As a new
parent, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed by conflicting information about
the safest ways to care for the little one who completely relies on you. This
is especially true when it comes to baby care products.
The confusion
related to ingredients that may be harmful to babies’ sensitive skin is top of
mind for many moms. But to make the right choices for your family, first you
need to sort the myths from the facts.
Myth: Baby’s skin is naturally perfect and
can be cleansed with water alone.
Fact: Protecting
the integrity of a baby’s skin barrier is critical. Cleansing is essential as
it not only removes dirt, but can also prevent infection and transmission of
bacteria that are on the surface of baby skin. It is important to buy products
that are designed for babies specifically and that are proven to be mild while
meeting or exceeding third-party industry standards. The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and
Neonatal Nurses, provides evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and
product selection criteria to leading hospitals to ensure that infant
cleansers, lotions, and shampoos are safe, effective and appropriate for use on
newborn skin. Not all infant cleansers currently on the market meet AWHONN’s
criteria, so be sure to look out for products that do when you shop.
Read more: Local pharmacists share best products to keep kids healthy
Myth: Tear-free products are not safe for
baby’s eyes and may contain harmful numbing chemicals.
Fact: The
assertion that numbing chemicals are added to tear-free products is false.
Products developed by Johnson’s scientists have undergone extensive clinical
evaluation and are proven to be as gentle to the eyes as pure water. They only
include ingredients that are safe without the use of numbing agents. Remember,
not all baby products that promise to be tear-free are the same. The team of
scientists at Johnson’s are leaders in developing ways to evaluate products for
eye safety and mildness. They conduct a complete ingredient review and
assessment using laboratory and clinical methods before a product is eligible
for the signature “No More Tears” label.
Read more: Sunscreen expert answers common questions
Myth: Products that say “natural” on the
label are safest for your baby.
Fact: The
use of the word “natural” on labels can be misleading. Standards created by
groups like the Natural Products Association apply to a wide range of personal
care products. In fact, some “natural” baby products contain allergens and some
natural products eliminate preservatives, which are needed to prevent mold
growth and contamination and ensure the product remains safe throughout its
shelf life.
TIPS FOR SHOPPING THE BABY AISLE:
• Do your
research and buy from companies that you trust to provide safe and appropriate
products for your baby. Learn more specifics about product ingredients here.
• Understand
what ingredients on the label mean and don’t shy away from complicated words
just because you don’t understand them. Remember, some trendy and natural brands
may not follow AWHONN guidelines for safety and mildness.
• Beware of
brands that make false or unapproved claims and that are not evaluated for baby
skin specifically.
Article provided by Family
Features