The use of baby powder is often debated. Some people say loose powder is dangerous, while others say that loose powder is safe to use on babies. Which one is correct? Check out the explanation below.
The Risks Behind Using Baby Powder
Baby powder is generally made from powdered talcum (magnesium silicate) or cornstarch. Baby powder has actually been used for a long time, but recently it's been rumored that using baby powder has a risk of serious side effects, such as cancer. Not a few parents believe that baby powder can prevent and treat diaper rash around the buttocks and genital area. However, is it really effective? Actually, the benefits of using loose powder on babies are not fully medically proven. In addition, talcum powder and sweat and baby urine can irritate the skin.
So, the use of loose powder that is not accompanied by efforts to maintain good hygiene can actually cause or worsen diaper rash. Several studies have also revealed that the use of talcum powder in infants is at risk of causing health problems. Following are some of them:
1. Respiratory disorders
The loose powder is very fine and easy to puff into the air. This makes the powder particles can be inhaled by the baby while in use. These particles, whether talcum powder or cornstarch, can irritate the baby's respiratory tract and cause respiratory problems.
2. Cancer
Talcum powder made from talcum is considered to trigger the risk of cancer. This is because talcum powder usually contains a harmful substance called asbestos, which is a carcinogenic substance that causes the growth of cancer cells. When this asbestos substance is inhaled for a long time, the risk is lung cancer.
Read Too : Recognize the Risks of Baby Powder and the Right Way to Use It
Is it Necessary to use Baby Powder?
With the risks above, some experts do not recommend the use of loose powder on babies. However, as long as the powder has been dermatologically tested to be safe for babies, so you can feel relieved. Even so, there is still a warning that baby powder must be used according to the instructions for use. Do not immediately pour the powder on the baby's body, but pour and smooth it first in the mother's hand. After that, just smear the powder on the little one's body.
The important thing that mothers need to remember is to avoid smearing the powder on the baby's nose and mouth so that the powder particles are not inhaled and interfere with his breathing. If you still have doubts about baby powder, try to consider why you are using this product and whether there is a better alternative. For example, if you use loose powder for diaper rash, you can try replacing it with petroleum jelly or lotion.
Mothers can also consult a doctor regarding the use of baby powder and the condition of the little one. That way, you can get recommendations for the right product choices, along with safe usage instructions for your little one.
Powdering baby after bathing is something that parents often do. Although it has become a habit, in fact there are still many parents that who do not understand the correct way to apply powder to the baby's body. As a result, the little one becomes uncomfortable. Generally, the use of baby powder is intended to make your baby fragrant and fresh. However, the mother still has to pay attention to how to use it properly.
Safe and Appropriate Use of Baby Powder
Not only to make your little one fresher, baby powder is also often used to treat prickly heat. One of the problems experienced by babies, especially in tropical countries is prickly heat. Prickly heat in babies can occur due to clogged skin pores, so sweat cannot be removed from the body. In addition, the imperfection of the baby's sweat ducts can also be a factor in the emergence of prickly heat. So that you are not wrong in powdering your little one's body, take the following steps:
- Pour some of baby powder into the palm of your hand.
- Gently wipe it in your hands before rubbing it on your little one's body.
- Gently rub the powder onto your little one's chest and back, and areas that sweat easily. Make sure the powder rubbed on your little one's skin is not too thick.
- Avoid applying baby powder right in the pubic area.
- Also avoid putting baby powder around the mouth and nose, so as not to be inhaled or swallowed by it.
Tips for Choosing Baby Powder
In addition to knowing how to properly powder your baby, you also need to know how to choose a powder product that is suitable for baby's skin. The following are the criteria for a good baby powder:
- Contains refined talc.
- Labeled hypoallergenic (tends not to cause allergic reactions).
- Has a soft and not sharp fragrance.
- Dermatologically tested
Keep in mind, baby skin is different from adult skin. Baby's skin is thin, sensitive, and still growing, prone to skin problems. Therefore, parents need to carefully choose baby skin care products, including baby powder. If after using powder your baby's skin looks red, dry, scaly, or he becomes fussy due to itching, stop using baby powder immediately and consult a doctor.
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