Dear Director:

What is the appropriate skincare for a baby with very sensitive skin, along with rough, and dry patches on face, arms and legs? My baby is often very uncomfortable because she is always so itchy.

Mom of Itchy Baby – Weston, MA

Dear Mom if Itchy Baby:

As mothers we hate to see our children uncomfortable or in distress, especially when it seems we can do little to alleviate their pain. Because of the nature of dry sensitive skin, over the counter remedies, and bath products must be used frequently in order to bring relief and minimize symptoms.  The question becomes; how does the frequency of use, and exposure to the chemicals in over the counter medications and bath products affect a very young child over time.

Most skin care products including those labeled “All Natural” contain ingredients like:formaldehyde, Quaternium-15 and 1,4-dioxane these are known carcinogens. Formaldehyde can also trigger skin rashes in some children and sensitize skin. Unlike many other countries, the U.S. government does not limit formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, or most other hazardous substances in personal care products.  (See “No More Toxic Tub” A Case Study of Johnson’s Baby Shampoo March 12, 2009)

There is a growing consensus among parents that all natural and organic skin care products are best for adults and babies and our very permeable skin. With numerous applications of skin care products, we cannot predict how daily exposure to chemicals regardless of how small will affect our immune systems or how they may contribute to later-in-life disease.

Organic soaps, lotions, exfoliators and moisturizers for adults and children are very effective in mitigating the effects of dry patchy skin, eczema and psoriasis. USDA approved organic and botanical based products contain: lavender, calendula, chamomile, sunflower, Shea butter and other herbal extracts. Nature’s ingredients, which are naturally beneficial to human skin, seem to be the common sense answer to how we should care for our skin.

A new site that is easy to navigate, offers competitive pricing, free shipping and great daily specials is www.livewellnaturalbaby. Live Well Natural Baby offers a variety of USDA approved organic brands for Mom and Baby skincare.  They even carry the widely popular Pre de Provence soaps that are passion of people that want luxurious, high end, long lasting natural soaps.

You and your baby deserve the best and healthiest products on your skin. Organic and botanical products can give you the results you are looking for, they are the healthy option for skincare the way nature intended.

Tartt’s Day Care Center’s Boston based childcare centers operating since 1946 specialize in the care and education of infants and toddlers. We realize that quality childcare requires a collaborative effort between parents and educators. Tartts is dedicated to caring for and nurturing the total child. Our goal is to encourage the development of happy, healthy, confident children who are enthusiastic learners.