What Are The Harmful Chemicals Found In Baby Shampoo?

Because of their tender skin and delicate immunity system, you need to be extra careful when cleaning up your babies. In addition, a change in temperature or the water flow may confuse these little ones. So, it is essential to make them feel comfortable during their bath time. 

Parents opt for several products like soaps, body washes, or shampoos specially made for kids. But even then, there are possibilities of these commodities having an adverse effect on your precious ones. So, you must know what are the harmful chemicals found in baby shampoo and other such products before you buy them. 

As a general rule, check the labels to get a comprehensive idea about the ingredients used in the shampoo you are picking out for your little ones. You must avoid products which contain-

• Sulfate
• Polyethylene 
• Polyethylene Glycol 
• Polyoxyethylene
• Parabens
• Phthalates 
• Oxynol
• Formaldehyde, etc.

Moreover, it is better to not go forward with specially customised shampoo products. For example, the ones able to create extra lather or highly scented can be counterproductive to your baby’s health. You must buy baby products which are cleared by your paediatrician and dermatologists. 

What Are The Harmful Chemicals Found In Baby Shampoo?

Sulphate is one of the most common harmful elements usually present in baby shampoos. This chemical is incredibly effective in removing dirt and oil. So, manufacturers often utilise this in their products, despite its negative aspects. Therefore, keep an eye out that you are not mistakenly using any commodity that contains- 

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate 
• Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALS)
• Sodium Stearyl Sulfate
• SLSA Or Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
• Sodium Coco Sulfate

Products that have phthalate esters in them can also adversely affect your child’s wellbeing. These elements are predominantly used in today’s beauty care product market. According to reports, almost 75% of the merchandise containing a “fragrance” label has these additives. 

These phthalates are added to aromatise the baby shampoos artificially. But as these petroleum by-products are not chemically bound to the polymer, they can migrate to the substance’s surface. Consequently, there is a high probability of these phthalates eventually getting into your baby’s skin. So apart from shampoos, you should also look out for plastic toys and baby food packaging that uses these components. 

When you opt for a baby product, you obviously want them to be usable for an extended period. But make sure that these products do not extend their shelf-life by using parabens to prevent mould and bacteria growth. In addition, these highly-effective preservatives are cost-effective, so manufacturers often use them in shampoos and other commodities. 

As there are possibilities of these parabens getting absorbed through the skin, you must avoid using products that contain them. These components can disrupt the average hormonal balance and even lead to severe diseases in the long run. As mentioned before, check the label to see if the product is free of parabens like-

• Methylparaben
• Ethylparaben
• Propylparaben
• Butylparaben

Why Should You Shampoo Your Child’s Hair?

As they sweat more, children have an oily scalp when compared to adults. In addition, their prolonged exposure to hormonal changes during the pregnancy period of their mother can also overstimulate the little ones’ oil glands. Whereas natural oils, in general, are suitable for a baby’s skin and hair, an excess of them can be detrimental. Routine shampooing can be effective in getting rid of this extra oil. This procedure also ensures that there is no bacterial growth in their locks and keeps their hair from getting greasy.

As they grow up, you also want to make sure that your kids are not at risk of getting dandruff. Regular shampooing prevents the clamping of dead skin cells on their scalp and provides their hair with the necessary moisture. In addition, as shampoo can remove these dead skin follicles, your kid’s hair growth is also stimulated naturally.

Giving a bubble bath with proper baby shampoo is another great way to ensure that you can perform an all-over clean-up for your little ones. Products containing Vitamin E-rich milk proteins can be crucial in taking care of their skin hydration. So, try to use such care commodities which have natural ingredients. For example, opt for the shampoos which have-

• • Rice Water
  • Aloe Vera
  • Avocado Oil
  • Coconut Oil
  • Green Apple Extract
  • Papaya
  • Sea Algae And Cantella
  • Green Tea, etc.

How To Safely Use Shampoo For Your Baby?

Creating a healthy hair habit is always beneficial for your little ones right from an early age. So, make sure that you have a routine that you can adhere to. For example, as babies are slowly getting customised with their surroundings, a regular bathing practice will make them feel at ease during washing up. 

On that note, you can also integrate the usage of a baby towel into this routine. Their adorable quotient aside, these towels can keep infants cosy and warm when you are shampooing them. Moreover, it is easier this way to dry them once bathing is done. So you can rest assured about them not catching a cold. 

Additionally, remember that there is no hard-and-fast rule about the frequency in which you can apply shampoo to your kids. Everyone has different hair types, so care requirements also differ based on that. In general, you can go with shampooing the little ones thrice a week when they are toddlers. 

Keep in mind that the best shampoos you can opt for your kid are made from organic components. Products which are free of surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate are also effective in not irritating your little one’s eyes. So, always get these shampoos created with the tear-free formula. 

When you are shampooing your children, try to massage it on their scalp gently. Using the ball of your fingertip is the best course of action here. Otherwise, your nails can scratch their tender scalps. Once you are done shampooing them, make sure that it is rinsed out of their hair thoroughly. Otherwise, it can lead to a dry or itchy scalp. 

You should also make sure that applying conditioner is necessary for your baby’s hair. Curly and dry hair, for example, needs to be conditioned after getting shampooed. The weather can also play a crucial role in ensuring whether using conditioner is necessary to soften your kid’s hair or not. 

How Long Should You Use Baby Shampoo For Your Kid?

In general, baby shampoo or soaps are mild in nature. As opposed to regular care products, these do not feel harsh on the tender skin of your youngsters. So for the first year of their birth, it is essential that you use shampoos explicitly designed for children. Then, you can gradually move on to traditional materials. 

However, as a parent, you are the best person to make this decision. There is no strict time-frame oriented regimen that you need to follow about using baby shampoo. As they start to grow out of their toddlerhood, you can make the switch when you feel it is appropriate for your precious ones. Especially if you notice that they are cosy and relaxed with the usage of a specific shampoo product, continue as long as they and you want. 

What Are Some Tips On Using Baby Shampoo? 

If your children have any skin condition, do not use care products without consulting with your baby’s physician first. For example, children with eczema can be highly intolerant of the harsh chemical components present in body lotions, soaps and shampoos. Blisters, rashes or scaly skin on elbows and knees are some warning signs of the skin condition mentioned above. In that case, consult your doctor and have a regimen ready that you should adhere to. 

Moreover, note that overexposure to water may also have counterproductive effects. So, frequent bathing with shampoo is not a necessity for your kid. In addition, spending a lot of time in the bathtub can lead to urinary tract infections in your little one, especially if she is a girl. 

Moreover, keeping your baby fresh and clean does not end with getting them shampooed. So use warm, cosy cotton clothes to dress them up after their wash up. Ensure that these garments are pristine so as not to irritate your children’s skin. 

So there you go! Refer to this blog for your future reference about the harmful chemical found in baby shampoo. Note that these components can be present in several other commodities associated with nourishing a baby. So, always lay great emphasis on the product description and the fine prints. After all, yours are the safest hands your kids can be in!