As all moms know, a baby’s skin is soft and perfect. There is nothing like your baby’s soft, supple skin and we know you want to keep their skin as healthy as possible. As an adult, you also know how quickly the health of your skin can decline either because of skin issues or signs of aging. The good news is that with a few simple ingredients that you might even have in your kitchen, you can easily nourish the skin of both yourself and your baby. Many of the skincare products made for babies contain large amounts of harsh, toxic chemicals. Babies are exposed to a large amount of chemicals on a daily basis through cleaning products, pollution and food. The last place you need to be concerned about what chemicals your baby’s body is absorbing is through his or her skincare products. The same goes for you, Mom.  Although your skin is thicker and less absorbent than your baby’s you want to be sure that you’re giving your skin and your body safe, natural ingredients. One way to ensure that you and your baby’s skincare products are safe is to make them yourself. We have a few DIY recipes that both you and your baby will appreciate – and so will your skin.

Lotion/Moisturizer

If you’re tempted by all the marketing promises on the hundreds of bottles of lotion that line the aisle shelves at your local store, we urge you to just keep walking. Although the promises sound tempting – “firm your skin”, “wrinkle reducer”, “24-hour moisture”, we can almost guarantee that not only will you be disappointed in the results of the product but you’ll also be shocked at all the harsh chemicals listed on the ingredients list. The good news is that the perfect lotion and moisturizer is not only inexpensive and effective but it’s likely in your kitchen cabinet. You might be surprised to find out that pure unrefined coconut oil is the perfect moisturizer for both you and your baby’s skin. It’s 100% safe and natural and as an added bonus, it smells great too! The small molecules of this natural oil means that it absorbs easily into your and baby’s skin. As all mom’s know, babies love to put everything in their mouths, including their hands and feet. You won’t have to worry about them ingesting any toxic chemicals when their hands go in their mouths because you’ve nourished their skin with pure and natural coconut oil. You’ll also love the intense moisture of the coconut oil on your own skin as well.

If you want a natural homemade product that isn’t just straight coconut oil we have a recipe that you might like. This only takes about 10 minutes to make and a little goes a long way. The added bonus is that this recipe is also great for diaper rashes, eczema and stretch marks.

• 1/2 cup almond or jojoba oil
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax
• 1 tsp Vit E
• 2 TBSP shea or cocoa butter
• essential oils, vanilla extract or any scent you prefer

Combine the oils, beeswax and shea or coconut butter in a double broiler or glass bowl. Stir occasionally as the ingredients begin to melt. After ingredients have melted, add in Vitamin E and any scents you want to add. That’s it, you’re done! This stores perfectly in a mason jar and has a shelf life of about 6 months.

Baby Wash

Bath time with baby should be extra special. Not only is this a good part of a bedtime routine but it’s also a good time for your baby to relax as well as a time for you and baby to bond. Unfortunately, most products made for baby’s bath time are full of unsafe ingredients for their precious skin. You can both relax knowing that bath time is fun and safe with this homemade baby wash. Eco-friendly and green, your baby will be squeaky clean in this homemade alternative to over the counter baby soaps.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup liquid castile soap (Dr. Bronner’s makes a soap specifically for babies)
• ¾ cup water
• 8 drops essential oils (optional)
• 2 capsules Vitamin E

Mix ingredients together and pour into a sealable container. After that, just use as you would any normal baby wash. The great thing about this recipe is that it can double as a great hand soap for all those diaper changes you’ll inevitably have to take care of.  Your hands will feel super clean and the Vitamin E will protect your skin from getting too dry. This body wash is effective for you too mom. It will leave your whole body clean and moisturized.

Homemade Oatmeal Baby Bath

Lots of babies have extremely sensitive skin and can even deal with skin issues such as redness, irritation and eczema. One of the best remedies for irritated skin is plain oatmeal, it’s good for even the most sensitive skin. You can make a safe and effective oatmeal bath at home quickly and easily. Simply put 1 cup of oats in your blender or food processor and grind them until they are powder. Then sprinkle the powder into the bath and your baby’s skin will reap all the benefits of the natural anti-inflammatory.

Bubble Bath

Nothing makes bath time fun like some bubbles. With just a few ingredients you can whip up hours of fun for your little one.

• 1 cup castile soap
• 1/3 cup vegetable glycerin
• 1 Tbs. distilled water
• 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil

Just mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. To use, add about ¼ cup of your bubble mixture to warm running bath water. If you add lavender essential oil to your mixture it will also help calm your baby down during their bath time. You can use it too, mom, for some much-needed down time.

You can rest assured knowing these ingredients are safe and effective for both you and your little one.