A good baby lotion moisturizes and protects delicate skin. It can also be used to cleanse a baby by placing the lotion on a piece of soft cotton. Applying baby lotion to your infant is a way to bond, especially by taking time to massage each tiny limb. The comfort of human touch, as essential as it is to all of us, is a way for your baby to instantly recognize the warmth of love through a parent's hands. A good baby lotion forms a protective layer over sensitive skin. It rehydrates dry areas and is especially effective for chafed skin or eczema. Making the skin soft and supple, baby lotion is often ideal for adults, especially those with sensitive skin. It can be used as a stretch mark cream for women who are susceptible to break-outs from conventional market brands.
What to Look for
Baby lotions come with a wide variety of components. Look for natural ingredients that are chemical-free to maintain safety for the skin and the internal system. Some baby lotions come with gentle aromas such as vanilla, lavender or orange. Milk and honey formulas are good for locking moisture into the skin. Oatmeal-based baby lotion can be helpful for irritated skin, along with calendula, almond or jojoba oil. Make sure that the baby lotion you are choosing is of the highest quality ingredients that are free of additives. Baby lotions vary in texture. Some are more easily absorbed than others. Look for non-greasy formulas and try to buy small samples to test them on your baby's skin before committing to a brand. Each baby reacts differently, and you want your child to benefit from the brand that is most suitable.
Common Pitfalls
Beware of strong scents and dyes when purchasing baby lotion. Often simple lotions are just as good as those advertised with all the testimonials. You don't need to spend a lot of money for an excellent baby lotion. So don't fall into the marketing traps! Check the labels for perfume and paraben, neither of which are good for your baby's skin. Don't let the packaging fool you. Sometimes when a baby lotion is labeled organic, it is still loaded with unnecessary ingredients. The components of baby lotion should be pure and alcohol-free. Avoid putting baby lotion on newborns. Their skin is still forming, so it is best to clean then with water and cotton.
