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Are Baby Products Such as Shampoos, Soaps and Lotions Truly Necessary? Yes. It is recommended that babies and young children be cleansed with baby products. A baby’s skin if very immature, fragile and thin. During the first 24 months of life, a child’s sebaceous glands and hair follicles are maturing. Using hard or abrasive cleansers on these immature areas could cause rashes, and poor skin and poor hair health. The pH in most adult products is too strong for the skin and hair of infants and young children. Baby products are formulated in such a way that they cause the least amount of irritation and damage to a child’s young skin and hair. Baby products are also less likely to cause allergic reactions as they are typically free of alcohol and fragrance. Most babies and young children have dry skin. Excessive dry skin can lead to a lack of defense against outside irritants, which could cause rashes and raw areas to arise on the skin. Adult shampoos and soaps will only aggravate any dryness that is already present. What About Baby Powders? Many health professionals advise against using baby powders. Baby powder can pose a risk if inhaled by an infant. Talc is a key ingredient in baby powders and it can be harmful if inhaled. If baby powders are used, it is generally advised that cornstarch powders are used. However, you should make sure the cornstarch is not used in excess and that it does not accumulate in the folds of a baby’s skin as this may cause irritation. Only a small amount of powder should be applied. What About Baby Oils? It is acceptable to apply a thin coat of baby oil to a child’s body. However, you should not apply the baby oil directly to the child’s body from the bottle. The oil should be poured into the hand and warmed. Only a small amount of oil should be used because excess oil will cause the baby to become slippery. Note of Caution You should make sure that baby oil caps have child proof locks. Children can die from inhaling or swallowing baby oils. Infants and small children can also suffocate if they inhale a large amount of baby powder into their lungs. Baby powders, oils and other cleansing products should be kept out of the reach of children.
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