| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | and to counteract negative moods), myrrh (to ease |
| Conventionally produced cosmetics and personal care | | | | coughs, colds, and bronchitis - also beneficial for |
| products often contain poisonous substances, many | | | | digestive problems such as colic in infants), and ylang |
| of which were synthetically derived from | | | | ylang (use sparingly for a highly relaxing and uplifting |
| petrochemicals. These ingredients have the potential | | | | effect). |
| for causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous | | | | Baby wipes are another product which you are sure |
| system disorders, allergic respiratory reactions, and | | | | to use every day. Why not make them yourself? |
| skin and eye irritations. Many chemicals found in | | | | You will save money, and your baby's delicate skin |
| cosmetics don't cause immediate visible signs of | | | | will thank you. |
| toxicity, but affect our health negatively over time | | | | To make your own wipes, mix one fourth cup of |
| through repeated use. | | | | almond or olive oil with two cups of distilled water |
| That's the bad news. The good news is that we can | | | | and one fourth cup of baby shampoo (choose a |
| do something about it. As parents, making our own | | | | natural brand). To this, add 8 drops of lavender |
| baby products on the basis of all natural ingredients | | | | essential oil and 5 drops of tea tree oil (optional). |
| not only saves us money, but also ensures that our | | | | Now, prepare a roll of paper towels to become baby |
| babies' delicate immune systems and developing | | | | wipes. First, cut it in half. You now have two short |
| bodies are not unduly taxed by toxic and allergenic | | | | rolls. Remove the cardboard center. Place a short roll |
| ingredients. | | | | in an airtight, waterproof container (you can use an |
| Even better, baby products using simple, natural | | | | old baby wipe box or a tupperware container) and |
| ingredients are easy to make. You can pick up most | | | | pour the solution over the towels. Put the lid back on |
| of the ingredients you will need on your next trip to | | | | the box and turn it upside down so the solution is |
| the local shops. Supermarkets and natural food stores | | | | absorbed. Alternatively, if you use cloth or flannel |
| carry almost everything you will need, and specialist | | | | wipes, keep the solution in a jar or spray bottle and |
| ingredients should be available in your pharmacy. | | | | apply as needed. |
| Baby massage oil is one of the most versatile baby | | | | Even the most well cared for baby bottoms |
| products. It can be used on baby's skin, in the bath, | | | | occasionally suffer a bout of diaper rash. Most diaper |
| or massaged into the scalp to treat cradle cap. Baby | | | | rash creams on the market today are formulated on |
| massage is one of the most fulfilling forms of | | | | the basis of bee's wax, and many do-it-yourself |
| nurturing you can give your child. It aids digestion, | | | | recipes contain the same ingredient. If you wish to |
| relieves colic, eases tension, regulates breathing, and | | | | avoid animal products, you can use jojoba oil instead. |
| spurs growth. Massage offers your infant not only | | | | Jojoba oil is perfect for baby skin due to its great |
| the comfort and stimulus of touch, but a full range of | | | | nutritional properties. Its structure is very close to |
| enriching sensual experiences: eye contact, a soothing | | | | human sebum so it is easily absorbed. |
| voice, and a familiar scent. | | | | Jojoba oil allows the skin to breathe, unlike other oils. |
| You can make your own baby oil using pure almond | | | | It nourishes the skin and moisturizes it at the same |
| oil, which is hypoallergenic and has a slightly warming | | | | time. To further enhance these beneficial properties |
| effect on the body, aiding relaxation. If your baby is | | | | add 5 drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil (both |
| allergic to seed and nut oils, you can use olive oil as a | | | | act as anti-bacterial agents) for every 2 ounces of oil. |
| base instead. For babies older than 6 months, you | | | | Wheat germ oil with its naturally high Vitamin E |
| may wish to experiment by adding a few drops of | | | | content complements this jojoba oil mixture. Adding a |
| essential oil to the base oil. Excellent choices for | | | | few drops will also help preserve this product. Pure |
| babies include lavender (to achieve a relaxing, | | | | Vitamin E Oil is a good alternative if you cannot find |
| sedative effect), geranium (to ease nervous tension | | | | wheat germ oil. |