Avoid using any toiletries, shampoos, soap, bubble bath, cream, ointments, medication, oil or anything else on a baby. Babies can be washed and kept perfectly clean in nothing but water. You rarely need shampoo nor soap until they become rumbustious, mudseeking toddlers – and then only when essential.
Do not use baby wipes. When going out, carry a damp cloth with you in a plastic bag or jar. Those given are entirely suitable for babies and children.
Babies can be sensitive to cosmetics, perfumes, aftershave or toiletries that you or other carers or family use. Stop using things if you think this might be the case. Check what a childminder or relatives who care for the child might be using.
For sun protection, it is best to avoid using anything at all on extremely sensitive baby skin. Cover up with hats, long sleeves and thin leggings or socks in the sun.
If your baby has eczema or extremely sensitive skin, playing in sand or saltwater can be very uncomfortable. Carry a hand water spray bottle with you and spray the skin gently to wash off sand easily from sore skin.
For scratch mitts and flat-seamed clothes suitable for babies with severe eczema.
To treat cradle cap, olive oil is usually well tolerated. Massage it into the scalp; leave for two to three days, rubbing in more oil twice a day; and then shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Repeat after a week’s interval, if required.
For cuts, bruises, sunburn and other mishaps.
Try to avoid exposing a chemically sensitive baby to traffic fumes. When you cross roads with the baby in a buggy, do not allow the baby to sit close to vehicle exhausts inhaling fumes. Cross at lights or pedestrian crossings. Choose a buggy with a higher level seat or use a pram.
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