Natural babycare
New mums are becoming increasingly concerned about
what products and treatments they're administering to their
newborns. Lots of products say 'natural' on the label, but how can
you really know you're choosing something safe? Su-lin Sze
explains.
Natural personal-care products are flourishing right now, a
reflection of our growing passion for health and well-being, and
not just for our own health, but the health of our planet too. The
trend toward natural and organic products is increasingly popular
due to their efficacy and purity, as well as concerns about harmful
environmental toxins in synthetic products. In fact, according to
the 2007 UK-based Organic Monitor, the natural and organic skin
care industry will grow in coming years by as much as 9%, compared
to 1% growth predicted for conventional personal products.
There are many advantages in choosing to
use natural and non-synthetic baby-care products, such as:
- Improved health of earth for future generations (your
children!).
- Healthier oceans, rivers, and soils thanks to reduced
pollution.
- Healthier children. Studies have shown that the organic
and natural lifestyle reduces the incidences of skin conditions
(such as eczema) and allergies in children.
- Ensuring the longevity of eco-aware manufacturers, who
also support the recyclable packaging industries and employ
sustainable farming techniques.
According to market research, skin conditions in babies
are on the rise because of increasing exposure to
irritants. The main irritant chemicals found in conventional baby
care products include synthetic preservatives (often
paraben-based), synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, and mineral
oil. These can all be replaced safely with natural, hypoallergenic
alternatives such as certain essential oils, natural base oils like
grapeseed or sweet almond oil, and natural colours from flowers and
plants like calendula and carrot.
The good news for parents is that there is
a growing appreciation of the sensitivity and vulnerability of
babies' skin. Natural baby care products are rich in powerful plant
extracts and vital nutrients that stimulate innate healing
abilities, helping babies to grow and develop without causing
uncomfortable side effects. The herbs calendula and chamomile, for
example, are now well-known throughout the world as gentle healers
for babies with skin irritation, inflammation, and pain. It's
exciting to see parents embracing a natural revolution in personal
care, and discovering the world of plants along the way. After all,
these are the original medicines. Some herbs such as fennel, an
anti-colic herb, were used by breastfeeding mothers as far back as
ancient Greece.
The path to awareness
Biodynamic farming is a step beyond organic farming, and it was
born out of a desire to optimise the health of all living beings,
including planet Earth. Biodynamic products have a high strength
and vitality, which sets them apart from conventional products. The
beauty of this approach to agriculture is its commitment to
sustainable farming techniques that help the Earth, while
delivering deeply nutritious, pure raw materials for human usage.
Biodynamic farming was created by Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), who
also developed anthroposophic medicine.
Steiner believed in a connection between
the quality of food we eat and the strength of our thinking. Eating
high-quality food helps to keep the body alert and vital by
improving immunity and lowering allergic tendencies. According to
Phillip Melville of Weleda New Zealand, "Rudolf Steiner thought
that the surface of the earth is like our gut - it is the digestive
organ of the earth, with the microbes and insects breaking down
substances leaving them available for plant and other life. So I
think what we are doing with biodynamics is very similar to keeping
a healthy digestive tract - arguably the most fundamental parameter
of good health."
Buying natural
So how do you know you're choosing natural? Follow these simple
shopping tips:
1. Check product labels and avoid buying anything
containing unpronounceable synthetic compounds or toxic
chemicals.
2. Support skincare brands that invest in
biodynamic techniques, fair trade practices, and eco-certified
farming.
3. Multi-purpose products such as an all-in-one
body wash and shampoo will save you money, so you can afford to
purchase a purer, more premium-quality product.
4. Look for certification seals on your personal
care products, such as NaTrue and the BDIH seal for certified
natural cosmetics. These indicate that toxins, artificial
ingredients, and harmful additives have not been used. If you're a
biodynamics fan, look for the Demeter certification that ensures
standards in this farming practice have been adhered to.
5. Check the ingredients list on the actual
product rather than the front label. Often a product can contain
organically grown herbs or fruits, but it still contains synthetic
preservatives.
Natural treatments for common baby
complaints
Teething, nappy rash, colic and constipation can be quite
distressing for babies and parents, so here is some useful
information to help you relieve your baby's pain or
discomfort.
