If you use talcum Powder for your baby, then take a few minutes to read this article. Talcum powder is a mineral based product made up of elements like silicon, magnesium, and oxygen. It absorbs moisture pretty quickly and helps to cut down on friction.
Mothers use it to keep their babies’ bottom dry and rash free.
So far so good. But health experts warn you about the dangers of talc for your baby.
The American Academy of Paediatrics advises that talcum powder can cause breathing trouble and severe lung damage for babies if your baby inhales the particles. Talc powders contain minute granules which can quickly pass through your babies’ airways.
If your baby inhales the tiny particles, it can lead to lung irritation and respiratory distress. Even asbestos free talcum powder can irritate and inflame your baby’s nasal airways.
The results can be more drastic if your baby is at high risk of respiratory illness. The high risk includes premature babies, babies who've had many respiratory diseases or suffering from a respiratory syncytial virus, premature babies, and babies with congenital heart disease.
If your baby isn’t at high risk and you’ve decided to use powder for your little one then follow these tips.
- · Use the talcum powder sparingly
- · Put the powder in your hands and not “on” or “near” your baby
- · Keep the powder tin out of your baby’s reach
- · If there are other small kids in the house, keep the powder out of their reach too
- · Never allow powder buildup on your baby’s skin
- · At every diaper change wash away any powder that may have accumulated in the folds of your baby’s skin
- · If you have a girl baby, avoid or limit the use of powder in the diaper area because experts warn talcum powder may cause ovarian cancer.
Apart from talcum powder talc may be present in
ü Bath balms
ü Soap
ü Shower products
ü Blush
ü Feminine hygiene products
ü Lotions
ü Deodorants
ü Facemask
ü Toothpowder
ü Lipstick
ü Eyeshadow
ü Foundation
Better alternatives for your baby instead of using talc
Instead of depending on commercial products, you can make your own DIY diaper rash cream that contains beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, witch hazel, and calendula. Magnesium oil is another safe alternative.
These treatments include anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties that heal your baby’s diaper rash quickly. These products will reduce skin irritation and inflammation without harming your baby.
