To powder or not to powder??

Jen - posted on 07/16/2009

I have used it, and will continue to use it, for one reason. Cleaning up after a poopy diaper. You know how when they eat strawberries, or bananas, or anything else that leaves that gritty stuff on their bums? Rub a little powder on it and it brushes right off-way gentler than using a wipe and sandpapering it off! As far as the safety concerns go, common sense takes care of the "cloud" issue-simply gently shake a little into your hand before rubbing on them instead of shaking the bottle all over them! And as far as the concern with the ingredients? Don't use a ton of it, or use it too often. It isn't "pure", it does have stuff in it that can be harmful, but if you want to be an alarmist, there is plenty of other stuff to worry about, too. Everything! The sun, the sunblock, disease carrying insects, bug spray. The polluted air, baby shampoo, bubble bath, deodorant, food dyes, plastic toys, power lines. There is no end to it. You just have to use common sense and do the best you can.

Jennifer - posted on 06/26/2009

My pediatrician said that you should not use it. Especially on girls.

Erin - posted on 06/26/2009

The thing about cornstarch also is that it is so cheap. You are not paying for a name or perfume it is about 1/3 the cost. I always wonder why you would spend more money for something that isn't pure, even the stuff that is cornstarch based still has stuff added. Just because people are nurses and such and used it and said it was fine doesn't mean they necessarily know what is in what they are using. People used to think plastic bottles were perfectly safe, I'm sure nurses used plastic bottles to feed their children. It's not that they are incompetent, but it's that there is so much information that is suppressed and people just don't know. There was a big news story about 1 1/2 years ago about all of the terrible stuff in Johnson and Jonhson and other commercial products. It's a fragrance stabilizer that is also a false estrogen, you would think that would cause outrage but then nothing came of it. I'm sure there is big money in burying these types of stories. Even that DHA and ARA that they are putting in everything is not great. My husband researched how it is extracted from the algae and it is done very toxically and there are no long term studies on how it affects humans. Our children are the test group. It's not a fish oil it is something that is chemically similar but has shown no real benefit. This information is also buried. And this is the stuff that was the first thing that was fed to my daughter when she was born.

I'm just saying that just because someone is selling it, doesn't mean that it is good for you. Companies are in the business to make money. They don't care about you or your children. You have to do your own research.

Keri - posted on 06/25/2009

Baby powder is not necessary and I personally do not use it because of this reason as well as the dangers it poses. Baby powder can absorb the moisture in a child's lungs if inhaled, causing respiratory distress, even death. If you contact your local poison control they can confirm this. You can also view the following website for more information on the dangers of using baby powder:



http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cg...



To help eliminate diaper rash, keep your baby "dry" by changing diapers more frequently (moisture causes rashes, so letting your baby sit in a wet diaper increases the chances of rash).



GOOD LUCK! :)

Dawn - posted on 06/25/2009

I only use it when the kids have a diaper rash and I have to put on desetin (sp?) So the diaper won't stick to the kids bottoms.

Sara - posted on 06/25/2009

I don't use it. I've read they don't recommend using talcum powder now because babies can inahle it and it can cause respiratory problems. I do use vasaline on her bottom to help protect it, but that's about it.

Lacey - posted on 06/25/2009

I used it, more so when it's hot out. I read the stuff where you are not supposed to but I believe whatever makes him more comfortable. My son's skin is easily irritated and I found that when he was younger a little baby powder on the bum was better that using a cream. It kept him from getting red at all. It does get kinda bally when you mix cream and powder together, so just avoid that. An actual rash needs cream but I rarely needed it.

Erin - posted on 06/25/2009

I heard that they shouldn't breath it so to be careful. I have found that as long as you change them and clean them as soon as they go potty and keep them clean and dry you don't need it. My daughter has never had an infection, a diaper rash or anything. There is liquid baby powder. I use that on her neck after the bath b/c she is teething and drooling everywhere and she has gotten yeasty infections on her neck. Since I've used the liquid powder on her neck after bath she doesn't have this problem. Good luck and congrats :) Oh I have used A&D ointment when she was sick and the poo was really runny just to protect her bum. I like the A&D better than anyother ointment.

