Safe Baby Care: Ingredients to Avoid in Baby Products and Why

Proper baby skin care is very important in the early years. This is because baby’s skin is much thinner and can be overly sensitive. Consequently, it is essential to use products that are safe for their delicate skin. However, with so many products in the market nowadays, you may be overwhelmed and unsure of which to purchase. The general principle to keep in mind in this situation is what you are exposing your little ones to. Always read the labels and fine print when purchasing products for babies. You might not be aware of it, but some common baby products contain ingredients that can be very damaging to baby's skin. This includes shampoos, lotions, bath gels, sunscreens, etc. So, choose products carefully to protect your little one's skin. The harmful chemical ingredients are unfortunately common in many high-end baby and children's products. What's worse is that they have the potential to cause short-term and long-term health issues. Keep reading to find out what the ingredients are and why you should not use them on your baby's sensitive skin. 6 Ingredients to Avoid for Safe Baby Care To start with, make sure to read the ingredients before purchasing any products for your children even when using trial-size products provided by the hospital or at the shopping malls. It is best to be cautious from the start because you never know how the ingredients might irritate your baby's sensitive skin. The following are some chemical ingredients to avoid in baby care products: Sulfates Image credit: Canva Sulfates are a common ingredient in store-bought baby soaps and cleansers (SLS). These are added to shampoos and baby washes to make them ‘foam’ or ‘bubble up’. Some people might think shampoo is more effective if it produces larger bubbles. However, sulfates are extremely drying and toxic to the body. According to the Environmental Working Group database, SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) has been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation, and endocrine disruption. To stay away from these harsh chemicals, look for products that are marked 'SLS-free' or 'sulfate-free'. Parabens Image credit: Canva Parabens are synthetic preservatives. They are known by ingredient names such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, and propylparaben. Companies include these in skin care products to help them last longer and not spoil in a short period. While they are effective at preventing bacteria growth and increasing product longevity, they have also been linked to several health issues. For example, parabens have been shown in some studies to interfere with hormone production and regulation in the body. However, thankfully, there are numerous paraben-free and effective alternatives on the market. So, finding one should not be difficult. Phthalates Image credit: Canva Phthalates are synthetic chemicals that are used in many topical creams, soaps, and other skin care products to soften plastics and act as solvents. They are frequently included in cosmetics and other personal care items to enhance their functionality or fragrance. However, they are known as endocrine disruptors and have been linked to a variety of health issues, including allergies, hormone disruption, obesity, and reproductive toxicity. Dyes Image credit: Canva Brightly coloured shampoo and soap appear to be enjoyable for kids. However, the chemicals that contribute to the colour transformation are not safe. Artificial dyes in foods and even skin care products have been shown in studies to be harmful. Toxins found in artificial colours increase the risk of sensitivity and irritation while also allowing these chemicals to enter the body. Dye exposure has the potential to cause chromosomal damage, tumours, hyperactivity, lymphomas, neurochemical effects, asthma, insomnia, allergies, and eczema, among other things. Alcohol Image credit: Canva Many baby skin care products contain alcohol, such as lotions, sanitisers, and wipes. It is an antimicrobial agent that is effective against bacteria and viruses. However, alcohol can be extremely drying and irritating to the skin, especially that of a baby. Rashes, itching, and redness have all been linked to alcohol. Furthermore, alcohol can deplete the skin's natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to further irritation and infection. Therefore, alcohol-containing baby skin care products should be avoided. There are numerous alcohol-free, gentle, and effective alternatives available to keep your baby's delicate skin healthy, clean, and free of irritation. Colourants Image credit: Canva Baby products are frequently coloured to make them more appealing