Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/139497
Baby Toiletries Lotions, shampoos and diaper creams get massaged into your baby's largest organ – his skin. Since baby's skin is more porous than adults, he can absorb more of the not-so-clean stuff (like formaldehydereleasing quaternium-15 and carcinogens) found in some baby cleaning products. Chemicals can cause some babies to have skin allergies or irritations. The issue: Expert weighs in: "Unless a parent sees a problem, or there is a strong family history of a reaction to one of these, one need not spend extra money or time buying special products," says Rabinowitz. Is it worth it? If you're skeptical about the chemicals found in some baby toiletries, try using household products like olive or coconut oil in place of conventional lotion. You'll save money and skip the chemicals. Baby Laundry Detergent Between spit-up, diaper blowouts and adventures in eating, most new parents are on intimate terms with their washers and dryers. As sensitive skin is very common in babies, the fragrances and dyes in normal laundry detergent could potentially irritate it. The issue: Experts agree that regular detergents are fine for most tots. If you notice skin irritation like dryness, red spots or itchiness, try switching to a baby or hypoallergenic/fragrance-free detergent to see if that helps. Expert weighs in: Is it worth it? Only if your baby has a skin allergy or very sensitive skin. Health & Wellness Magazine • 27