Not so fast. As it turns out, not every baby needs a probiotic. But if they do? Then it’s really important to make sure that they get the right one.

How important is it?

We’re talking about problems that can span into adulthood, and have roots in infancy. This includes conditions like:

• Colic
• Frequent waking at night
• Baby eczema
• Food allergies
• Asthma
• Type 1 diabetes
• Obesity later in life
• Colitis, or inflammation of the large intestine

Many of these conditions are linked to immune health…

Because you know what they say: A full 80% of the immune system is found in the gut [1],[2]. So if you want to give your baby strong immune health, then it starts in the gut.

And it starts within a child’s first 1000 days.

A baby’s first 1000 days impact lifelong health

From conception until about 3 years old, roughly 1000 days, a lot of important development takes place. Of course, good baby nutrition matters. But even positive social relationships during the first 1000 days make an impact on future well-being.

And baby gut health? It’s huge.

Interruptions of early gut development – for example, antibiotic use – can impact the bacteria living in your baby’s gut, otherwise known as the microbiome. Then what happens? Research shows that this may disrupt immune development and can lead to chronic disease [3].

Ugh.

This is hard news. Because things that interfere with baby gut health and the first 1000 days – well, often there’s no way around them.

Let’s dive into this a little more. Then, we’ll get to everyone’s favorite part: Remedies!

Poor baby gut health may lead to eczema, food allergies, and asthma

Did you know that at least 40% of American school-aged kids have at least one chronic health condition? [4]

And we can break this down a little more:

• 8% of children have allergies [5]
• 30% have eczema [6]
• 7% have asthma [7]

Does this mean that allergies are the new norm? You and I both know that just because it’s normal, doesn’t mean it’s healthy.

So what’s really going on?

As it turns out, there’s a powerful connection between baby gut health and the risk of immune disorders [8]. Like eczema and allergies.

Early gut health relies on good bacteria from mom. Remember, the first 1000 days include pregnancy. So, this means that the first bacteria a baby is exposed to takes place during pregnancy, birth, and feeding [9].

This first exposure can either protect or disrupt immune development [3], [10].

But, guess what?

Even if a baby is vaginally born and breastfed, this doesn’t guarantee a healthy baby gut! It’s a head-scratcher, but think about it. There are so many factors – including genetics and family history – that play a role in gut health.

The good news is that we can turn things around.

For example, C-section delivery can leave what’s called a “C-section microbial signature.” If this signature sticks around past 12 months old, then there’s a 3x increased risk of developing asthma by 6 years old.

But, get the gut in a “healthy range” by 12 months old, and this risk drops in a big way [11].

No blame! This is why we gut test

Bottom line: It’s impossible to know your baby’s gut health without testing.

Do you want to do everything possible to protect your baby’s gut health and keep it in the green zone?

Do you want to give your kid strong immune health later in life?

Then baby gut health testing is the best way to understand what’s really going on.

So much immune development takes place early in life. This means that:

• If you’re pregnant, then it’s important to test your gut health too!
• You want to catch a snapshot of your baby’s gut within the first weeks of life
• It may be helpful to re-sample your baby’s gut at 3 months old and 6 months old

Tiny Health family microbiome testing offers the only gut test for babies.

Tiny Health gives parents a comprehensive snapshot using accurate technology that you can trust, known as shotgun sequencing.

This way, parents can track gut biomarkers for things like eczema, allergies, asthma, and metabolic disorders – before they ever become a problem!

You CAN change your baby’s gut health with the right probiotic

The good news is that once you know what you’re looking for, restoring baby gut health can be as simple as selecting the right probiotic.

Good gut health means that your baby has plenty of Bifidobacterium species.

And what you’re really looking for is some B. infantis, since this species is really good at:

• Digesting the sugar in breastmilk and (some) formulas, called HMOs
• Keeping the gut healthy
• Making the immune system strong

Mama Natural Baby Probiotic Drops include B. infantis, along with other important Bifidobacterium species.

Wondering if you can change your baby’s gut health with the right Bifidobacterium species?

This screenshot shows the impact you can have in a couple of months, during a critical time of immune development.

The green zone for Bifidobacterium species will change throughout a child’s first 1000 days. So this is why it’s important to test… and make sure you’re hitting that sweet spot of “just right.”

References

[1] G. Vighi, F. Marcucci, L. Sensi, G. D. Cara, and F. Frati, “Allergy and the gastrointestinal system,” Clin Exp Immunol, vol. 153, no. Supplement_1, pp. 3–6, 2008, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03713.x.
[2] S. J. Keppler, M. C. Goess, and J. M. Heinze, “The Wanderings of Gut-Derived IgA Plasma Cells: Impact on Systemic Immune Responses,” Front Immunol, vol. 12, p. 670290, 2021, doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.670290.
[3] A. Uzan-Yulzari et al., “Neonatal antibiotic exposure impairs child growth during the first six years of life by perturbing intestinal microbial colonization,” Nat Commun, vol. 12, no. 1, p. 443, 2021, doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-20495-4.
[4] “Managing Chronic Health Conditions.” https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/chronicconditions.htm (accessed Sep. 19, 2022).
[5] “CDC Allergies and Hay Fever.” https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/allergies.htm (accessed Sep. 21, 2022).
[6] “Eczema Stats.” https://nationaleczema.org/research/eczema-facts/ (accessed Sep. 21, 2022).
[7] “CDC Asthma in children.” https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/childhood-asthma/index.html (accessed Sep. 21, 2022).
[8] H. Renz et al., “The neonatal window of opportunity—early priming for life,” J Allergy Clin Immun, vol. 141, no. 4, pp. 1212–1214, 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.11.019.
[9] S. Tamburini, N. Shen, H. C. Wu, and J. C. Clemente, “The microbiome in early life: implications for health outcomes,” Nat Med, vol. 22, no. 7, pp. 713–722, 2016, doi: 10.1038/nm.4142.
[10] M. Dzidic, A. Boix-Amorós, M. Selma-Royo, A. Mira, and M. C. Collado, “Gut Microbiota and Mucosal Immunity in the Neonate,” Medical Sci, vol. 6, no. 3, p. 56, 2018, doi: 10.3390/medsci6030056.
[11] J. Stokholm et al., “Delivery mode and gut microbial changes correlate with an increased risk of childhood asthma,” Sci Transl Med, vol. 12, no. 569, p. eaax9929, 2020, doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aax9929.

The post Is Your Baby’s Gut Health in the Green Zone? appeared first on Mama Natural.

But in some cases, we may need to do more. Baby probiotics, whether in food or supplement form, just might be one of the best things you can give baby to support his or her health.

Best baby probiotics – quick recommendations

Keep scrolling through this post and you’ll see I recommend foods as well as baby probiotics as the best way to provide beneficial bacteria. But if you’re looking for a quick overview of the supplements I recommend, here ya go.

