We've talked about how to care for our skin naturally, now lets talk about baby's skin. Remember that the skin is the largest organ of our body and anything we put on it, will be absorbed into it. Now look at all the baby care products available on the market and take a look at the ingredient list! I don't know about you, but I don't want to put that stuff anywhere near my baby (or myself for that matter). There are many effective, gentle and simple recipes you can make at home for your baby's precious skin (and health).
Herbal Baby Balm
This simple balm combines gentle, yet skin healing herbs for baby's sensitive skin. We talked about the healing benefits of lavender and calendula, roses are known for their skin softening and strengthening abilities and they smell so sweet, just like baby. Coconut oil is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, soothing and moisturizing. This balm is perfect for any skin condition on a baby such as diaper rash, eczema, cradle cap, skin infections, dry, flaky skin, etc.
The Recipe
Make an herbal oil infusion by combining equal parts:
lavender
calendula
chamomile
rose petals
with coconut oil
lavender
calendula
chamomile
rose petals
with coconut oil
HERBAL INFUSED OIL HOW TO:
Melt the coconut oil over low heat then pour over herbs until one inch above the herbs, put a lid on the jar. Place in a crockpot with a towel on the bottom and fill with water to the top of the pot. Heat on low for 2 hours then warm for a minimum of 5 hours up to 3 days. I like to give my herbs the three days for a strong infusion.
Melt the coconut oil over low heat then pour over herbs until one inch above the herbs, put a lid on the jar. Place in a crockpot with a towel on the bottom and fill with water to the top of the pot. Heat on low for 2 hours then warm for a minimum of 5 hours up to 3 days. I like to give my herbs the three days for a strong infusion.
Strain the herbs from the coconut oil, I use a small strainer then place t-shirt material over the strainer and run the oil through once more to catch all the tiny particles of herbs. Pour the strained oil into a pan with 1 oz. of beeswax per one cup of oil, melt over very low heat. Remove and add 1/2 teaspoon of essential oil per cup of oil, lavender or chamomile are great choices for babies, or a baby essential oil blend.
Stir to combine then pour into containers, wait for the balm to harden before sealing with a lid.
Baby Bath Time
Did you know you do not have to use a baby shampoo or baby wash on your baby? Using cleansers only strip baby's skin of natural oils that protect them, using a drop or two of essential oil like lavender or chamomile along with a washcloth (I use Norwex baby cloths) is all you need to wash baby's hair and body. Make sure to focus on the folds of skin where bacteria like to collect. Pat hair and skin to dry, then sprinkle with Herbal Baby Powder (instead of commercial baby powder) to keep the cracks and folds of skin dry and clean. If needed, use Herbal Baby Balm or Baby Me Lotion Bar on dry patches, diaper rash, or all over the body. You can also use the herbal infused oil we made above as a baby oil for massage or in place of lotion. Baby only needs to be bathed once a week, unless of course he gets messy in one way or another. Water is drying to the skin, not to mention the fact that our water is filled with many chemicals that are absorbed into our skin while bathing, so less is best.
Making Babies by Shoshanna Easling
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This is one of my favorite books! Not just for pregnancy and nursing but all the time. My baby is 3 years old and I still have this book on my main shelf, using it all the time. This has great recipes for baby care, skin care, of course pregnancy care, herbal tinctures and its own cookbook. The recipes are all healthy and allergy free. I think everyone should have this book! ...I believe it is now out of print but you can find it used on Amazon.
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