7 Things To Watch Out For When Buying Pregnancy and Baby Products

Pregnancy is a life-changing experience for a woman. It brings huge changes for you and your body. Not to forget, hormonal changes and lifestyle changes can also take a toll on the expectant mum.

Naturally then, your skin takes the brunt of most of these changes. Melasma, stretch marks, increased sensitivity, and acne are common during pregnancy. That is why gentle products must be used to prevent skin irritation. It is also advisable to avoid products containing chemicals as they can enter your bloodstream and ultimately into your baby’s body.

The same formula is applicable when you buy products for your newborn.

As you know, the skin of the newborn is delicate and is prone to irritation and dryness. Hence, you need to choose skincare products that are mild yet effective. These products will protect your baby’s skin from environmental irritants such as dust and diapers.

But how do you pick such products? Here’s our checklist to help you get started.

Checklist You Should Follow While Buying Pregnancy And Baby Products

Avoid buying products that contain dyes, and chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, as they can harm your baby.

1. Read the labels carefully

It goes without saying that its important to read the labels of the products carefully. Avoid buying products that contain dyes, and chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, as these, may harm your baby.

Here’s a list of skincare ingredients for expectant mums that should be avoided during pregnancy:

• Retinoids: Retinoids along with vitamin A derivatives such as Tretinoin, Retin-A, and Differin, cause severe birth defects.
• Parabens and phthalates: Parabens (specifically methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben) and phthalates can hamper hormone function. It can also cause birth defects by hampering reproductive hormone production.
• Oxybenzone: Oxybenzone is used as a chemical filter in sunscreens. It is currently being researched by the FDA as a possible carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. It has also been linked to Hirschsprung’s disease which is a rare birth defect that can be life-threatening.
• Formaldehyde: It is used as an ingredient in nail paints. Long-term exposure to this chemical can be fatal.

2. Watch out for pH levels

You can use a pH-neutral baby lotion so that your baby’s skin is balanced and is in good health. Products that are not neutral in pH balance can cause the skin to dry out. Rashes and irritation can also become prominent.

3. Look for natural or organic products

Several chemical-laden products may allure you with their fruity and floral fragrance. However, opting for natural products for the expecting mum and her baby is an ideal option.

Products derived from preservatives, petroleum products, or byproducts are generally advisable.

The gentle skin of your baby may not be tolerant of some chemicals. Hence, it is important to make sure that the little one is not allergic to the ingredients used in the products.

4. Check for ingredients that can cause allergic reactions

While buying a skincare product for yourself and your baby, it is important to make sure to check that both of you are not allergic to the ingredients used in the products. Your and especially your baby’s gentle skin may not be tolerant of some chemicals.

You can look for signs of allergies in your baby whenever you apply a new lotion or other baby product to them. You can also check whether the baby products are tested for allergies.

5. Stick to a simple skincare routine during pregnancy

Here are a few tips for a simple and effective skin routine:

• Dry skin: If you have dry skin, using non-comedogenic moisturizing creams during pregnancy can be a good idea. This won’t clog your pores. You can also look for a moisturizing product that contains plant oils or butter with hyaluronic acid or natural skin-calming ingredients.
• Melasma: The key to prevention is sun protection. Using sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection is best to provide a barrier to harsh rays of the sun.
• Stretch marks: Using a strong moisturizer as vaseline or aquaphor can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

6. Use products free from artificial fragrances

Although fragrances are soothing, it is advisable to avoid them during pregnancy and for your baby. They can also irritate your little one’s skin. If you are using a scented product for your baby, the scent may linger for hours and may cause respiratory issues in your baby.

Look for products that have mild to negligible fragrances. In addition, to avoid diaper rash, you can consider a diaper rash cream free from artificial fragrances.

7. Give importance to quality over quantity

Many new mums or pregnant mums find it easy to opt for products in bulk so that they can build a stock. In many cases, products offered in bulk have a shorter shelf-life.

Buying products in bulk sometimes puts you at the risk of using expired products. This ends up posing a danger to your health as well as being a waste of money!

These are some of the things to watch out for while buying pregnancy and baby products. However, you can also consult a pediatrician if you’re worried about applying new products to your baby’s skin.