• What is the infant mortality rate
• What you can do to prevent infant mortality
• How different races are affected
• What the USA is doing as a country to reduce this number

What Is the Infant Mortality Rate?

When you hear the term “infant mortality rate” it sounds like a statistic about babies that die during childbirth or shortly after. However, that’s not the full definition. Infant mortality refers to the death of any infant up to his or her first birthday.

In 2017, for example, the infant mortality rate in America was 5.8 deaths for every 1000 births, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This was the equivalent to about 22,000 deaths for 2017.

Each country has its own infant mortality rate, and it’s important to watch the trends each year. Why? The infant mortality rate (similar to the maternal mortality rate) is an indicator of the country’s overall health.

Why Are Babies Dying?

Infant deaths are often discussed in relation to sudden infant death syndrome (or SIDS), but the reality is that SIDS is just one potential cause of death. The most common reasons why a baby may pass away unexpectedly include:

Birth defects

Not all birth defects are fatal. For instance, cleft palates are a type of birth defect that can be corrected with surgery. However, some birth defects cannot be treated. Neural tube defects are some of the most serious types of birth defects. (source) Anencephaly is a type of neural tube defect in which parts of the baby’s brain and skull haven’t formed. These birth defects are usually discovered in utero but some heart conditions may not be detected until after birth.

Maternal pregnancy complications

Maternal pregnancy complications that lead to premature birth can increase the risk of fetal death. Incompetent cervix, for instance, is a maternal pregnancy complication that can lead to premature birth. When the cervix dilates too early, it’s possible that an otherwise healthy baby is born before his or her organs are fully developed. (source)

Sudden infant death syndrome

According to the Illinois State Department of Health and the CDC, SIDS is the third leading cause of death in children under one year of age. (source, source)  SIDS is an unexplained death in babies who were otherwise healthy. Almost all of these deaths (90%) occur during the first six months of a baby’s life. (source) SIDS isn’t the same thing as a suffocation death, but that will be covered more below.

Injuries and accidents

This category includes babies that perished due to accidents. This includes car accidents, drownings, and accidental suffocation. Suffocation is sometimes associated with SIDS, but the reality is that these are different issues. Suffocation can occur because of what position the baby is in. Positional asphyxiation occurs when the baby’s airways are blocked, such as being slumped in a car seat. (source, source)

Unsafe sleeping arrangements can contribute to accidental suffocation. This includes baby sleeping with blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, sleeping in baby gear not intended for sleep (such as baby walkers or high chairs), sleeping on unsafe surfaces (such as couches), or near areas that a baby could get wedged (between a wall and a bed).

Infant Mortality Rate: Know Your Baby’s Risk Factors

It’s not easy to read about infant mortality, I know. It’s enough to make your mama heart hurt, but there is wisdom in learning about the risk factors so that you can do everything in your power to give your baby a healthy start in life. Certain risk factors for infant mortality include:

• Unmanaged underlying health conditions: Prenatal care and routine well baby checks can help spot the signs of underlying health conditions
• Practicing unsafe activities: Always practice safe car seat installation and usage. Practice safe co-sleeping. You can learn how to safely co-sleep in this post.
• Maternal factors that affect infant mortality:  pre-term birth, low birth weight, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, alcohol, tobacco, HIV, rural residence, race, and psychosocial stressors can all increase the risk of fetal demise and infant mortality. (source: Texas DOH)
• Short time between pregnancies: Studies show short time between pregnancies can increase the risk of low-birth weight, but this can be particularly risky for mamas who had C-sections as short intervals increase the risk of uterine rupture. (source)
• Intrauterine growth delay: Low birth weight is a contributing factor to death rate, and intrauterine growth delay severely affects a baby’s growth. (source)
• Race: Black babies are more at risk of infant death than any other race.

Infant Mortality Rate: Risk factors and Racial Disparities

For every 1000 live births, the infant death rate was broken down by: (source)

• Black (non-Hispanic) babies: 11.4
• American Indian babies: 9.4
• Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: 7.4
• Hispanic: 5.0
• Caucasian: 4.9
• Asian: 3.6

To put this in perspective: Black babies have 2.3 times the infant mortality rate as Caucasians, and they are 3.8 times more likely to die from low birthweight complications than any other race.

Why? There are many factors at play here, but a few of the underlying reasons include institutional racism, not having access to good quality care, living in “materno-toxic” areas, poor access to nutrition/prenatal vitamins. Black mamas are more likely to have premature and low birth babies, and as we just discovered in the last section, low birth weight is a major risk factor for infant death.

So, what can we do about it? Let’s talk about prevention in the next section.

Can You Prevent It?

I know, mama. This is a tough article to get through, but I want you to feel empowered to reduce your baby’s odds as much as possible.

Here are eight things you can do:

1. Reduce your risk of developing birth defects: Take prenatal vitamins — they contain folic acid which helps prevent neural tube defects, eat healthy foods, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol while pregnant.
2. Reduce your risk of pre-term birth: It’s not always possible to prevent pre-term birth, but receiving routine prenatal care can help prevent pre-term birth. Sometimes, pre-term labor can be stopped if you receive medical care promptly. Oddly enough, taking care of your oral health can also help prevent pre-term birth. (source)
3. Reduce your risk of having a low birth weight baby: One of the best things you can do during your pregnancy is to follow a healthy, whole foods-based diet. If you’re not sure if you’re getting enough calories or the right nutrition, don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider. Cigarette smoke (and secondhand smoke) can also contribute to low birth weight. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor. If loved ones smoke, have them go outside.
4. Start prenatal care as soon as you know you’re pregnant: Prenatal care is designed to help you and your baby stay healthy during pregnancy. Certain screenings and imaging can help detect potential problems early on — so you (or your baby) can get the treatment you need quickly. For example, if you demonstrate the signs of incompetent cervix, a procedure called a cerclage can help prevent preterm labor.
5. Prioritize your diet: Following a nutritious pregnancy diet has many benefits. For example, healthy eating can help prevent (or manage) conditions like gestational diabetes. Not to mention, eating a healthy diet can help keep your pregnancy weight gain in check. A healthy diet includes ample hydration too! Being dehydrated can trigger contractions so be sure to drink plenty of water each day.
6. Creating a safe infant sleep environment: This is one of the hottest topics, but the reality is that cribs and even co-sleeping can be unsafe if done incorrectly. To create a safe sleeping environment, your baby’s airways must be clear at all times. This means no pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals should be near your baby. Your baby should also sleep on a firm surface. Again, you can reference this article for safe sleeping tips.
7. Use the newborn screening to check for hidden conditions: Shortly after birth, your baby will receive a newborn screening used to detect a variety of conditions include congenital heart disease and PKU. (source)
8. Advocate for prenatal care, address your concerns, reach out for more support: If you’re ever concerned about something during your pregnancy or after your baby is born, don’t hesitate to speak up, mama! Reach out for support and keep reaching until you get the support you need. For Black mamas, there are more and more resources to help you advocate for yourself and your baby. Black Mothers United is an example of a program designed to offer support and resources to Black mamas at risk of having a low birth weight baby.

