How to Choose Baby Powder that Mothers Need to Know

Baby's skin is still sensitive requires special attention. Skin care products used should not be arbitrary, including powder. Check out some of the following tips, on how to choose baby powder that is suitable and comfortable for your little one's skin. Therefore, you need to know how to choose baby powder and how to use it properly.

Carefully Choose Baby Powder

In order not to make the wrong choice, here are some things that you need to pay attention to when choosing baby powder:

1. Talcum powder

This type of baby powder can help absorb sweat and keep baby's skin dry. Talcum powder can also minimize the risk of skin irritation due to friction on the skin surface. Such as friction of the skin with clothes, which may cause the appearance of a rash.

2. No sharp smell

In choosing baby skin care products, pay attention to the smell of the powder. Avoid baby powder with a strong aroma or using a fragrance that is too strong, choose a powder with a soft fragrance.

3. Dermatologically tested

Choose a baby powder that has been dermatologically tested. In addition, make sure the baby powder is registered with the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency.

In addition to using the right baby powder products, you also need to pay attention to how to use baby powder correctly. It is recommended not to pour the powder directly on the baby's body. Pour and smooth it first in the mother's hand, then spread it on the little one's body. Avoid smearing the powder on the baby's nose and mouth area, so that the powder particles are not inhaled and interfere with breathing.

When bathing or changing your baby's diaper, you need to clean the powder that is still attached to the surface of the skin. Do not let any powder particles settle or accumulate in the folds of the baby's skin, because it can cause skin irritation.

Baby powder can indeed help your little one feel more comfortable. However, you need to understand how to choose and use baby powder properly. If your baby's skin is irritated after using baby powder, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor.

Recognize the Risks of Baby Powder and the Right Way to Use It

Baby powder is usually used to keep baby's skin dry, soft, and fragrant. However, you need to be more careful in choosing and using baby powder. This is because improper use can cause problems for the baby's health. Baby powder is generally made from magnesium silicate powder or cornstarch. In addition to making baby's skin soft and fragrant, parents also usually use baby powder to prevent and treat diaper rash around the baby's buttocks and genital area.

However, parents also need to be vigilant in using baby powder, especially if it is used around the baby's face and nose. The magnesium silicate content in baby powder can be bad for health if it is inhaled by the baby.

The Risks of Using Too Much Baby Powder

Mothers should use baby powder for the little one to taste. Excessive use of baby powder or in too much amount can cause several health problems, such as:

1. Irritation

The use of baby powder containing magnesium silicate can cause irritation to the baby's sensitive skin. If you want to dry your little one's skin after bathing, it's better to use a soft towel instead of baby powder. However, if you want to use baby powder, make sure you don't sprinkle it too much and don't let the baby inhale it.

2. Respiratory disorders

Baby powder has a very fine texture and easily rises in the air. This causes baby powder particles, either magnesium silicate or cornstarch, to be easily inhaled by the baby. Even if inhaled in small amounts, the particles in baby powder can irritate the baby's respiratory tract and cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

3. Lung cancer

The magnesium silicate content in baby powder is also believed to trigger cancer. This is because baby powder with these ingredients usually contains a dangerous substance called asbestos, which is a carcinogenic substance that triggers the growth of cancer cells. When asbestos is inhaled for a long time, it can increase the baby's risk of developing lung cancer.

How to Reduce the Side Effects of Using Baby Powder

Mothers can reduce the side effects that can arise from using baby powder in the following ways:

Pour enough baby powder into the palm of the hand.
Gently wipe on your hand before rubbing it on your little one's body.
Gently rub baby powder onto your chest, back, and sweat-prone areas.
Make sure the baby powder that is rubbed is not too thick.
Avoid using baby powder directly in the pubic area or around the mouth and nose so that it is not inhaled or swallowed.

In addition to knowing how to use baby powder correctly, you also need to know how to choose a baby powder product that is suitable for your little one's skin. Mothers can also choose a powder containing purified talc, labeled hypoallergenic, and has a soft fragrance and is not too sharp.

Baby powder that contains talc is more at risk of causing health problems if inhaled in large quantities to make the baby choke or in small amounts, but in the long term. If your little one's skin looks red, dry, scaly, or he becomes fussy because of itching after using baby powder, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor so that he can be given the appropriate treatment.