Joanne - posted on 06/24/2009

I occasionally use pure organic cornstarch and this is why:
I use cloth diapers and with certain diapers, the oil in the creams will ruin the diaper. My daughter has a lot of rolls and she can get rashes in there. I only use it overnight when I can't use the regular cream. I don't shake it on, so there is no dust to inhale. Instead, I rub it into the rolls with my fingers.

Erin - posted on 06/24/2009

I am on the fence. I too love the smell and feel of powder, and it does dry skin up well! However, I see the dust it leaves on the crib and other baby furniture, and really question what it may do to a baby's lungs.

Cassie - posted on 06/24/2009

I have used baby powder on both my children on almost every diaper change. I feel like it pulls the wetness away from their skin and they have rarely ever had a diaper rash. So i believe wholeheartedly in it! Never heard of it being harmful in any way.

Jenniefer - posted on 06/24/2009

powder helps but only use cornstarch, it wont irritate and helps keep bottoms cool and dry in the hot weather

Kirsty - posted on 06/24/2009

I have not used powder on my son yet but do have some if needed, there is a lot of contradicting information giving. I always believe in the saying 'mammy knows best' if you want to use it then do so. But cleaning and drying your baby efficiently should do the job.

Kirsty - posted on 06/24/2009

I have not used powder on my son yet but do have some if needed, there is a lot of contradicting information giving. I always believe in the saying 'mammy knows best' if you want to use it then do so. But cleaning and drying your baby efficiently should do the job.

Leslie - posted on 06/24/2009

Nope, no baby powder. They are saying not to use it anymore because the powder can get into the baby's lungs and harm them or choke them. Why take the risk? Just use baby lotion and diaper rash cream if they get diaper rash or to prevent it.

Heidi - posted on 06/23/2009

Powder with talc in it can breed yeast and cause more rashes. If you want to use it, make sure it's cornstarch based. I switched and my son (who has had multiple yeast infections before switching, plus eczema) never gets rashes any more. I don't use it all the time, maybe twice a day. Ointment, (A&D, Aquaphor) is good for preventative measures.

Tracy - posted on 06/23/2009

if you look on the net, there is something in powder that can affect their lungs,,, dont use

Nicole - posted on 06/23/2009

Instead of powder, I use corn starch. For that matter, I don't use any type of rash cream (desitin,etc). Corn starch does the trick.

Holly - posted on 06/23/2009

I used it a few times on my son, but it dried out his bottom too much and caused more diaper rash. The only thing I use on him is Vasaline. When needed, I put it on thick and clears up everything! But I don't use it with every singe diaper, only when his has broken out. I had a pediatrician tell me that you should not use powder because it gets in their lungs and can casue problems. I'm not sure I totally agree.

Chasa - posted on 06/23/2009

Quoting Lisamarie:

Nope, no need really. Especially for girls, can cause yeast infections. I used it to rubb on their belly after baths and before I applied lotions. Boys are safe to have powder on their bums. =p

Good to know! i have a girl on the way any day now :) i also have two boys...and used it ocasionaly.. Thanks for the info

Chasa - posted on 06/23/2009

i used to use it (but the cornstarch kind) the talk kind is dangerouse if they were to breath in too much of it...it could block there lungs or somthing i heard...same with baby oil! they could die if they ever drank it!! but anyways i would but it on before bed time because thats the biggest pee and they stay wet the longest...and if we were going out sometimes and also if they had a bad rash i would cream it then powder it...other than that i dont use it. (i have 2 boys)

Liz - posted on 06/23/2009

We avoid talc for the reasons stated in earlier posts, but this cornstarch stuff is working well for us. It's hot and humid here in summer, and my little guy rashes up in his creases (neck, elbows, thighs, knees) without an occasional light dusting.

I used to worry about creating a dust cloud for him to inhale, but I feel like I addressed that problem. I put my fingers over the holes and then invert the container. A little powder is left in the spot where each hole was over my finger, then I gently rub it on. Only a little comes out at a time and from there it goes right where I put it.