What is America Doing to Reduce the Infant Mortality Rate?

We just covered eight things that you can do to improve your baby’s odds, but it’s good to know that America as a whole is also working towards lowering our infant mortality rate. Here’s a peek at what we’re doing:

CDC

In 2015, preterm birth and low birth weight were responsible for about 17% of infant deaths in America, according to the CDC. To help reduce the number of deaths due to preterm birth and low birth weight, the CDC provides support to perinatal quality collaboratives (PQCs). These PQC’s are networks of teams (through one or multiple states) working to improve health outcomes for both babies and their mamas.

The CDC is also on a mission to prevent infant death due to injury. Their Injury Center created resources designed to help educate, inform, and empower patients and all child care givers. This includes child passenger restraint guidelines.

MCHEP Programs

The Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Program (MCHEP) assigns epidemiologists the task of assessing and improving maternal and child health systems and protocols. This program also issued the State Infant Mortality (SIM) Toolkit which is designed to help pinpoint weak spots in the system to prevent future deaths.

PRAMs

The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) was established in 1987 to reduce infant morbidity and mortality through assessments. This program pinpoints weak spots or problem areas and then works to address them.

Grassroots programs

In addition to the bigger programs (like the CDC’s programs), there are several grassroots and local programs who are on a mission to improve mother and baby outcomes. The National Perinatal Task Force is a program component of Commonsense Childbirth, it’s designed to provide awareness, support, and training for birth professionals and community members alike who care about the persistent racial disparities which continue to plague our communities.

The National Perinatal Task Force is a virtual community. It’s a grassroots movement designed to help start perinatal safe spots, especially in materno-toxic areas (places that are not friendly to mama’s). The task force works to create real, tangible changes, especially in areas where racial disparities affect infant outcomes.

Other resources

After having another baby at 43, I was reminded how challenging the postpartum period can be! I feel so passionate about mamas and babies getting the support they need that I created an affordable Baby Care Course. Taught alongside a holistic pediatrician and midwife, this course will teach you everything you need to know so that baby and mama can THRIVE in the first year postpartum. You can check out our course here.

Going Forward

It can be scary to think about infant mortality, but the reality is when you are taking care of yourself during pregnancy, getting routine care, and following safety guidelines (like safe car seat installation), you’re doing your best to keep your little one safe. Empower yourself by learning what you can and trust that all is well.

The post Infant Mortality Rate: Is Your Baby At Risk? appeared first on Mama Natural.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• Signs that your baby has gas
• Natural remedies to comfort a baby with gas
• What gas is
• When to talk to your baby’s pediatrician about gas

8 Signs Your Baby Has Gas

It’s not always easy to talk about gas (or other bodily functions for that matter), but the reality is that all humans pass gas on a daily basis. But how can you tell the difference between a gassy baby and a normal newborn?

Here are eight signs of a gassy baby:

1. Your baby is fussy. There are many reasons why your baby might be fussy, and gas is one of them. A tiny, underdeveloped digestive system can lead to gas pains and cramping. We’d be fussy too!
2. Your baby isn’t happy. Your baby won’t smile or settle well. If your baby is seemingly always fussy and struggling with gassiness, he might seem unhappy.
3. Your baby isn’t eating well. There are many reasons that your baby might have trouble eating (like a bad latch), but gas pains can also contribute.
4. Your baby isn’t sleeping well. Gas pains can make it difficult to settle down to sleep, but it can also wake up your baby from a sound sleep. Because good sleep is essential for healthy growth and development, talk to your pediatrician to rule out other problems.
5. Your baby looks like he’s in pain. Although your baby can’t say he’s in pain, his face certainly can. A bright red face and furrowed eyebrows are two clues.
6. Your baby squirms and pulls his legs to his chest. This is one of the biggest signs of gas. Bringing the legs up the chest is your baby’s way of trying to reduce the discomfort — sort of like if you use the fetal position to ease the pain of menstrual cramps!
7. Your baby arches his back. He might do this in conjunction with lifting his legs.
8. Your baby’s stomach is hard or bloated. A gassy tummy may feel hard or swollen, but it should go away after the gas has passed.

How Do You Comfort a Gassy Baby?

Your baby is fussy, and you’ve pegged gas as the culprit. Now what?

Although many moms may reach for the best baby gas drops, that’s not the only option. There are many ways to naturally comfort a gassy baby. Some of these methods bring quick relief while others are intended to bring long-lasting relief by tackling the cause of gas.

You can provide comfort by:

Burping Your Baby During Each Meal

Burping regularly is essential for a happy tummy! A lot of babies become gassy if they swallow too much air during a feeding session. You can reduce the influx of air by ensuring a proper latch or using an anti-gas nipple on the bottle.

Grab your burp cloths and keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t wait until the end of the feeding to burp — try a mid-feeding burp!
• Burp every 5-10 minutes for breastfeeding babies (especially younger babies)
• Burp every 2-3 ounces for bottle-fed babies

In addition, consider burping your baby if he starts fussing at the breast or bottle. We have a whole article on burping techniques here.

Trying Gripe Water for a Gassy Baby

Gripe water is a go-to for mothers of colicky babies, but it can also help a gassy baby, too. Gripe water contains many tummy-friendly herbs such as fennel. Studies show that fennel can reduce gastrointestinal spasms, increase the efficiency of the small intestine, and reduce discomfort associated with gas. If you’re breastfeeding, you can drink fennel tea by adding 2 tablespoons of fennel seed into hot water and seep for 20 minutes. Strain and drink.

Incorporating Infant Probiotics in Your Baby’s Routine

The gut is home to trillions of live cultures. These good bacteria create the microbiome in your baby’s tummy. However, if the “bad” bacteria outnumber the “good” bacteria, your baby is more likely to struggle with gas or bloating. You can support your baby’s gut health with infant probiotics. Studies show that probiotics can reduce gas and bloating.

Doing Bicycle Kicks to Ease Gassy Baby

Although choosing the right bottle nipple and giving your baby infant probiotics are good for preventing gas, some good old-fashioned bicycle kicks can help your baby during a gassy flare-up.

To perform this move, follow these simple steps:

• Lay your baby on a soft blanket on the floor (or activity mat)
• Sit in front of your baby and move your baby’s legs as if he was on a bicycle

This is a great opportunity to bond with your baby, gaze into his eyes, and sing a few nursery songs.