and fun for children. Although some products use colours derived from natural ingredients, others use synthetic ingredients or dyes for the colours. These artificial colorants can harm children's sensitive skin because they contain heavy metals and trigger allergic reactions. Avoid colorant-containing products by keeping an eye out for words like 'colorant', 'pigment', and 'dye' on the labels. Feel Safe with NIVEA BABY Products It is extremely concerning to learn that baby products may contain harmful ingredients. You may accidentally expose your young kids to if you are not careful. Fortunately, NIVEA has products specifically designed for babies and children. They work ideally to protect your little one’s delicate skin. To properly care for your baby's skin, always choose products that contain as many natural and safe ingredients as possible. NIVEA BABY and NIVEA Kids products are specially formulated to be gentle on your kids' skin, making them excellent choices for their care. Here's everything you need to keep your baby or child's bath time routine free of harmful ingredients. NIVEA BABY Head to Toe Shampoo & Bath Image credit: NIVEA BABY Paediatricians and dermatologists collaborated on the development of this two-in-one product to gently cleanse both baby's delicate skin and fine hair without drying it out. It contains Calendula as a natural ingredient that leaves skin and hair feeling clean, soft, and smooth after each wash. NIVEA BABY Head to Toe Shampoo & Bath is gentle with 0% paraben and 0% colorant and also has tear-free protection to provide comfort for your baby during bath time. Following that, finish the routine with a massage using NIVEA BABY Gentle Touch Moisturizing Lotion. NIVEA BABY Gentle Touch Moisturizing Lotion with Aloe Vera Image credit: NIVEA BABY This lotion contains Aloe Vera, a natural ingredient known for its soothing and calming properties. It moisturises and protects babies’ delicate skin daily, keeping it healthy and soft while strengthening the skin barrier. NIVEA BABY Gentle Touch Moisturizing Lotion, like the other NIVEA BABY products, is co-developed by paediatricians and dermatologists to be gentle, with 0% paraben and 0% colorant. It's no surprise that 99%* of parents believe in using NIVEA BABY on their children. *99% agreed that they trust using NIVEA BABY because it’s free of parabens and colorants. Survey conducted between 15/8/18 and 26/10/18 with 241 Home Testers. NIVEA Kids 2 In 1 Shower & Shampoo Image credit: NIVEA Kids Young children, like babies, should use safe, suitable products because their skin is still not as resilient as adults. Their skin may still be fragile, which can be exacerbated by the use of the above-mentioned harmful ingredients. Not sure what to use? Look no further as 97% of moms would recommend this!* The NIVEA Kids 2 in 1 Shower & Shampoo is ideal for gentle cleansing and caring for children's delicate skin and hair. Its soft cream formula contains natural ingredients like Bio Aloe Vera and chamomile extract, which help protect from tears and make combing your kids' hair easier. It is also soap-free, has a skin-friendly pH, and has been tested by dermatologists and paediatricians. The NIVEA Kids 2 in 1 Shower & Shampoo comes in two scents: Magic Apple and Sparkle Berry. Your children will enjoy smelling good and feeling fresh after each bathing session and this is proven as 100% of mums agree that NIVEA Kids 2 in 1 Shampoo & Bath has a fruity scent that kids like** *NPS survey answered 7 and above on a scale from 0 to 10 on www.tryandreview.com, by 71 out of 73 testers as of 01/06/22 ** Statement answered as "Strongly Agree" and "Agree" on www.tryandreview.com, by 73 out of 73 testers Use NIVEA Products to Care for Your Little One There are so many things you need to prepare and think about to keep your little ones comfortable and safe, from feeding sessions to bath time and bedtime. Allow NIVEA BABY products to take the worry away by using safe and natural ingredients to keep your baby's skin healthy and free of irritation. Don’t miss out and grab the NIVEA BABY Head to Toe Shampoo & Bath, NIVEA BABY Gentle Touch Moisturising Lotion with Aloe Vera, and NIVEA Kids 2 In 1 Shower & Shampoo from Shopee or at any Watson’s store today! Insert promo code NIVEMTH08 upon checkout on Shopee to get 15% off with no minimum spend on all NIVEA BABY products*. Hurry, the promotion is valid from 24 August 2022 – 8 October 2022 only! NIVEA products are the first step in caring for your little one's skin. *Terms & Conditions apply Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Family Planning by

Family Fun By Sunway Malls

Motherhood Panel of Experts

More Stories

Maternity Pads: Here Are the Best Ones