Nontoxic Baby Wipe -----Alternative Wipes for your Baby

Baby wipes are disposable wash cloth that are convenient, small, moist enough to be used to clean up any baby mess on hands, face, buttock and other part of the body. Baby wipes stay moist for a longtime after opening its packet or box however it is recommended that you keep the lid snap closed after each use to prevent it from becoming dry or contaminated. The wipes can be dragged out of the box or packets like a facial tissue in a pocket; once you pull one out, it will lift the next one up to be grabbed easily but if you’re not careful when doing this you could pull all the wipes out at one go like trying to pour a drink and pouring all the drink out into the glass and the rest going to the floor as you pour more out; so grab each wipe carefully  from the box (don’t forget to wash your hands before each grab to prevent contamination).

There are scented and unscented baby wipes. Unscented baby wipes are best for babies born with sensitivity to fragrance products because they are fragrance free and do usually contain natural ingredient such as chamomile, lavender, Jasmine, Aloe Vera that are soothing for babies.

Choosing what type of baby wipes to use is a matter of personal preference but before choosing baby wipes or baby products you should consider those factors that suit you and your baby best. Every baby wipe brand is slightly different, in terms of scent and absorption so it is difficult to determine how a baby will react to them unless you try it first. And to help make your life easier during your purchase we have put together a few rules of thumb you can use when buying baby wipes.

• Buy 100% organic cotton wipes or vegan baby wipes because this helps protect your baby from harmful chemicals and allergens found in most conventional baby products.
• Check the label to make sure you are getting what you need and not getting what you don’t need.
• Check to see if it is scented or unscented or if it contains some type of fragrance (parfum) because sometimes harmful chemical found in fragrance are masked on product labels by categorizing them under “fragrance or parfum”.
• Avoid baby wipes containing methylparaben, propyl-paraben, butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben or any other kind of parabens, petroleum---lanolin and other ugly skin irritating ingredients.
• Be careful with baby products that says “natural” because regulatory bodies in North America certifying these claims do not have strict regulations on checking if the product are truly as natural as it’s label states; it could well contain more harmful ingredients in it than expected to be found in natural baby products.
• Avoid using hand sanitizer or makeup- removal wipes on your baby’s skin because they may not be mild enough for a baby’s skin, and also because “a baby’s skin is structurally different from adult skin; the cells are smaller and the collagen fibers are thinner.  According to recent clinical findings, infant SC is 30% and infant epidermis 20% thinner than in adults. Consequently, baby skin is more permeable and more prone to dryness than adult skin. Furthermore, a baby's body surface to volume/weight ratio is higher than that of adults, which increases baby skin's vulnerability to applied substances and to sun exposure”. Read more: Read periodicals.com
• Learn and understand how to read organic product labels.

A few nontoxic organic brands that are safe, earth-friendly, biodegradable, plant-based baby wipes we recommend are:

Baby Ganics, The Grime Fighter, All purpose surfacewipes, and fragrance free, 25 wipes. 

Attitude, Eco-Baby, 100%Biodegradable Wipes, Unscented, 72 Wipes

Attitude, Eco-Baby, 100%Biodegradable Wipes, Unscented, 3 Refill Packs, 72 Wipes.

Seventh Generation, Chlorine FreeBaby Wipes, Refill Pack, Unscented, 70 Wipes

Seventh Generation, Free & Clear Baby Wipes, Resealable Travel Pack, Unscented, 36 Wipes.

Seventh Generation, Chlorine Free Baby Wipes, Tub, Unscented, 70 Wipes

Natracare, Organic Cotton Baby Wipes, 50 Wipes

BabyGanics, Thick n' Kleen, UltraSensitive Baby Wipes, Fragrance Free

You can find this recommended baby wipes at iHerb.

In case of an emergency, if you just realized that you have ran out of baby wipes and need something to use right away while at home, you can make one by following the steps below. You will need a big roll of cotton paper towel, scissors, bowl, mild baby shampoo, and a soothing essential oil of your choice.

Skip Hop Swipe Baby Wipe Case.

1. Cut the roll of cotton paper towels in half with a clean scissor.
2. Mix pure organic essential oil e.g. chamomile, pure lavender  diluted in lukewarm water, add California Baby, Non-Burning & Calming Diaper Area Wash into the water mixture and then place the paper towel in this mixture.
3. Let it sit for 10 minutes, wrangle it out and it’s ready to use.
4. You could also use a mild baby shampoo as an alternative if you don’t have the California baby non-burning and calming diaper area wash however, I do recommend you get one.
5. You can put the homemade baby wipe in a Skip Hop Swipe Baby Wipe Case
   for convenience if you will be going out doors with your baby. It has a Quick-draw button that can slide open and shut with one hand, and a Grab-strap that snaps onto any stroller or bag. It is BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVC-free, Dispenses wipes neatly, one at a time.  Also, it is a translucent case that will allow you to see when to refill. 
   
   Your baby’s safety is your first priority so it will be wise you choose your baby’s products carefully.

Author:
Onyinye A is a freelance writer who specializes in nontoxic self improvement, green & Eco-friendly living, nontoxic lifestyle (preventing cancer, illness and toxicity) and everything related to organic living. Her work has been published by nontoxiclifestyle.org, Ezine.com, and other online and print publications.

