and pharmacological preparations if your baby has a sensitive skin.