We believe what we see. We tend to buy baby products that are aggressively marketed and promoted on television and in print. But remember, not all products are safe for babies, especially baby powder. Indian Pediatrics as well as international doctors do not recommend using baby powder.
Fancy ads on Television had led to mothers buying these products. Back then, our mothers bought us baby powder when we were small, and talcum powder when we grew a little bit. There was not much awareness of social media or lack of it. You might think that what harm could baby powder possibly cause to my baby?
In This Article
- So Why Is Using Baby Powder Unsafe For Babies?
- Cornstarch And Talcum Based Baby Powders
- Do Babies Need Baby Powder?
- If I Have To, How Should I Use Baby Powder For My Baby?
- FAQ’s
So Why Is Using Baby Powder Unsafe For Babies?
When you use baby powder, along with the lovely smell, it also releases many microparticles which can be easily inhaled by your baby. The risk of developing lung and respiratory problems is higher in babies who are born prematurely, have had frequent respiratory illnesses, or are born with congenital heart disease.
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend using baby powder because of the same reason. In 2013, Food and Drug Administration canceled the license of a well-known baby powder brand after 15 batches of baby powder products were found sterilized by an irritant and cancer-causing component. Ethylene Oxide used for sterilization is very dangerous. It is an anesthetic gas with a misleading pleasant smell.
Cornstarch And Talcum Based Baby Powders
Most baby powders are talcum based, and hence the particles can be easily inhaled. Talcum-based powders contain tiny particles of soft minerals called Talc. These powders are extremely bad for babies if inhaled. However, some baby powders are cornstarch based as well, which are considered safe if used sparingly and carefully. That is because the cornstarch-based powder has slightly larger particles and thus is less airborne to be inhaled by the baby.
In case, your baby has a diaper rash, kindly refrain from using any type of powder. This will only worsen the baby’s delicate skin. It is preferable to use diaper rash cream or ointment to cure diaper rash. Doctors say that using baby powder in diapers does in no way help to heal or lessen diaper rashes. Using a rash cream would help, for that matter. In case you notice any chapped skin or infection of any kind, do not apply powder. Consult your doctor at the earliest. Find out all about diaper rashes in babies here.
If your baby has asthma or respiratory illness, it is advisable to stay away from all types of powders because even the tiniest particle of powder is capable to irritate the baby’s lungs, if inhaled. If you still insist on applying powder, then it is better to go to a reputed and well-known brand.
Do Babies Need Baby Powder?
Frankly, babies do not need powder at all over their bodies. If the powder accumulates in the folds of hands, legs, neck, or genital areas- it can cause skin irritation. Keep the powder container, away from the baby’s reach. In fact, if you have older children, place the powder somewhere safe lest you find pleasant-smelling white dust all around, and your baby inhales the same. Many mothers use powder to soothe the skin after a diaper change. It is always better to air-dry the baby’s skin after every diaper change.
Diaper rash occurs when wet or dirty diapers are in contact with the skin for a long time. If you think that applying pleasant-smelling powder keeps the baby fresh the whole day then think again. Sometimes these powders, dry the skin and take away the moisture from the baby’s skin. You are harming the baby in the long run. Try changing dirty diapers at frequent intervals to avoid nappy rash. Let the baby’s skin be in its natural state. Do not try to irritate it by applying products that do more harm than good.
If I Have To, How Should I Use Baby Powder For My Baby?
If your baby is not allergic to any powder and does not have breathing issues, you can use very little powder. Try to go for cornstarch-based powders. Read the label and content carefully. Make sure it does not contain phthalate and talc.
Whenever you sprinkle the powder on a baby, make sure, you spray away from far and not directly on him/her. You can take some powder on your hands and then use it on the baby. Never let powder accumulate on your baby’s skin.
Give instructions to your massage lady, not to use any baby powder on your baby after the shower. Also, let your nanny know that each diaper change need not be accompanied by a dab of powder. It is high time, that we as parents educate ourselves and do research before buying any baby products. Gone are the days when our parents bought us up, believing old wives’ tales. Today, when every product is adulterated, it becomes important to pull up our socks and get your research done before buying.
FAQ’s
1. Should I Use Baby Powder For Every Diaper Change?
When changing a diaper, parents should avoid using cornstarch or talc-based baby powders, according to experts. It is preferable to keep the region clean and moisturized using basic, natural treatments.
2. How Can You Tell If Baby Powder Is Talc Free?
On the back of most jars of baby powder is a statement indicating whether or not the product contains talc. It’s possible that this may enable you to make purchase choices that will make you feel more at ease.
