Bathroom,Nursery
Nipple CreamWhat You Need To KnowBreastfeeding can be one of the most beautiful ways to bond with your baby. But if your nipples are sore or cracked, it can become a painful chore. These tips can help you keep enjoying these precious moments with your baby.
What To Avoid
Lanolin:Lanolin is a natural wax found in sheep wool so you’d think it would be safe. But sheep are sometimes sprayed with Pesticides to kill mites and other pests. Lanolin can also cause allergic reactions such as rashes.
Petroleum jelly:Petroleum jelly (also referred to as petrolatum or mineral oil) are all derived from petroleum. During the refinement process, ingredients that increase risk of cancer are said to be removed, but some harmful Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)may remain. In short, these products are not something you want on your body or in your baby’s mouth.
Fragrance:Hundreds, or even thousands of chemicals, can be lumped under the term “fragrance.” Many companies do not have to disclose the specific chemicals they used, claiming they are proprietary. Among several concerns in synthetic Fragrances, many contain Phthalates to boost the scent’s staying power. One such common phthalate is Diethyl phthalate (dep). Some chemicals listed as “fragrance” are suspected, or even known to increase risk of cancer (be Carcinogenic). Others may contribute to reproductive and brain development problems.
Essential oils:Two pure Essential oils, tea tree and lavender have been shown to have Estrogenic properties that could disrupt hormones and impact reproductive health. Other Essential oils have not been tested yet for these properties, so it is unknown whether or not there may be reason for concern. However, in some cases, some Essential oils may have therapeutic benefits that outweigh concerns.
Safer Choices
Natural ingredients:Ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, coconut oil, or shea butter (ideally organic and without any Fragrances, Preservatives, or other additives) can be good alternatives. That said, it’s always a good idea to wipe these off before your baby nurses because you never know if your baby has any particular sensitivities.
DIY:You can find a variety of nipple cream recipes on line, but make sure of the purity of the ingredients and that they contain no Fragrances or other additives.
Find Safer Products
Websites and Apps:
Clearya
Clearya is a free browser extension and app that notifies you when there are unsafe ingredients in your makeup, personal care, baby care, cleaning and other products, and helps you find safe products.
Clearya is a free browser extension and app that notifies you when there are unsafe ingredients in your makeup, personal care, baby care, cleaning and other products, and helps you find safe products.
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics - Nontoxic Black Beauty Project
They offer a list and database of non-toxic beauty products made and sold by Black-owned companies that are committed to toxic-free beauty and personal care products.
They offer a list and database of non-toxic beauty products made and sold by Black-owned companies that are committed to toxic-free beauty and personal care products.
Detox Me
This app allows you to scan barcodes on products to find relevant tips. They also offer a buying guide to decode product labels and find non-toxic alternatives.
This app allows you to scan barcodes on products to find relevant tips. They also offer a buying guide to decode product labels and find non-toxic alternatives.
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG has a "Skin Deep" database that rates personal care and beauty products based on their safety and toxicity levels. EWG also offers a Healthy Living app that allows you to scan barcodes and find safer products.
EWG has a "Skin Deep" database that rates personal care and beauty products based on their safety and toxicity levels. EWG also offers a Healthy Living app that allows you to scan barcodes and find safer products.
Think Dirty
This app and website allow you to scan or search for personal care products to see their ingredient safety ratings.
This app and website allow you to scan or search for personal care products to see their ingredient safety ratings.