How to Choose Newborn Baby Care Products: 4 Smart Tips

Newborn babies have skin that is far more vulnerable than an adult's. For that reason, you need to choose skin care products that are safe and free of harmful substances. The many brands on the market often leave mothers unsure which product is best. Here are tips for choosing newborn baby care products.

Criteria for Products That Are Safe for Newborns

1. A Balanced pH

One thing to check when buying a product for a baby is its acidity level, or pH. Sensitive baby skin is easily irritated by products that are too acidic or too alkaline. So choose products labeled neutral pH.

Neutral pH is often written as "pH balance" or "balanced pH." Sometimes the terms "mild" or "ultra mild" are also linked to a neutral pH, but that isn't entirely accurate. Those terms mean the product's pH is close to the pH of baby skin, not that it is guaranteed to be neutral.

2. Alcohol-Free

The second criterion for a safe baby product is that it contains no alcohol. This ingredient is normally used in adult skin care products, not in newborn care products. It is added to make a product dry faster once applied to the skin. Unfortunately, the compound can cause irritation.

3. Fragrance-Free

Every baby's skin has a different tolerance. Some babies get irritated easily and some don't. Since you can't know your baby's limit, it is better to choose skin care products without extra chemicals such as fragrance. That said, neutral pH products with a mild fragrance rarely trigger allergic reactions.

However, if your baby has a history of eczema, it is better not to choose a scented product, even one with a mild fragrance. Keep in mind that many kinds of fragrance, including natural ones such as essential oils, can still trigger allergies. As a result, some experts recommend choosing fragrance-free products.

4. No Antibacterial Agents

The fourth criterion for a good newborn care product is that it contains no antibacterial agents. Products with that label are usually formulated for children, not for babies under 1 year old. Besides, ordinary baby skin care products can already keep your little one clean. You don't need to use ingredients that are too strong.

In essence, you only need to choose the most natural products for your little one. It is even better to consult a doctor about every product you use, especially if your baby has often had irritation before. Some substances may be safe for other babies but not suit your child's skin.