Spending Time Doing Tummy Time

While you’re on the floor doing bicycle kicks, it’s the perfect time for tummy time! You probably already know that tummy time helps your baby strengthen his neck and core muscles, but the pressure of the floor on your baby’s tummy can also help alleviate gas.

Tip: Wait at least 20 minutes after feeding before engaging in tummy time to reduce the chance of baby spitting up.

Massaging Your Baby’s Tummy

The gentle massaging touch can be calming and relaxing, but even more importantly, the pressure on your baby’s tummy can help encourage that gas bubble to come out. You can also try the “colic hold” to help relieve pressure in a gassy baby. To do this hold, you can your baby across your lap so that his tummy lays on your legs. This works for the same reason that tummy time does. You can find more baby massage ideas in this article.

Administering Chamomile Tea

What can’t a hot cuppa do? Tea is so healing! Of course, you won’t be handing a cup of tea to your baby, but the tea itself can be helpful. Chamomile tea has been used for centuries as a tummy-soother, and many mamas swear by this. With your pediatrician’s green light, you can give room temperature (or even chilled) chamomile tea in a syringe to your gassy baby starting around 6 months of age.

Giving Your Diet a Makeover

Sometimes, all it takes is a little tweak to your breastfeeding diet to help your baby get relief. Some foods can be problematic. Dairy is a huge culprit. Try eliminating for 2 weeks and see if it makes a difference. Other foods like cruciferous veggies and legumes are known to cause gassiness in breastfed babies. If you suspect that your diet is affecting your baby, eliminate problem foods and see if your baby feels better. Learn more about the best breastfeeding diet here.

What Is Gas?

Did you ever think that a tiny air bubble could be so painful?

Gas happens when air bubbles get stuck in the digestive tract. It’s common this to happen to infants because their digestive systems are so immature. Regardless of age, there are many reasons why certain babies struggle more with gas.

Common causes of gas include:

• Trapped air (from a bad latch or from sucking on an empty bottle)
• Drinking while laying down (eating more upright can help)
• Food sensitivities to mama’s diet
• Food sensitivities to something in the formula
• Underlying health conditions such as silent reflux

Remember, almost all babies struggle with gas.

If you’re eliminating the common causes of gassy baby but your little one is still uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to check in with your baby’s pediatrician.

Formula and Gassiness: Do Formula Fed Babies Fart More?

In addition to gassy foods, some babies may react if they have food sensitivities. This includes food sensitivities in a breastfed mother’s diet or food sensitivities in a baby formula. For example, a baby who has dairy sensitivities may react to formulas that contain dairy. If you think your gassy baby is reacting to his formula, consider trying a new formula. Check out this post for more information regarding the best baby formula.

You’ll know that your baby tolerates the new formula if he’s less gassy during feedings, less back arching after meals, and less spit up.

In addition to food sensitivities, bottle-fed babies may fart more since they tend to swallow more air while drinking. You can combat this by using slow-flow bottle nipples, feeding baby at a 45-degree angle, and holding the bottle so that milk is always in the nipple.

Why Is My Baby So Gassy At Night?

Gas can strike at any time even in the middle of a feeding! If your baby starts to fuss at the breast, he may feel “full” because of a gas bubble. A mid-feed burp can help take care of that. However, if you notice that your baby is always fussy at the same time each and every night, you might not be dealing with run-of-the-mill gas. Fussiness at the same time could be a sign of colic. However, keep in mind that a gassy baby can be worse at night because of the build up of air throughout the day.

Colic is defined as a period of intense crying for more three hours per day at least 3 days per week. Gas can accompany colic especially if the baby sucks in air while crying.

Does your baby have colic? Try these 14 methods for soothing a colicky baby.

When to Be Concerned about Baby Gas

So you’ve tried tummy massages and bicycle kicks, but you just can’t comfort your baby. Now what? It’s a good idea to speak with your pediatrician especially if:

• Your baby isn’t gaining weight
• Your baby isn’t interested in eating
• Your baby is struggling with constipation

Your pediatrician can help determine the cause of your baby’s discomfort so he can get the relief he deserves.

Is Your Baby Dealing with Gas?

Do you have a gassy baby? What natural remedies do you use to comfort your baby? Do you use any of our top-rated baby gas drops? Let us know in the comments.

The post Gassy Baby: 8 Signs of Gas & Natural Remedies to Help appeared first on Mama Natural.

It’s something you might not give much thought to until you’re expecting a baby. But then, suddenly, you might stop to consider a wide range of questions like: what causes an outie belly button and is an outie belly button a cause for concern?

Let’s break it all down:

What Causes an Outie Belly Button?

Whether baby has an innie or an outie belly button is, instead, based on:

Scar tissue

The belly button is just scar tissue and how it heals can affect how it looks. There’s nothing you can do about this—it’s just the way different bodies heal. Think about it this way: If you cut yourself, sometimes it scars—and sometimes it doesn’t. There’s really no explaining it.

Umbilical hernia

An umbilical hernia occurs when the opening in the abdominal wall that allows the umbilical cord to reach the outside of the body doesn’t close completely. Typically this happens in the first few days after birth, but sometimes the hole doesn’t close for much longer. Intestines can then bulge out in the weak spot around the navel.

This is most common in premature or low birth weight infants, as well as African Americans, according to Cincinnati Children’s.

Usually, an umbilical hernia will resolve itself by the age of 4 or 5. If not, your doctor may want to surgically repair the hernia.

Umbilical granuloma

This is a small piece of tissue (a red or pink lump) that grows inside the belly button, making it protrude.

This condition usually resolves itself in a couple of weeks after birth. However, a granuloma can become infected, so it’s important to keep an eye on it. If it doesn’t resolve itself, your doctor may recommend applying some salt to help it along, or she may want to remove it with silver nitrate in the office.

Three things that DO NOT cause an outie belly button

You might have heard that the shape of the belly button depends on how the cord was cut at birth. This is a myth. Outie belly buttons are not caused by:

Cutting the cord

Your partner can breathe easy. No matter who cuts the cord—you, your healthcare provider, or your partner—the technique (or lack of) has nothing to do with the shape of baby’s belly button.

Delayed cord clamping

And don’t fret if you want to wait to snip the cord (find out why delayed cord clamping is so beneficial). Delayed cord clamping will not affect the shape of your baby’s navel.

Improper cord care

An outie belly button is also not a result of improper cord care—even if the umbilical cord stump gets infected during the healing process.

How Common is an Outie Belly Button?

According to a North Carolina University survey, only 4 percent of participants reported having an outie belly button. Bottom line: Outie belly buttons are much less common than innies.

Can You Fix an Outie Belly Button?

There’s not usually any reason to fix a protruding navel (aside from an umbilical hernia that doesn’t heal).

