I love using natural products for all my personal care, cleaning, and household needs. But if you’re not quite ready to make your own deodorant and toothpaste, at least consider using all-natural products for your kids!
Kids get exposed to an alarming number of chemicals daily, and even babies are born with them in their umbilical blood. Many baby products and shampoos, like some from popular brands, actually contain chemicals that aren’t safe. For instance, numerous baby shampoos have shocking chemical ratings, and baby oil is often just liquid petroleum mixed with artificial fragrances.
A baby or child’s soft skin absorbs most items applied to it, making it crucial to opt for natural options. Some companies create natural baby care products, but the easiest and cheapest way is to make your own. You can use pure coconut oil for everything—from cleaning and moisturizing to treating diaper rash. If you’re looking for some variety, try these recipes! These are the same ones I use for my kids and share with friends who have babies.
We switched to cloth diapering with our third child, and I’ve never looked back! It’s not only cheaper but also more natural and easier than expected. Thanks to cloth diapers and better nutrition, my babies rarely deal with diaper rash. However, sometimes it can be a bit tricky, like when a baby stays in a dirty diaper overnight or develops a rash during trips.
You shouldn’t use commercial diaper cream with cloth diapers because the fish oil in it leaves a lasting fishy smell and can void the cloth diaper’s warranty. After lots of research and trial and error, I finally crafted a diaper cream safe for cloth diapers that works as well as medicated versions.
You can apply it directly with cloth diapers if you’re okay with stripping the diapers later, but I prefer lining the diaper with a piece of an old T-shirt to avoid extra laundry work.
To make the diaper cream, melt coconut oil in a double boiler or a glass bowl over boiling water. Add calendula and chamomile flowers and let it heat on low/medium for at least an hour until the oil turns yellow and smells aromatic. Keep an eye on the water level to ensure it doesn’t evaporate. Strain the flowers, keeping as much coconut oil as possible, using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Mix the infused coconut oil with shea butter and arrowroot or zinc oxide using an immersion blender or fork until it becomes a thick paste. For a creamier texture, use a dedicated food processor. Store in a small glass jar and apply as needed with liners for cloth diapers. This cream is stronger and more effective than store-bought versions and also works for adult yeast infections or postpartum healing.
Each ingredient in this cream is chosen for a purpose. Coconut oil is naturally anti-fungal and soothing. Calendula and chamomile have antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in skin healing, particularly for diaper rashes. Shea butter softens skin while fighting fungi and yeast, thanks to its vitamins and natural SPF.
Regular baby oil is just petroleum-based and loaded with artificial fragrance. You can stick with plain coconut oil, but infusing it with herbs boosts skin healing. There are quick and slow methods for making infused oil. For a fast method, melt oil and infuse it with flowers over heat like in the aforementioned steps. For a more concentrated result, let oil sit with flowers in a jar in a dark place for several weeks. This infused oil is fantastic for soothing skin irritation and eczema.
Standard baby powder often contains talc, which is linked to health issues. Instead, there are simple-to-make natural alternatives that are safer and more effective.
For baby wipes, we make our own, which work with both cloth and disposable options—more eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
I use our homemade lotion recipe for our kids as it’s gentle on baby skin. Recently, I found that homemade lotion bars work even better, offering protection without blocking skin’s breathability. Use these if your baby has sensitive skin or eczema. You can enhance them with chamomile or calendula, although the basic version works well. They last longer, are fun for kids, and naturally provide SPF.
You might get tired of hearing this, but coconut oil is super handy. Babies don’t typically need soap or shampoo since their natural skin oils protect them. If you prefer lather, opt for Dr. Bronner’s sensitive skin castile soap. For cleanup, I use natural microfiber cloths to remove dirt and food without stripping oils. Coconut oil or baby oil works well for infrequent moisturizing.
I avoid children’s medicines like Tylenol or Motrin for my kids, helping them navigate teething using more natural ways.
Chamomile tincture is my go-to for soothing babies with colic, teething, or for helping older kids sleep or relieve aches. When using it for babies, I either dilute it or let the alcohol evaporate.
Do you make your own baby products or use natural ones? Share your best tips for keeping toxins away from babies!
