Baby powder - Safe or not?

Is it safe to use baby powder on baby who is 6 month old?

We do not use baby powder in my home. It has been shown to increase the odds of a rash, rather than decrease them, because it tends to reduce natural moisture necessary for healthy skin. It is also can have a detrimental effect on the lungs.

It is best to avoid baby power, in my opinion. I have four beautiful children ranging in age from 19 months to 7 years and have never powdered any of them.

-Angela

I agree with Angela. The American Academy of Paediatrics advices against the use of baby powder because it can cause breathing problems when inhaled. As well as this, there is no evidence that using baby powder reduces the risk or severity of nappy rash. It smells nice but is best avoided in light of the latest evidence.

Best wishes,

LJ

Hi,

I also don't use baby powder as it causes rashes on my baby. I was told not to use it by my pediatrician as well.

Thanks

Tina

If you need to use a powdery type agent on your baby's bottom, you can use corn starch. It is soft on the skin but isn't as "powdery" as baby powder so doesn't cause a problem with inhalation into the lungs.

However, with all 5 of my children, I didn't use baby powder. Sometimes I put it on their skin if I wanted them to smell "like a baby" (at my husband's request) but I was careful not to shake it very strongly in order to avoid it going into the air too much.

Kate