If you notice redness or discharge coming from the area, this could be a sign of infection, so you should consult your pediatrician. But if everything is normal, consider an outie a unique trait that contributes to making your child (or you) who they are. It’s nothing to worry about, and there is nothing you need to do to “correct” it.

The post What Causes an Outie Belly Button? appeared first on Mama Natural.

6 Natural Remedies for Constipation in Babies

When it comes to constipation remedies, it’s best to let Mother Nature lend you a helping hand. Here’s how:

1. Proper diet

When baby is eating solids, avoid foods that constipate (like bananas, rice, or too much meat) and offer high-fiber foods that help relieve constipation.

Good choices include cooked pears, prunes, apricots, and peaches. You can offer these fruits as purees or slices (if you’re doing baby led weaning). Just remember: Babies younger than 6 months should not have anything but breastmilk or formula unless directed by a doctor.

2. Probiotics

Probiotics help restore balance in the gut, improve overall digestive health, and can make a huge difference in a constipated baby. Simply mix the recommended dosage amount into a bottle of breastmilk, formula, or purees for one of the best natural constipation remedies. You can also apply directly to the nipple if breastfeeding.

3. Homeopathic remedies for digestion

You should always get your doctor’s approval, but homeopathic remedies are safe, easy to administer, and can be very effective at treating baby constipation. Simply give one pilule (the little white bead) under the tongue or dissolve two pilules in a small amount of breastmilk or formula. Use a syringe to administer to baby and repeat as needed.

Homeopathic baby constipation remedies include:

• Calc-cabonica: For constipation accompanied by teething or for babies who are sensitive to lactose or milk protein.
• Lycopodium: For irritable or extremely gassy babies.
• Nux-vomica: For constipated babies who are straining.
• Silica: For babies who produce stools, but the stools are small and hard.

4. Warm baths

A warm bath can soothe baby and stimulate the digestive system. For the most effective constipation remedy, mix in Epsom salts—the magnesium helps relax muscles and soften stool to move things along.

5. Exercise

Just like adults, exercise can help get the digestive system going. If baby can crawl, get on the floor with her and encourage her to crawl towards you. If not, you can “bicycle” her legs by laying her down and moving her legs back and forth as if she were riding a bicycle. You can also have baby do tummy time if it’s not too uncomfortable.

6. Baby massage or foot rubs

Massaging your little one’s belly helps move trapped air and gas, which contribute to constipation. It’s one of the simplest natural constipation remedies—just move your hand in sweeping or circular motions across baby’s abdomen. Remember not to press too hard.

There are also pressure points relating to the gut on the feet. You can find these between the ball of the foot and the heel. Gently rub in circular motions with your thumbs.

This video gives a great overview of how to perform baby massage to naturally relieve constipation.

What about over-the-counter products?

There are plenty of products designed to be constipation remedies for babies and children, but they should not be your first line of defense. Some stool softeners for babies contain yucky ingredients like artificial food dyes and preservatives and could set up dependencies.

Signs of Constipation in Babies

But how do you know if your child is constipated? Lactation consultants often advise new parents to count wet diapers to make sure baby is getting enough to drink. And there are some studies supporting the theory that the amount of soiled diapers baby has per day should match a baby’s age during the first week of life—on day four baby should have approximately four soiled diapers, for example.

But, like adults, baby’s bowel movements can vary a fair amount from person to person, so diaper output isn’t always a hard and fast rule. Here’s what to look for:

Change in Frequency

Use your baby’s normal bowel movement pattern as a baseline. If your baby hasn’t pooped in two days, but normally has a bowel movement after every feeding, he might be a little backed up.

If you’re having a hard time keeping track, many breastfeeding trackers also give you a place to log bowel movements.

Hard Stools

Even if your baby has regular poopy diapers, hard, dry poop (think: rabbit poop) is one of the surest signs of baby constipation. Poop shouldn’t be so hard that it causes painful straining.

Hard stools don’t typically occur in breastfed babies, but formula-fed babies may benefit from switching formulas. (Here are more causes of baby constipation.)

Straining

If you notice your baby grunting excessively and turning red in the face, she is probably straining to poop.

Firm belly

Does baby’s tummy feel full, hard, or bloated? This is one of the most common signs of constipation in babies, since constipation can cause a belly to feel extra firm.

Refusing to eat

Due to their bowel discomfort and distention, constipated babies often refuse food—even if it’s been hours since their last meal.

Blood in the stool

Just like with adults, straining too hard during a bowel movement can cause tiny fissures (tears) around the anus, which produce little streaks of blood on the outside of the stool. Although this can be a normal side effect of baby constipation, blood throughout can indicate a problem. If you see any blood in your baby’s poop, it’s always a good idea to visit the pediatrician to rule out other conditions.

What Causes Constipation in Babies?

These symptoms of baby constipation may be a result of the following:

Transitioning to solids

It’s common for babies who are transitioning to solids to experience constipation, because their digestive systems are adjusting to the new diet.

Wait until baby displays signs of readiness (like reaching for your food) and is at least 6 months of age to give solids or purees. If baby becomes constipated, he may not be ready for the transition quite yet. Cut back on solid foods and boost your breastfeeding.

Feeding constipation-causing solids

Some foods produce hard, firmer stools and can result in constipation problems. You don’t have to cut them out entirely, but both bananas and applesauce, popular first foods for babies, can back baby up. The pectin in applesauce, for example, pulls water out of the stool, making it harder for baby to pass. It can also cause stomach cramps and gas.

Though you may have heard that bananas are good for constipation, it depends on whether the banana is ripe. They can contain high amounts of starch, which contributes to constipation. Don’t give bananas to a baby dealing with constipation.

Too much rice cereal

Though often recommended by pediatricians, rice cereal is not a great choice for baby’s first solid. Besides being high in arsenic, cereal is usually made from white rice and is, therefore, very low in nutrients, including fiber. Babies immature systems also have a hard time digesting grains. Try these foods instead.

Mom’s diet

Sometimes the cause isn’t what baby’s eating—it’s what mama is eating. Studies suggest that chronic constipation in children can be a result of a cow’s milk allergy. Other signs of a cow’s milk allergy or sensitivity can include baby eczema, hives, or excessive spitting up.

If you suspect your baby is sensitive to dairy or other allergens, slowly cut out dairy and other potential triggers from your diet. An elimination diet can help pinpoint what your baby is reacting to. A lactation consultant can help guide you through the process.

Incorrect formula ratio

If baby drinks formula, double check to make sure you’re using the correct ratio of powder to water. An imbalance can contribute to dehydration, which can cause constipation in babies.

Try a new formula

If a bottle-fed baby is constipated, sometimes it’s as easy as changing out the formula. Some babies don’t do well on a cow’s milk formula, but thrive on a goat’s milk one. Experiment and see if that helps baby’s bowels.