Teething begins for most babies between the ages of six and eight
months. Look out for swollen gums, extra drooling and dribbling,
rashes on the chin, cheeks or nappy area, disturbed sleep,
and increased crying. They will want to chew on something firm and
cool to numb the gums and reduce pain, so have items ready to
provide your baby with instant relief, such as a cooled apple wedge
or frozen facecloth.
Homeopathic medicines are a safe and
natural treatment for teething, such as a teething powder
containing chamomilla root for its pain reducing actions on the
teeth, and also Conchae, to soothe aches and pains. Add a small
amount of the powder to warm water, insert into your baby's mouth,
and the healing ingredients will gently diffuse into the gums and
surrounding tissues to soothe pain and irritation.
Other symptoms of teething can occur from
increased saliva production and acidity of stools. Skin irritation
on the chin and cheeks, and nappy rash, can be soothed with natural
skin products based on anti-inflammatory herbs such as calendula,
chamomile, and aloe vera. Calendula, treasured for centuries as a
calming skin softener, is a gentle and reliable herb suitable for
use with most babies. Look for calendula oils, lotions, nappy
change creams and bathing products to provide both a nourishing and
cleansing experience for your baby.
Many babies also develop nappy rash while teething due to the
increased acidity of their stools. Be sure to act quickly, as nappy
rash can progress into raw blisters and ulcers and is extremely
uncomfortable. Keep the area as clean and dry as possible, and use
a designated Rash Relief cream daily. Choose one with therapeutic
herbal ingredients such as Calendula, Chamomile, St Johns Wort
(Hypericum) and Nettle. These will give relief from itching and
pain and begin the process of healing. Avoid talcum powders and any
creams with synthetic ingredients such as perfumes and
preservatives as they will further irritate. Also ensure your baby
wears breathable clothing by avoiding synthetic materials.
Baby colic is a distressing condition in
which spasmodic abdominal pains cause babies to become impatient
and irritable. A build up of gas in the digestive tract is the
cause, and there are natural ways to relieve the discomfort for
babies, reducing crying time, improving sleep and softening the
belly.
Breastfeeding mothers can do two things
immediately to relieve colic in their babies. Firstly, avoid eating
any common colic-triggers such as dairy products, soy, wheat, eggs,
peanuts, fish, artifical preservatives, additives, and colourings.
Secondly, drink a nursing tea with classic lactation-supporting
herbs like Fennel, Caraway, Anise and Lemon Verbena. These herbs
are classifed as Carminatives, which means they relieve spasm in
the digestive system and help to dispel wind!
For a natural approach to colic, use a
preparation of the well-known anti-colic herb fennel, and the
homoepathic remedies Chamomilla, Conchae, and Tabacum. This
combination in a powder form, free of alcohol and flavourings, is
both easy to administer and able to naturally relax abdominal
tension.
For babies who love touch, apply gentle
massage to their abdominal area using chamomile-enriched calendula
oil. This helps a colicky baby to settle. Use smooth, circular
action, working upwards from the baby's right hip.
Constipation is a lack of bowel movements
that causes pain and intoxication. Nobody likes to feel
constipated, sluggish and stuck, so it is a relief to note that
there are many things you can do for your baby to relieve this
condition. It occurs in babies for both anatomical and dietary
reasons. Breastfed babies are less likely to experience
constipation, and if it does occur then check for allergy to
foods consumed in a mother's diet, such as the wheat and dairy.
Also, breastfeeding mothers need adequate amounts of vitamin C and
magnesium to support healthy bowel function in their babies.
Cooking with carminative herbs may help,
such as fennel, caraway and also oregano. Or for a quick solution,
drink a Nursing Tea which contains many carminatives to support
healthy digestion as well as stimulating breast milk flow. Massage
is also a great natural remedy for constipation in babies.
Follow the guidelines above for some simple
measures to effectively help your baby and at the same time act
positively for the earth and our environment.
Su-lin Sze is a naturopath dedicated to inspiring
interest and passion for the holistic lifestyle. She works as an
independent consultant to Weleda, the health and skincare company
founded by Rudolf Steiner and Ita Wegman in the 1920s.
As seen in OHbaby! magazine
Issue 9: 2010
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