I remember back to when I was a brand new mom, trying to find my way around the millions and millions of baby products out there. Not an easy task and super stressful for an already stressed out and hormonal mom. Going into those super-sized baby stores was overwhelming and left me more confused than ever. So I sat down and did my research and learned by doing. Turns out most of the baby products out there are not really good for baby. Which makes things even scarier than they already are. As always, I encourage you to do your own research, but to help you cut a few corners I put together a list of baby products which I use and love. I will categorize this list by different subjects, such as body care, toys, alternative medicine, etc... let's start this series with "Body care products".
Body care:
Coconut oil! Yes, yes, you have probably heard it before. But it truly is amazing! It is fairly affordable, even good quality organic brands, and very versatile. I use it for cooking but mainly for body care for myself and baby. Even my husband is getting into the habit of using it. It is a wonderful skin moisturizer that leaves your skin super soft. Whenever I give Amelie a bath, I warm it between my hands and give her a relaxing baby massage which she loves. I also use it as a diaper rash cream, it works wonders on red bums.
Coconut oil is also great as a hair mask for you or your baby. I apply it generously to baby's head and massage lightly before her bath and then wash her hair as usual.
For all breastfeeding or pumping moms - coconut oil is a wonderful nipple cream. Next to breast milk it is the only thing that helped me soothe my sore nipples. Bonus - it is absolutely safe for baby. -> Please be sure to only buy food grade, organic coconut oil. We use this brand, you can find it for about $6 at Whole Foods.
Body care:
Coconut oil! Yes, yes, you have probably heard it before. But it truly is amazing! It is fairly affordable, even good quality organic brands, and very versatile. I use it for cooking but mainly for body care for myself and baby. Even my husband is getting into the habit of using it. It is a wonderful skin moisturizer that leaves your skin super soft. Whenever I give Amelie a bath, I warm it between my hands and give her a relaxing baby massage which she loves. I also use it as a diaper rash cream, it works wonders on red bums.
Coconut oil is also great as a hair mask for you or your baby. I apply it generously to baby's head and massage lightly before her bath and then wash her hair as usual.
For all breastfeeding or pumping moms - coconut oil is a wonderful nipple cream. Next to breast milk it is the only thing that helped me soothe my sore nipples. Bonus - it is absolutely safe for baby. -> Please be sure to only buy food grade, organic coconut oil. We use this brand, you can find it for about $6 at Whole Foods.
Dr. Bronners unscented baby mild bar soap! Certified organic, not tested on animals and also certified fair trade. I use it for baby from head to toe. (Be careful not to get it in baby's eyes) This soap is very mild and unscented, great for baby or people with sensitive skin. I use it all the time. This company also carries scented soaps, I especially love the lavender one which I not only use for body care but for "clean cleaning" all around the house. (More on that later) Prices vary, you are probably best off ordering it online via amazon or at Dr. Bronners Magic Soaps directly.
Toothpaste for baby. There are lots of arguments out there, wether or not to use a toothpaste that includes flouride or one that doesn't, or any at all. (Again, do your own research) I, for my part decided to choose a natural, non-flouride toothpaste with ingredients like organic calendula flower extract. It has a very mild spearmint/fennel flavor and baby seems to like it. I want to mention that I use very (very) little each time I brush her teeth so this tube will probably last us forever.
Though this is a very basic list of products, it is all we need. I believe that less is more, especially when it comes to chemicals that we put in or on our bodies. Buy as basic as you can, read the labels and pay attention to the ingredients. Always read the fine print. Hope this helps. :)
Which body care products do you use? What are your favorites?
Which body care products do you use? What are your favorites?