Dehydration

Sometimes a little dehydration is all it takes to cause constipation. If baby is steadily gaining weight, you probably don’t have to worry about dehydration. But if baby is not gaining weight, has a poor latch, or is excessively fussy, he may not be getting enough milk. A lactation consultant can help determine whether or not baby is getting enough to drink and can help establish a plan of action.

Medical condition

Although rare, chronic constipation be a result of medical conditions including allergies or thyroid disorders. Consult your child’s pediatrician if you suspect a problem.

Preventing Constipation in Babies

There’s also one big dietary component that can help prevent constipation in the first place: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

When baby is dehydrated, the risk of constipation increases. Here’s what you can do:

• For babies under 6 months old, this means breastfeeding on demand (breast milk is over 80 percent water!) or giving the proper amount of formula each day.
• For babies eating solids, make sure baby continues to get either breastmilk or formula for liquid nourishment. Once baby can use a sippy cup, you can give 2 ounces of water per day for added hydration.

When to Call a Doctor

Sometimes, no matter what you try, natural remedies just aren’t working. If you’ve exhausted all of these options and haven’t found a way to relieve baby’s constipation, you may be wondering what to do next.

It’s important to call your child’s pediatrician if baby isn’t eating, stops producing wet diapers, or has blood in her stool. If baby is younger than four months of age, call the doctor if baby has hard or pebble-like stool or hasn’t had a bowel movement within 24 hours.

The post Baby Constipation: Natural Remedies, Signs & Causes appeared first on Mama Natural.

In this article, we’ll cover:

First Thing’s First: Do You Need a Special Baby Detergent?

Ironically, two items—laundry detergent and fabric softeners—that are designed purely to clean are actually two of the most toxic items in our homes. (source) Yikes!

Conventional detergents contain a compound called dioxane—a known endocrine disrupter that may even cause cancer. (source) Because babies have such sensitive skin and delicate immune systems that are especially vulnerable, this is a “perfect storm” scenario that can lead to allergic reactions and skin issues, like eczema.

Think of it this way: Your baby doesn’t need a special “baby-only” detergent—your whole family needs a natural one.

What About Dreft Baby Detergent?

For years, Dreft has been the most widely recommended baby detergent, but it is not the best choice. In fact, Dreft received an “F” grade from the Environmental Working Group.

Wondering why this seemingly innocent detergent scored so poorly?

• Sodium borate, which is linked to respiratory and endocrine distress (source)
• Ethylene oxide, which is linked to cancer and developmental delays (source)
  
• Artificial fragrance, which is linked to allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues (source)
• 1-4 dioxane, which is linked to organ problems, skin irritations, and cancer (source)

Other popular choices, like All baby detergent, didn’t fare too well either; they received a D rating.

Best Baby Detergent

So what is the best baby detergent? Is there a good baby detergent? Conventional brands may be out, but there are still plenty of options to keep your baby’s clothes fresh and clean:

Molly’s Suds

Molly’s Suds – The Best Baby Detergent (Plus, How to Make Your Own) post by Mama Natural

This soap is listed as eco-responsible and derived from plant-based ingredients. Even better, it’s available in liquid or powder form.

• For the powdered form: Use 1-2 tablespoons. Place the detergent into the washer drum.
• For the liquid version: Add one capful of detergent into the drum of your washer. Can also be used to spot-treat and pre-treat.

Better Life Unscented

Better Life Unscented – The Best Baby Detergent (Plus, How to Make Your Own) post by Mama Natural

This is a liquid detergent, and like Molly’s Suds, it’s plant-based. It’s also super concentrated—4x!

• For a normal load: Pour one ounce (half a cap) into the drum of your washer.
• For a heavy or extra dirty load: Pour two ounces (one cap) into the drum of your washer.

Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent

– The Best Baby Detergent (Plus, How to Make Your Own) post by Mama Natural

This triple enzyme formula is tough on stains, but free from chemicals and fragrances that can irritate skin. It can also be used as a pretreatment for particularly tough spots, like tomato sauce and grass stains.

Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder

Charlie’s Soap Laundry Powder – The Best Baby Detergent (Plus, How to Make Your Own) post by Mama Natural

This non-toxic laundry powder (just four ingredients!) is a favorite amongst cloth-diapering parents, because it’s extra gentle on sensitive skin.

• For a normal load: Put 2/3 tablespoon of powder into the washing machine (not the dispenser).
• For a heavy or extra dirty load: Pour one tablespoon into the washer.

Nellie’s All-Natural Laundry Soda

Nellie’s All-Natural Laundry Soda – The Best Baby Detergent (Plus, How to Make Your Own) post by Mama Natural

This laundry detergent is a more eco-friendly choice (uses less water!) and is gentle on skin.

• For a normal load: Use one tablespoon of powder for each regular-sized load.

DIY baby detergent

Using liquid soap

Pure Castile soap – The Best Baby Detergent (Plus, How to Make Your Own) post by Mama Natural

If you use Castile soap, remember that it is concentrated. To use Castile soap for laundry, mix one cup of your chosen Castile soap into a one-gallon container filled with warm water. Add 3/4 cup aluminum-free baking soda and 1/4 cup sea salt. Use 1 cup of this mixture per load at first, but you may find that you need less depending on the size and soil level of your laundry load.

Another option: As per the Dr. Bronner site, you can put 1/3 to 1/2 cup (or 1/6 to 1/4 cup for HE washers) of Castile soap directly into your washing machine’s soap dispenser followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle.

Using bar soap

Dr Bronners Bar Soap – The Best Baby Detergent (Plus, How to Make Your Own) post by Mama Natural

You can also make your own liquid laundry soap using the bar version of Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap.

DIY baby detergent ingredients:

• 1 bar of your favorite Dr. Bronner soap
• 1/4 cup of white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of organic glycerin
• 3 cups of water for boiling
• 1 gallon of water for making the detergent
• 30 drops of your favorite essential oil

How to make DIY baby detergent:

1. Grate the bar of soap using a cheese grater or your food processor.
2. Melt the bar into 3 cups of boiling water. Let this mixture cool completely.
3. Using a 1-gallon container, add the remaining ingredients: vinegar, glycerin, and essential oils.
4. Add the cooled soap mixture to your gallon container.
5. Fill up the remaining space with warm water.
6. Let the detergent sit for 24 hours before using.
7. Shake before each use.
8. Use 1 cup per load.

Are Fabric Softeners and Dryer Sheets Safe?

It’s part of our DNA to love things that smell good. And fabric softeners and dryer sheets do that, plus make clothes feel softer. But the bottom line is that conventional fabric softeners and dryer sheets are not safe. These products are some of the most toxic items you can have in your home. Studies link them to asthma, eczema, allergies, and even cancer and central nervous system disorders.

