Information on a new vaccine available to girls to help combat cervical cancer
Tips on what to use and avoid for babies at bath time
Making bath time, laugh time
Some helpful hints from those nice mums at Halos N Horns
Bathing your child should be a time of quality bonding and giggles. But, more often than not, it can be a battle – with tears and tantrums from them and much gnashing of teeth and counting to ten from you. But it doesn't have to be like this.
The reason many little ones get cranky at bath time isn't always because they don't like water, or they know it means imminent bedtime – it could be because many of today's toiletries contain harsh chemicals that can irritate their sensitive young eyes and skin. So, what do you need to look out for? What do the experts say? And what can mums do about it?
Things to avoid
In general, these are the additives put into products to prolong shelf life or to make them extra frothy.
- Sodium Lauryl/eth Sulphate(SLS/SLES) – Common surfactants often associated with skin problems. Can aggravate dermatitis and eczema.
- Parabens – Powerful, anti-bacterial preservatives, but their strength can upset the skin's natural balance.
- Phthalates – Plasticisers, often in hairspray and perfume. These can potentially affect male reproductive development.
- MIT – Another strong anti-bacterial, thought by some to effect the development of nerve cells.
- Triclosan – Common toiletry ingredient. In large quantities it can form chloroform gas that can be harmful.
- Propylene Glycol – Put in brake fluid and antifreeze for its moisture retaining quality, it can irritate eyes and alter the moisture balance of the skin.
Tips from the midwife
Sharon Trotter is a midwife and mum, who writes and gives advice on baby skincare issues to individuals and companies. Based on her years of personal experience, she recommends:
The first month is vital. A baby's skin is very thin and absorbent. During their first month, the skin is still developing its natural barrier, so only use plain water. This avoids the risk of upsetting the delicate balance which could go on to cause skin conditions.
After the first month. The skin should have developed its own natural defence barrier, but it will still be highly sensitive. You can begin introducing baby bath products, but make sure they're free from harsh sulphates like SLS and SLES.
To shampoo or not. A separate shampoo isn't necessary for the first 12 months. Simply rinse with your bathwater solution. After this time, shampoo can be introduced, but avoid those containing sulphates (SLS and SLES) which have the potential to cause irritation.
For more information and advice from Sharon check out her newsletters at www.halosnhorns.co.uk
Good clean fun
If you're a caring mum looking for a friendlier way to bathe your little angel (or little devil!), Halos N Horns is a fabulously fun solution. Created by concerned mum Leila Wilcox, initially for her little boy to enjoy, this gentle range of bath time products uses naturally derived conditioners and cleansers, with none of the harsh detergents and ingredients associated with irritating the skin, making them super-kind for your little ones.
Halos N Horns shampoos and body washes are available in range of gorgeous, fruity-smells and bright colours that your monsters will love (the colourings are all food-grade safe). Naturally, because we don't use industrial surfactants, the products aren't as ridiculously foamy as many other kids' products. But do less bubbles mean less giggles? Certainly not. Without harsh ingredients to irritate them, your angels can enjoy splish-splashing around even more. Whilst you enjoy the fact you're doing the very best you can to care for them. So everyone can enjoy bath time more. Halos N Horns is available from Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and other leading supermarkets.
Visit the Halos N Horns website for more information about our products, to have a look at our fun bath time games and to join our parenting panel.
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