Baby Care Myths: How to Do It Naturally?

A modern parents often encounter questions and dilemmas regarding the care of their children’s skin. With a multitude of advice and recommendations available, it can be challenging to navigate through them, causing confusion not only for new parents but also for those with more experience. The various expectations, traditions, and the wide range of products available on the market often complicate the process of making the right decisions.

Children’s skin is particularly sensitive, making proper care crucial. However, the use of familiar methods and products is not always the best choice. Sustainability and a zero-waste lifestyle are becoming increasingly central, raising relevant questions in the field of child care.

The Association of Conscious Consumers emphasizes the importance of reflecting on our current practices and examining how traditional methods align with today’s expectations and sustainability criteria.

Sensitive skin and proper care

The sensitivity of children’s skin often manifests from birth. In the womb, amniotic fluid and vernix protect the skin, but after birth, infants encounter numerous new environmental factors. The hospital environment, where the baby spends its first days, is particularly important, as the bacteria and viruses present there influence the development of the immune system.

If a baby is born in overly sterile conditions, its immune system may not be able to develop properly. In such cases, the skin’s protective layer develops more slowly, which can lead to sensitivity later on. Parents often use various bath products and creams, but these can sometimes hinder rather than help the development of the skin’s natural protective mechanisms.

During skin care, it is advisable to avoid products containing chemicals and artificial fragrances. Natural oils and gentle, sulfate-free soaps are much kinder to a baby’s skin. When cleaning the skin, it is important not to wash the baby with tap water, as chlorine and other chemicals can irritate the delicate skin. Using natural ingredients can help maintain the skin’s health and balance.

The correct way to bathe

Bathing often becomes a part of the daily routine, which, however, is not a pleasant experience for every infant. Newborns’ skin is not dirty, so daily bathing is not necessarily required. If the baby does not enjoy bathing, it is worth considering alternative methods, such as cleaning the creases with natural plant oils.

Until the age of six months, using clean water is sufficient, as the skin’s protective layer is not fully developed yet. Parents should consciously choose bathing products, avoiding degreasing, heavily scented substances. Prolonged exposure to warm water can dry out the skin, so it’s advisable to minimize soaking time.

For children, natural, plant-based bath products, such as soaps containing shea butter or cocoa butter, can be ideal choices. These are not only gentle but also help to retain skin hydration. During skin care, parents should pay attention to their child’s reactions and needs, ensuring that bathing does not become a stressful experience.

Cord stump care and proper hygiene

Caring for the cord stump can be a challenge for many parents, as recommendations have changed over the years. The cord stump will fall off naturally, and there is no need to hasten this process with special interventions. Doctors generally recommend keeping the cord clean, but excessive treatments, such as the use of alcohol or iodine, are not always warranted.

When caring for the cord stump, the most important thing is to ensure that it is not bleeding or turning red. The discharge around the cord can be cleaned with a non-iodine spray, such as Octenisept. Wiping with lavender water or rose water can also be helpful, but only at the base of the cord stump.

If the cord stump does not fall off after 2-3 weeks, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Simple, natural solutions are often sufficient, allowing us to avoid overly invasive treatments that are not beneficial for the baby’s skin and health.

Parents should therefore consider traditional methods and take sustainability into account during child care to ensure that infants’ skin develops healthily.