Natural Baby
Having a baby is a truly life changing experience, and of course it’s only natural to want to protect and care for your child the best that you can. There are a lot of companies that use harmful chemicals in essential products, so it’s important to know what to look out for in ingredients.
Read on to discover these harmful chemicals and to find out about our favourite natural baby products…
Harmful Chemicals
We’ve spoken to Jane Mason, owner of the Natural Birthing Company, to find out how to protect your baby during pregnancy and once they have arrived- so here are the ingredients that could be harming your skin, body and baby:
Parabens (Butyl-, Ethyl- or Methylparaben)
Why: These are one of the most common preservatives in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. The problem is, Parabens mimic estrogen in the body and a build up of those has been connected to an increased risk of breast cancer. Not good news for breastfeeding, that’s for sure.
Where: Body washes, deodorants, shampoos, and many others.
Petrochemicals
Why: These are petroleum based chemicals. They basically come from crude oil refining. Studies have found that chemicals derived from crude oil (despite some being labelled non-toxic) actually increase the risk of cancer and have recently been linked to the increase in prevalence of other diseases. Who knows what they might be doing to a newborn baby.
Where: In lots and lots of skincare products
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or Sodium Laureth
Why: You know what makes that really nice shower gel foam so much? Well, this is it. Formerly an industrial degreaser, sulphates are now mostly used to make things lather. Issue is, it also dissolves your essential skin oils, dries your skin, and in excessive amounts it can actually damage cells. Not good for babies (or anyone else for that matter).
Where: Common in shower gels, shampoos, and other skin cleansing products
Synthetic Fragrances
Why: One of the most common ingredients in cosmetics and skincare products. Worryingly enough, a lot of synthetic fragrances come from petroleum (yes, it’s crude oil again). They can cause skin irritation and producing them is not great for the environment either.
Where: The more accurate question will be “where not?”
Our Top Natural Products
You will be pleased to hear that there are lots of companies out there that do care, and they have made sure that none of their products contain any nasty chemicals. So we’ve picked out a few of our favourite natural brands and their products!
Natural Birthing Company
The Natural Birthing Company produce natural products for use during and after pregnancy, and they have all been designed by midwives and mums. The products created by the Natural Birthing Company contain no parabens, sulphates, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances or colourings.
All products are made from naturally derived ingredients, housed in BpA free plastic bottles, fully recyclable packing, suitable for vegans and all manufactured here in Great Britain.
Products: Down Below – a perineal massage oil used from 34 weeks. Pure Bliss – a soothing postnatal compress solution. Bosom Buddies – a breastfeeding survival kit. Blissful Tincture – soothing postnatal compress solution. Cool It Mama – body and facial spritz. Mummy To Be kit. New Mummy kit.
http://naturalbirthingcompany.org
Weleda
Weleda only develop body and beauty care products made from 100% natural substances, which are certified organic by NaTrue. Weleda have two ranges which are suitable for both mother and baby: Baby 
Calendula and Baby Derma. The Baby Calendula range is free from mineral oils and artificial additives of any kind, including preservatives and parabens. The Baby Derma range is 100% natural, NaTrue certified and fragrance free. They contain no essential oils, synthetic perfume, artificial additives or mineral oils.
Products: The Baby Calendula range has nine different products: Calendula Baby Oil, Calendula Nappy Change Cream, Calendula Face Cream, Calendula Weather Protection Cream, Calendula Body Lotion, Calendula Body Cream, Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash, Calendula Cream Bath and Calendula Bath. They also sell a Calendula Babycare Gift Set.
The Baby Derma range has three products: White Mallow Body Lotion, White Mallow Face Cream and White Mallow Nappy Change Cream.
Green People
Green People offer a complete range of certified organic products for all of the family. Every product is packed with over 90% active natural and organic ingredients. The company never test their products on animals and never use harsh chemicals. Green People create natural and 
certified organic baby care products which support, nurture and enhance baby’s skin. As part of the Organic Babies range is a sub-collection of certified organic scent-free products. With no essential oils these already gentle products are ideal for young babies with sensitive skin.
Products: The Organic Babies range has eight products: Baby Wash & Shampoo (scent free), Baby Wash & Shampoo (lavender), Soothing Baby Salve, Nappy Cream Baby Balm, Dry Skin Baby Lotion (scent free), Soothing Baby Oil (scent free), Mum & Baby Rescue Balm and Organic Cotton Baby Bib. They also sell a Newborn Hamper and two gift sets, one for a boy and the other for a girl.