Luckily, there are plenty of safe alternatives:

1. Use dryer wool balls to reduce static cling and wrinkling

Dryer balls make clothes so soft and help eliminate wrinkles. Check these out:

• Extra Large Dryer Balls by Wantell
• Babyganics Wool Dryer Balls
• SmartSheep Extra Large Dryer Balls

There’s no need to wash dryer balls, but keep in mind, you should replace the balls after about 1,000 loads of laundry—still way cheaper than using dryer sheets.

2. Use essential oils for scented fabric

And for that great scent, you can use essential oils (not fragrance oils!) to scent your clothes:

1. Fabric softener: Combine 1 gallon of white vinegar and 30 drops of your favorite essential oil. Mix well and deposit 1 cup in your washing machine’s fabric softener slot per load.
2. Scented detergent: Add your favorite oil to your liquid laundry detergent.  Start with 30 drops per gallon of detergent.
3. Scented dryer balls. Add a few drops of oil to each ball. Use the low heat setting if you opt for this method.

Of course, you can play around with the number of drops to fit your preferences. You can use single oils or you can mix-and-match oils to create your own personalized laundry scent. The following oils are popular for that fresh, clean scent:

• Lavender (to buy)
• Tea Tree (to buy)
• Citrus oils, like lemon and orange (to buy)
• Cedarwood (to buy)
• Cinnamon (to buy)

Tip: Check your warranty information on your washer and dryer before using white vinegar or essential oils. For more information on getting started with essential oils, check out this post.

Remember…

Baby detergent (and regular detergent for that matter) aren’t the only household items that should be green. It is important to keep all of your cleaning products and cosmetics safe, too. In fact, these are two more great projects to tackle while you’ve got those nesting vibes!

The post Best Baby Detergent List (Plus, How to Make Your Own) appeared first on Mama Natural.

What is an Oatmeal Bath?

As the name suggests, an oatmeal bath is when you soak in oatmeal-infused water. Although this sounds like a potential plumbing disaster, there is a trick to this age-old remedy: oatmeal flour. Dumping rolled oats into your tub would indeed clog the pipes, but when powdery-fine oatmeal flour is mixed into warm water, the result is a silky, “milky” bath that soothes even the most irritated skin.

How to Make an Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal bath ingredients

• Warm tap water
• 1 cup of  colloidal oatmeal (you can make your own—see directions below—or purchase colloidal oatmeal here.)
• Soft towels for patting dry
• After-bath emollient or body butter

How to make colloidal oatmeal

If you don’t have colloidal oatmeal on hand, you can make your own:

1. Place one cup of regular, raw oats into a clean coffee grinder, high-powered food processor or blender.
2. Grind oatmeal into a fine powder.

Note: If one tablespoon doesn’t dissolve easily into one cup of water, the powder is not ground fine enough. Continue grinding until your test results in milky, silky water.

How to Give an Oatmeal Bath

1. Fill the tub with warm bath water. Hot water (usually described as 120 degrees Fahrenheit) can scald or irritate already sensitive skin, so stick with warm water—about 90 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. (A simple bathtub thermometer like the one you use for your newborn bath can make this process easier.)
2. As the water is filling the tub, pour one cup of colloidal oatmeal into the tub.
3. Stir and mix well with your hand. Once mixed, the water should feel silky and look milky.
4. Soak for 10-20 minutes.
5. Rinse off with fresh, lukewarm water.
6. Pat skin dry.
7. Apply an emollient within three minutes of drying off to help seal in the moisture. Using an emollient (instead of lotion) protects the skin barrier. (You can use real lanolin or this raw shea butter to make a whipped butter.)

Benefits of Oatmeal Baths

Wild oats—officially known as Avena sativa—have been used in personal care products for millennia.

• In 2000 BC, ancient Egyptians soaked in a wild oat baths to calm anxiety, as well as burns and eczema.
• Ancient Romans used oat baths for relieving sun burns.
• And in the 19th century, oat baths were used to soothe hives.

Why oatmeal? Why not quinoa, or wheat? Oatmeal contains a compound called avenanthramides that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (source) In fact, there is so much evidence that supports the healing properties of wild oats that colloidal oatmeal has officially been classified as a skin protectant by the FDA. (source)

Oatmeal baths for rash/general irritation

Itchy, dry skin? Rashes? According to a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, oats excel in soothing irritated and dry skin, because they are so high in starches. These starches help strengthen the skin barrier. Specifically, the compounds in the oats promote “lipid regulation in skin” which means your skin retains moisture better.

Oatmeal baths for hives

Hives appear as red welts and can be itchy and painful. It’s a common sign of allergies, so if you notice hives on your little one, be sure to check for other signs of food allergies. In the meantime, these types of baths can help soothe the skin. (source)

Oatmeal baths for eczema

If you have eczema, it’s especially important to protect the skin barrier, and because colloidal oatmeal is a classified skin protectant, soaking in it (and then following up with an emollient moisturizer) is a great way to treat inflamed patches. It also helps reduce the need for topical steroid cream. (source, source)

Oatmeal baths for poison ivy

If you encounter poison ivy, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests washing the area (and any clothes that came into contact with the plant) to remove as much of the oil as possible, then soaking in an oatmeal bath and applying calamine lotion and/or cold compresses afterwards.

Oatmeal baths for diaper rash

Oats are rich in vitamin E, which can help soothe your baby’s bottom and resolve diaper rash. Because oats also have a saponic, or soap-like, quality, these types of baths can even help prevent diaper rash in the future.

Oatmeal baths for chicken pox

According to the American Academy of Dermatology oatmeal baths can help relieve some of the itch when children develop the painful blisters associated with chicken pox.

Oatmeal baths for sunburn

Rich in vitamin E, the ant-inflammatory properties of the oats soothe scorched skin. (source) And because vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps block UV-B rays—the rays responsible for sunburns—soaking in oatmeal also helps your body repair any damage resulting from sunburn. (source, source)

How About You?

Have you made an oatmeal bath for your little one? Do you make your own colloidal oatmeal?

The post How to Make an Oatmeal Bath (And Why You’d Want To) appeared first on Mama Natural.

Don’t worry, mama! We’ve got it all covered, including:

• How to bathe a newborn baby
• When to give baby their first bath
• How often to bathe a newborn
• Plus, what products to use when bathing a newborn baby

How to Bathe a Newborn

1. Get your baby bath supplies ready

Yes, before you even begin to bathe baby, get all of your supplies ready and right near the baby bath. You don’t want to leave baby unattended, even for a second, as this can be dangerous.

So, when it’s time to give baby a bath, collect the following supplies:

• A towel
• Baby washcloth 
• Natural soap (optional)
• Baby tub (optional)

2. Choose your bathing location

A baby tub set inside the regular tub is the best option. Although many parents find that the sink is more convenient, the average kitchen sink has more germs than the typical toilet—ew! If you don’t have a bath tub, you can still use a baby tub and set inside a shower instead.

