Caring for a baby does not always mean that you have to have a long list of products and a complicated routine. In most cases, natural baby care is all about keeping things gentle and simple in accordance with a particular child’s needs and age.
A natural baby care routine may include gentle cleansing and drying, diaper changes, and wearing comfortable clothes, skin care and even an occasional baby massage.
However, it is also important to note that just because something is ‘natural’ does not mean that it is necessarily hypoallergenic - so always study the label and pay attention to your child’s skin.
For natural baby care products that are suitable for everyday baby care, you can explore the Vasu Baby Care range.
1) Keep Your Everyday Baby Care Routine Gentle
When you begin exploring the concept of natural baby care, it is a good idea to start with the basics.
Bathing your child everyday may not be necessary - according to the NHS washing and bathing guidelines, you can simply clean your baby’s face, neck, hands and diaper area between baths. During washing and bathing:
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Use comfortably warm water
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Do not rub or scrub the baby’s skin
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Gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel
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Make sure to clean skin folds thoroughly
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Change wet or dirty nappies
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Wear clean, comfortable clothes
Always remember to have all of your baby’s essentials ready and never leave them unattended in the bath, even for a short period of time.
These tips can be the cornerstone of your everyday baby care routine, allowing you to keep things simple and gentle.
2) Choose Gentle Products for Your Baby’s Skin
When it comes to natural skin care, keeping the number of products to a minimum is usually a good idea. The American Academy of Pediatrics gentle baby-care guide to personal-care products encourages parents to study the ingredients of the products they buy and make use of more simple options when possible, especially when it comes to fragrance.
Before using a baby product for the first time:
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Make sure that it is suitable for babies
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Study the ingredients
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Check the recommended age for use
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Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
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Remember to introduce products one at a time in order to test for allergic reactions
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Discontinue use if an unexpected reaction occurs
Never assume that a product is safe just because it says ‘natural’, ‘herbal’, or ‘eco’ on the packaging - always pay attention to the recommended age and make sure that the product does not irritate your child’s skin.
If your child displays signs of redness, rash, sensitive or broken skin, consult your paediatrician before trying new products.
3) Make Diaper and Skin-Folds Care Part of Your Baby’s Routine
When it comes to everyday baby care, learning how to change a baby’s diaper is an essential skill.
Wet and dirty nappies should be changed regularly and the skin should always be cleaned and dried thoroughly.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics diaper care guidelines, frequent changes, as well as thorough cleaning, can prevent irritation from prolonged exposure to moisture or stool.
Remember to clean and dry folds of skin, including the neck, behind the ears, under the arms, in the thighs, and around the diaper area carefully and thoroughly. These are the key elements of gentle baby-care tips for everyday use.
4) Include Gentle Baby Massage If Your Baby Enjoys It
Baby massage is a traditional part of Indian culture and a popular natural baby care practice. If your baby enjoys massage, try it on a regular basis, but make sure to always use gentle, comforting motions.
Pay close attention to what the child likes and dislikes and never force your baby into a position they are uncomfortable in. The goal of baby massage is to provide comfort, not to achieve specific physical benefits.
If you are looking to introduce Ayurvedic massage into your baby’s daily routine, you may want to check out Vasu Swarna Malish Ayurvedic Tailam Baby Massage Oil for its traditional use.
The Vasu Baby Care website currently lists Swarna Malish Tailam as a baby massage oil.
When you are massaging your child, remember to follow the instructions on the product and pay close attention to how their skin reacts. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Baby massage can be a wonderful addition to a natural baby care routine for every day as part of a larger regime that includes bathing, clothes, and skin care.
5) Protect Your Baby’s Delicate Skin
Natural baby care does not only include bathing - it is also important to make sure that your child is dressed comfortably and protected from the sun.
Wear soft, comfortable clothes that are suited to the weather and change them often if they become damp, sweaty or dirty.
When you go outside, make sure to take extra precautions to protect your child from the sun. According to the American Academy of Dermatology infant sun protection guidelines, shade is the safest option for sun protection for young children, as well as lightweight clothing and a broad brimmed hat. Sunscreen lotions are generally not recommended for children under six months.
Keeping things simple and everyday friendly can be as simple as:
Gentle cleansing → Patting skin dry → Freshly changed nappies → Comfortable clothes → Skin care → An occasional baby massage.
You can find more natural baby care products and everyday gentle baby care advice at the Vasu Baby Care website.
Gentle Baby Care Tips to Remember
Here are some gentle baby care tips to help you develop a natural baby care routine:
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Keep baths short and gentle
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Use comfortably warm water
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Gently pat the skin dry
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Keep folds of skin clean and dry
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Change wet or dirty nappies often
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Choose products made for babies
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Make sure to study product instructions and ingredients
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Do not overload your baby’s skin with too many different products at once
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Dress your child comfortably and change damp, sweaty or dirty clothes often
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Protect your baby from the strong sun
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Keep baby massage gentle
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Consult your paediatrician in case of concerns about your baby’s skin
Ultimately, the best natural baby care usually has to do with keeping things gentle and simple in accordance with your child’s individual needs.
Conclusion
A gentle natural baby care routine does not necessarily have to include a wide variety of products and special treatments. Bathing your child in a simple and gentle way, along with skin care and drying, changing your baby’s nappies frequently, and wearing comfortable clothes can be sufficient for everyday baby care.
However, it is also important to pay close attention to your child’s individual needs and make sure to study the effects of any new products you introduce to their skin.
For more everyday natural baby care advice, make sure to check out the Vasu Baby Care website.
FAQs About Natural Baby Care
1. What is natural baby care?
Natural baby care can be all about keeping things simple and gentle for your child and making sure to select products that are appropriate to their age. However, it is important to note that just because something is ‘natural’ does not mean that it is hypoallergenic.
2. Does my child need to be washed everyday?
No, your child does not necessarily need a full bath every day. Between baths, you can simply clean your baby’s face, neck, hands and diaper area. You can also use a soft muslin cloth to gently wipe your child’s skin.
3. How can I choose gentle baby-care products?
Make sure to choose products that are suited to baby’s skin, study the ingredients and recommended uses of a product before buying and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using it for the first time. Parents whose child has sensitive skin should also consult their paediatrician.
4. How often should I change my baby’s nappies?
Wet and dirty nappies should be changed often and the skin should be cleaned and dried thoroughly.
5. Can baby massage be a part of everyday baby care?
Yes, baby massage can be part of everyday natural baby care if your baby enjoys it. Always keep your movements gentle and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you use a commercial baby massage oil.
6. When should I consult my paediatrician about my child’s skin?
If you ever notice unusual rashes or redness on your child’s skin that does not seem to be caused by a reaction to a product, you should always consult your paediatrician. The same goes for any other unusual changes or irritations, including swelling, sore spots, or unusual discharges.