 

Chamomile Tea for Skin Care

Chamomile also called wild chamomile, is one of the oldest of all herbs, dating back to the ancient Egyptians. It is both a pretty flower and a healing flower originating from native Eastern Europe, Western Asia, Northern Africa, and has naturalized in North America. The word chamomile (earth apple) originates from the Greek words chamai (on the ground) and melon (apple). Chamomile is a popular tea, aromatherapy flower plant that has been used to replace grass in many gardens—Very beautiful flower plant. Chamomile is a fragrant, sweet, crisp, fruity fresh reminiscent of apples and herbaceous plant that is used in herbal medicine and in herbal teas. Medicinal use of this plant has been said to have originated with the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks—it is the most widely used botanical. Chamomile flower has been useful for herbal teas and aromatherapy products because of it is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal, antioxidant; it has calming, soothing and healing benefits for the skin.

 It is a part of Asteraceae family of vascular plants that has several different species but the most commonly used specie are German or Hungarian chamomile (matricaria recutite) and Roman or English chamomile (Anthemis nobilis syn Chamaemelum nobilis). Chamomile is a branching, annual herb that grows two feet;  it has finely divided feathery foliage and small daisy-like white yellow flower, the inside looks like the shape circle of sunflower but much beautiful.  

• Chamomile flower fresh or dried can used in making teas and can be used as an extract for topically cream or medicine.
• Azulene extracted from chamomile flower, is naturally blue oil added to various cosmetics as a natural colorant and for its soothing and calming effects. Chamomile offers one of the most versatile essential oils for most cosmetic and herbal products.
• It has been noted for its age-reversal properties, and the treatment of various skin challenges. The essential oil in chamomile contains flavonoids, lipophilic and phenolic compounds, and bisabolo, making it effective in treating a range of issues including rashes, acne, hypersensitivity, fever, chills accompanied by malaria, bladder-liver-kidney disorder, gallstones—kidney stones, inflammation, colic bloating, flatulence, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, gastro-intestinal spasms, eczema, and allergic reactions. It has antiseptic and emollient properties which softens and assist in decongesting the skin.
• The phenolic compounds in chamomile have also been shown to reduce oxidative damage by acting as a free-radical scavenger.  The flavonoids along with the lipophilic (ability to attach to lipids) compounds help enhance microcirculation and capillary function, which strengthens skin cells, and thus supports a youthful appearance.
• Organic Chamomile flowers/herb can be sewn into a bag and used as a dream pillow, as the aroma is deeply relaxing and can help provide more restful and deeper sleep---treats insomnia.
• Chamomile is used as a soothing remedy to calm nervous tension, dispel restlessness or sleeplessness (especially in infants and young children); to ease muscles and menstrual cramps; and to heal irritations of the mouth and gums , relieving pain after dermabrasion (including tattoo removal) and alleviating swelling and irritation in mucous membranes caused by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In lab studies flavonoids apigenin recently was found to inhibit growth of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes peptic ulcers in humans. This finding may suggest a wider use of chamomile in long-term management of peptic ulcers. Chamomile extracts have also been shown to accelerate wound healing by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration. 

• The beneficial effects of the herb are derived from its essential oil; even chamomile tea that has been steeped for a long time contains only a small amount of the essential oil. However, most commercial pure German chamomile preparations are standardized to their therapeutic active content alpha-bisabolol and chamazulene. It helps enhance the healing strength of other herbs and the ability to enhance percutaneous absorption of other herbal ingredients.

• You can use it in fresh linens, in your skin care regimens and in daily products you use.
• Drinking a cup of soothing chamomile tea following a treatment---makes people feel relaxed and less stressed.

                               Key fact on chamomile for Beauty Needs

Chamomile oil for skin care—helps treat skin problems like acne, boils, rashes, wounds, ulcers, and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  It is found mostly in organic cosmetics like makeup removers and personal care products.

Chamomile oil for Hair care---helps revitalize oily scalp, the hair and strengthens its roots naturally.  It is commonly found in cosmetic herbal products such as conditioners and shampoos.

Chamomile oil used in Aromatherapy—it is used in aromatherapy due to its fruity, sweet smell which freshens, relaxes, and rejuvenates your mind.  Chamomile oil can heal internally and externally. It helps reduce cramping, indigestion, insomnia, PMS, menopause symptoms, allergies, depression and migraines. It is helpful for people who have arthritis and joint pain problems. Mix this oil in warm water while taking a bath; it will give relief from muscle pain.

                                                              Chamomile Recipe:
Take a handful of chamomile or a bag of chamomile tea, put it in a bowl or in a teacup, then boil water and pour the water on it. cover the cup and let it seep out for 5-10minutes--you will notice the boiled water turn color. You use it for skin rinse or spritz to rejuvenate the skin and eye. You can add honey to chamomile tea or just drink it plain.                      

Caution Notes: Chamomile preparations made from flowers, which contain pollen, have been shown to cause allergic reactions, especially in those sensitive to ragweed and other members of the Asteraceae (daisy) family. But such reactions are rare.

Avoid chamomile oil during pregnancy it has been known to trigger contraction of the Uterus---useful for those in labor.

                                    

                                          Garden benefits of chamomile

Chamomile as a plant doctor---helps neighboring plants grow and maintain health, especially those that produce essential oils, as it increases the production of oils. It helps enhance the healing strength of other herbs and the ability to enhance percutaneous absorption of other herbal ingredients.                                                

                                                            

Organic Chamomile Tea

 Find Chamomile products