3. Fill the baby tub

Fill the baby bath tub with just enough water to puddle underneath baby—two to three inches of water should do. Baby should not be submerged and it’s best to avoid getting water in baby’s ears.

4. Check the temperature

Always find the appropriate temperature before setting baby into the tub. This prevents accidental burns, as well as startling baby with cold water.

Baby’s bath water should be about 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just slightly higher than body temperature. You can buy a small bathtub thermometer to make this process easier.

5. Carefully place baby in the baby tub

Cover baby with a dry washcloth or small towel to keep him warm while you wash different parts of his body. Because babies chill so easily, consider running the towels through the dryer before bathing baby. You can also run a small space heater in the room (be sure to keep it far away from the water though!) to make the air a more comfortable temperature for baby. You can also run shower to create a “steam room”, which also keeps baby warm.

6. Clean baby using a soft wash cloth or sponge

Use one arm to support baby’s back, head, and neck; use your other hand to sponge baby’s body parts one at a time. Start with the cleanest parts of your baby (e.g. head) and work to the dirtiest parts (e.g. diaper area). Never retract or “clean” uncircumcised penises or put soap inside the vagina. And be sure to pay close attention to any folds or rolls, under the neck, under the arms, in the upper thigh rolls, and the bum.

What if baby still has the umbilical cord stump??

When it comes to the umbilical cord stump, the best rule is to leave it alone. If it does get wet, dry it in the process, simply dry it with a soft cloth. Read more about umbilical cord care.

7. Rinse baby well

It’s actually best not to use soap or very little for bits and pits (learn more about why you shouldn’t use too much soap). But, some moms like doing the traditional bubble bath. In those cases, be sure to rinse baby well. Soap residue can cause dry, flaky skin and increase baby’s risk of skin conditions, like eczema. This special bucket works well to thoroughly rinse baby without getting soap in baby’s eyes.

8. Dry baby

Wet babies are extra slippery, so be careful! Use both hands to lift baby out of the bath, taking care to support the back of the neck and behind the knees. Use a soft organic towel and gently pat baby dry. Rubbing too vigorously can irritate baby’s sensitive skin. Some parents love these hooded towels to keep baby extra warm.

An Important Safety Note

Never, ever leave your baby alone during bathing—not even for a second! According to the AAP, drowning is one of the leading causes of death in young children. Even scarier? It can happen in less than two inches of water. (source)

When Should a Newborn Have Their First Bath?

Ideally, you should wait 5-7 days post birth to give baby a bath.

While that may sound stinky, adhering to this timeline is actually best for baby. Waiting to bathe baby allows the vernix to absorb. Waiting to bathe a newborn also…

• Decreases baby’s risk of hypoglycemia: Studies show that delaying baby’s first bath decreases the rate of both hypothermia and hypoglycemia. (source)
• Decreases baby’s risk of hypothermia: Until your baby’s temperature regulates, he is susceptible to hypothermia. Early bathing can even cause breathing problems due to poor temperature regulation. (source)
• Reduces baby’s stress levels: Anywhere but mama’s arms can be stressful for a newborn. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines revealed that mothers’ touch (and even just her attention!) can reduce cortisol levels in babies. (source)
• Enhances breastfeeding success: Studies show that delayed a baby’s first bath can promote mother-child bond and enhance the breastfeeding connection. (source)

If that won’t work, according to the World Health Organization, you need to wait at least 24 hours to bathe baby. (source) This gives baby time to recover from birth and regulate his/her body temperature.

Note: If a bath absolutely must occur before a baby is 24 hours old, the WHO states that the baby must be a minimum of at least six hours old.

How Often Should You Bathe a Newborn

A good rule of thumb is once a week.

While a warm bath before bed is a soothing routine, the truth is: Newborns simply don’t need a bath every night. Over bathing can lead to:

Dry, flaky and peeling skin

Even natural soaps tend to be way too harsh for babies’ sensitive skin. What’s more? Many cleaning products contain parabens and fragrances. In studies, these ingredients are linked to hormonal disruption, eczema, asthma, and other respiratory irritations.

And because there is so much “greenwashing,” deciphering labels can be tricky. Many products are labeled “natural” or “eco-friendly,” despite the fact that they contain harmful ingredients. When you give your baby a bath, use very little soap (if any).

Decrease in overall immunity

Because our skin contains a mix of bacteria (similar to our gut), we don’t want to be constantly washing away the good, protective probiotics. Being exposed to a little bit of dirt and germs can actually help build the immune systems. (source)

But What If Baby Gets Dirty?

I know what you’re thinking: What if baby sweats? Or, worse, has a poop explosion? Babies don’t get sweaty or stinky the way an adult does, but if baby needs to be cleaned take a wet washcloth and clean the localized area. (If you’re on the go, use a natural wipe instead.)

What Kind of Soap Should You Use to Bathe a Newborn?

Use very small amounts of natural, organic soap. Or, better yet, try slathering baby with coconut oil in areas where dirt collects like around neck, in thigh creases, on bum, and hands. Coconut oil is moisturizing, and yet antimicrobial and antibacterial so acts as a cleansing agent. In fact, coconut oil is often used in soap recipes.

Just take extra care when handling baby—coconut oil can make baby even more slippery than usual.

Should You Use Lotion After Bathing a Newborn?

Take a peek in any baby store, and you’ll see two items always side-by-side: baby soap and baby lotion. It’s understandable to think you need to apply a moisturizer daily, but babies don’t need lotion after baths. In fact, many pediatricians don’t recommend it. Too much moisturizer on a newborn’s skin can interfere with the skin barrier function. (source)

What if baby’s skin is looking a bit on the dry side? Or maybe baby has eczema or cradle cap? Rub a little coconut oil on those patches instead.

Can You Use Baby Powder on a Newborn?

Baby powder has long been used to keep the diaper area dry and rash-free. However, baby powder is not recommended.

Many baby powders contain talc, which has been linked to ovarian cancer. (source)

That being said, even natural powders (arrowroot or non-gmo cornstarch) are not recommended. Powder can cause respiratory issues if it’s inhaled, and unfortunately, it is very easy for a baby to inhale these particles. Plus, in many cases, powder can be too drying.

You Got This!

Figuring out how to bathe a newborn is intimidating—no doubt about it! Babies are delicate and so, so slippery when wet. It’s natural to worry about doing it the right way. But, like so many other things when it comes to babies, you’ll be a pro in no time. Just go slow and go forth with confidence—you’ve got this!

How About You?

When did you learn how to bathe a newborn? Did you delay your baby’s first bath? How long did you wait?

The post How to Bathe a Newborn Safely: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Mama Natural.