When it comes to taking care of our little ones, we want to ensure that we’re using the best products for their delicate skin. Selecting the best skin care products, like Elave, can be daunting, especially considering that a baby’s skin is even more sensitive than our own. The lists of ingredients in baby care products are often a mile long, and the names of the ingredients are hard to read and recognize. It’s important to avoid toxic elements that have been linked to various health concerns, including allergies, cancer, developmental problems, and organ dysfunction. That’s why it’s crucial to find safer alternatives that cater to your baby’s unique needs.
One of the most satisfying (and economical) ways to take extra precautions with the products you use on your child’s precious body is to make your own. Creating homemade skincare oils, powders, and gels gives you complete control over the ingredients within. This means you can accommodate for allergies, be more knowledgeable about sourcing and quality, and make only what you need.
Mama & Baby’s Massage Oil
This gentle massage oil is perfect for nurturing the dry skin of both mother and baby. Apply after bathing or anytime skin needs moisturizing. You can also pour a small amount into bathwater for a luxurious pampering bath for yourself.
Ingredients
2 parts organic lavender flowers
2 parts organic calendula flowers
1 part organic rose petals or buds
1 part organic chamomile flowers
1 part organic comfrey leaf
organic sunflower or sweet almond oil
vitamin E oil
Baby’s Body Powder Recipe
As we look forward to the summer sun, we know it can bring heat and humidity to your baby’s soft and sensitive skin. This recipe is 100 percent natural, and it can be simplified even further by leaving out the goldenseal and myrrh powder. Essential oils are also optional—keep in mind that these oils are highly concentrated, so less is best for baby.
Ingredients
12 ounces white clay
6 ounces organic arrowroot powder
4 teaspoons organic marshmallow root powder
4 teaspoons organic comfrey root powder
2 tablespoons myrrh gum powder
1 teaspoon organic goldenseal root powder
Up to 10 drops of organic sweet orange or lavender essential oil (optional)
Directions
Sift clay and arrowroot powder together and stir well. Add the herb powders and mix thoroughly. If using essential oil, add drop by drop and mix well. Store the powder in a sealed container in a dry place until needed.
Usage
Avoid sprinkling the powder near your baby’s eyes, mouth, nose, etc. Tip: Prior to changing your baby, sprinkle a little powder on a fresh diaper or other material (instead of directly on your baby) in an area away from your changing table. This helps limit the amount of baby powder that clouds up in the air.
Teething Gel
Commercial teething gels and tablets can contain harsh numbing agents and may have dangerous side effects. The following recipe uses a few natural ingredients that can be healthy for both parent and child.
Ingredients
1/2 cup organic cloves, whole
1 teaspoon myrrh gum powder
1/2 – 1 cup organic vegetable glycerin
unbleached cheesecloth or strainer
1 8-ounce glass jar with seal
Directions
Fill jar about halfway with cloves and add the myrrh gum powder. Fill the remaining space with glycerin. Seal the jar, shake well, and let sit for a month or longer in a cool, dark place. Flip the jar every once in a while to make sure the gel stays thoroughly mixed. After one month, pour through cheesecloth or a strainer into a new glass container and use as needed. For teething toddlers, rub a little gel onto gums for relief. It also helps relieve occasional soreness for adults. Not recommended for babies under six months.
