Ask your mom or grandma what items you need to have on hand for baby, and chances are, she’s going to mention baby powder. This soft, silky substance, after all, was what protected her babies’ delicate skin from diaper rash. But the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding traditional baby powder, made with talc, because this mineral contains hydrated magnesium silicate, which is harmful to little lungs and unfortunately very easy to inhale during a diaper changing.
Before Grandma stages a protest that her grandchild needs a powdered tush—and after all, “We used baby powder back in the day and you turned out all right!” check out these talc-free alternatives.
California Baby Calming Organic Powder—Made from tapioca starch and kaolin clay, with a soothing, French lavender scent, this powder prevents chafing just like the kind your mom used on you, without containing a drop of talcum—or gluten, soy, oat, dairy or nuts, for that matter, in case you’re concerned about allergies
globaby Baby Powder—Not so keen on scents? globaby by Vitacost is not only talc-free, but is also 100% fragrance-free and infused with healing vitamin E and shea butter.
Nature’s Baby Organics Silky Dusting Powder—Another fragrance-free option, it’s not an exaggeration at all to call this product “silky.” It feels so smooth and decadent as you sprinkle it on your baby’s skin. Plus, the cornstarch-free formula absorbs without caking and contains healing herbs echinacea root, goldenseal and chamomile.
Of course even though these options are perfectly safe, they do have one drawback—try powdering your baby while wearing black pants, and you’ll quickly discover what I’m talking about! Powder is a great way to keep tender skin dry, but you can also use an ointment to serve the same purpose. “Grease” your baby up between diapers and you should have an easy time avoiding irritation even without powder. I have always loved Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Ointment. It might remind the grandmas in my family of the Vaseline they used on me, but unlike that less-than-eco-friendly 70s standby, the Burt’s Bees formula is 100% petroleum free! (And, it smells great, too!)