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 Popular Articles: |
Cloth Diaper Pins |
DIAPER PINS are dangerous! They can stab and scratch, even be swallowed! For this reason, it is important to always close your diaper pins when not in use. Close them as soon as you take them off your baby's diapers. Don't carry open pins in your mouth, you could hurt yourself or harm your baby if one slips out. To keep pins sliding easily, poke into a bar of soap, through your hair, across your forehead or into a Diaper Pin Holder. But never leave pins stuck into anything your baby can reach!
A second precaution is to always keep your fingers between the pin you're sticking into the diaper, and your baby. Your fingers may be scarred, but your baby will be safer. Don't buy or use those pins with plastic heads shaped like ducks or other animals. They tend to break easily - into sharp pieces, leaving an exposed dangerous metal tip. Pins with metal sliding-lock heads prevent accidental release. When pins get dull, TOSS THEM OUT!! Most pinning accidents occur when a dull pin and extra force is used to push the pin through the diaper.
Alternatives: Snappi or Boingo diaper fastener, Velcro®, snap or tie-closing diapers and/or covers.
Honeybuns Talc Free Baby Powder |
BABY POWDER - Never let your baby play with the powder bottle while you change diapers (or any other time!) Inhaling baby powder has been reported to cause severe pneumonia, long-term lung disease and even death. Accidental inhalation of talcum powder accounts for about 1% of all calls to Poison Control Centres, for babies under 3 years old.
Researchers note the shape of the baby powder containers, which resemble nursing bottles, may contribute to accidental inhalation; plus the containers have no safety caps or warning to parents about dangers.
In some cases, when perfumed baby powder gets into the cracks and crevices of your baby's skin, it acts as an irritant. Talcum is ground up rock, and is closely related to the carcinogen (cancer-causing) asbestos and may contain microscopic asbestos particles.
Although cornstarch is often suggested as a substitute for commercial baby powder, it should be avoided as it can encourage yeast growth on some babies' bottoms.
Alternatives: Powdering is not a necessary part of diapering. If used, try a natural powder such as Ora's Amazing Herbal Baby Powder - with no Talc, Grain, Gluten, or Corn.
Alternatives: Snappi or Boingo diaper fastener, Velcro®, snap or tie-closing diapers and/or covers.
Organic Baby Diaper Skin Treatment |
LOTIONS AND OINTMENTS - Lotions are usually scented and liable to cause reactions on sensitive skin. Vaseline (and mineral oil) is a petroleum by-product, which interferes with your baby's natural absorption of oil-soluble vitamins A, D and E.
A research study found Poison Centres receive calls of babies ingesting baby powders, creams and lotions. Thirty different babies, ranging from 7 to 18 months - 47% baby powder, 27% ointment and creams, 16% baby wipes. The babies symptoms included coughing, wheezing, choking, shortness of breath and even vomiting. Sometimes babies had grabbed the products from the parents, but in other cases parents had given the can or jar to play with during changing.
A group of scientists and health activists petitioned the FDA to take ointments and lotions containing Iodocholrhydroxyquin off the market. Recently, animal study results showed severe side effects, including liver damage, lethargy and weight loss. Some products containing this ingredient include: Vioform, Vioform-Hydrocortisone, Pricort Cream and Lotion, HCV Cream, Nystraform Ointment and Pedi-Cort V Creme. While this product has not been banned by the FDA, you might want to check any diaper cream before use, to be sure Iodocholrhydroxyquin is not present.
Alternatives: Fresh air, mild soap and water are really the only products you'll need to take care of a healthy baby's skin. For diaper rash, an economical alternative is a 1 lb. jar of Zinc Oxide (available from your health or drug store). To massage baby's skin, try olive oil or a petroleum-free baby oil. Petroleum-free jelly moisturizes dry skin and protects against chapping and windburn.
Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail |
DIAPER PAILS - Two serious hazards are associated with diaper pails: drowning and poisoning. Several children have been poisoned when they ate the diaper pail cake-deodorisers. Over an 8-year period, 25 children have fallen into diaper pails and drowned.
Alternatives: Buy a diaper pail with a locking lid and keep it securely closed. Use an environmentally-safe, non-toxic deodoriser, such as Purify Bamboo Charcoal.
Seventh Generation Free and Clear Baby Wipes |
BABY WIPES - Most brands contain alcohol or some other related drying agent, which dries out your baby's skin. This robs your baby's skin of its natural protective oils, leaving it open to bacterial growth and infection. Some mothers have found the chemicals or perfumes used in commercial baby wipes very irritating to their baby girls' delicate tissues. One mother tried using a baby wipe on herself, and reported burning pain for 1 1/2 hours after application. If you find your baby flinching when you wipe, you might want to consider if this is a problem for your baby.
Alternatives: Use warm, damp washcloths, a clean diaper or home-made wipes (scent-free toilet paper and 3/4 cup of olive oil or petroleum-free baby oil, in a container.) Carry damp cloths in a Zip-Lock® bag, or purchase cloth baby wipes for on the road
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MISCELLANEOUS - Adding fabric softeners or other chemicals to your baby's laundry may irritate sensitive baby skin. Enzyme pre-soaks shouldn't be used for diapers or baby's other clothing - even after washing the chemicals remain and can be absorbed through your baby's skin. Check your baby's shampoo for even more chemicals!
Alternatives: 1/2 cup of vinegar softens the water and brightens your wash. Or try Washing Soda and Borax. Sunlight is an excellent way to get rid of stains and sterilize diapers. Try a chemical and alcohol-free baby shampoo, such as BabyGanics.
This article compliments of Born to Love.
Send questions, comments, and suggestions to: catherine@borntolove.com
Born to Love articles are written by Catherine McDiarmid-Watt
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Last updated - April 5, 2024