Lindsay - posted on 06/23/2009

My daughter spent 66 days in the NICU, she was on a ventilator for 13 hours and oxygen for more than half her time there. I asked the nurses if I should avoid using powder on her and they said it was perfectly fine to use. Even with her premature lungs. They said the only way it would cause respiratory problems is if I was using an excessive amount of it near her face. I use it after baths before I put her diaper on in the summer.

Becky - posted on 06/23/2009

It's not an every time necessity, but some children tend to get rashes when their skin gets sweaty or stays too damp. I use powder on my daughter when it's really hot outside or when she's feeling sweaty and sticky. I certainly wouldn't use it under or over lotions, as it will tend to ball up. I'd also only use a strictly cornstarch powder like Johnson's Baby Powder or even just a basic unscented cornstarch powder - no perfumed powders or cosmetic powders.

It also has its place, like at the beach when your baby gets a bit salty from seawater - it helps dry the moisture quickly so you can wipe off the itchy sand, or when you'll be out for the day and it's hot. Also, when they're sick and having diarrhea, the powder is really soothing and makes them much more comfortable after you change their diapers.

I agree with your mom in that there's not a need for it on a regular basis, UNLESS you have a baby that is very prone to heavy sweating.

Erin - posted on 06/23/2009

I have been using corn starch since my daughter got bleeding diaper rash at the age of about 3 months. I don't use any commercial products on her, the corn starch is totally natural and works great at keeping her dry. We found it as a home remedy on the internet when she was going through that diaper rash and it was a godsend. It was the only thing that worked, cushioned her and kept her bum dry with no parabens, or parfums. I don't trust anything made by Johnson or any other big company and even the stuff in the health food store has bad stuff in it if you read the labels. I use organic castille soap on her and Enjo shampoo, it is a natural shampoo that also detangles without chemicals. There have been lots of studies about all of the bad stuff in commercial products but it gets very cleverly suppressed. Good to do some research though, you'll be surprised what you find out.

Kim - posted on 06/23/2009

Never used powder. DD was a preemie and we were warned against it because of her respiratory problems. I never really saw much use in it either. I have always tried to use as few products as possible on her.

Ashley - posted on 06/22/2009

i have used baby powder after my son has had a bath since day one. when he was in the hospital for 2 months the nurses saw me doing it and never once said anything to me about it. i always put it on my hand first then put it on his body. i have never used it for changing his bum but use it every morning. to each their own i guess....

Heather - posted on 06/22/2009

I guess I am the only one who uses baby powder. I used it on both my kids, and regularly. After a tub, and in the odd bumchange. I even use it on myself, after a bath. Johnson & Johnson, hypoallergenic. If the kids had a rash, I used Vaseline, or Penaten.

My sister once bought something called liquid baby powder, it begins as a liquid, but dries to flaky powder-type stuff. Was designed to lower the risk of breathing in the dust, but it worked like crap, and got EVERYWHERE. I only tried it once at her house, but it was trapped in my fingerprints until the next day. Under my nails, too. Awful stuff.

In spite of all the baby powder use at our house, (I have some in my upstairs bathroom right now) none of us has ever had asthma, or cancer, or lupus. I haven't even HEARD of anyone getting cancer from baby powder.

Jeanne - posted on 06/22/2009

Never did and neither did my mother. I was told during my pre-natal classes that it isn't good to powder the babies because the stuff flies around so much and isn't good for the babies to breath....I know when I use powder for myself I often sneeze if I use to much......I don't remember all the specifics the class was four years ago. I just used diaper rash ointment if my kids bottoms ever got irritated.

Cali - posted on 06/22/2009

I was told never to use powder because of the dust. I DID use a little cornstarch kind when it hot really hot out, worked great!

Wanda - posted on 06/22/2009

I always powder my son after he has a bath. I only use it on his bum if he has a really stinky diaper. I use vaseline or cornstarch if he has a diaper rash.

Sara - posted on 06/22/2009

I use corn starch powder for dipper rash.

LaCi - posted on 06/22/2009

I used burnt flour. I got freaked out by the claims that baby powders, shampoos, lotions, etc were carcinogenic. So I rubbed burnt flour on his bum, old home remedy, which worked. But He generally doesn't need anything now, when he does get a rash I just let him run around naked for a day.

Wendy - posted on 06/22/2009

They are saying now NOT to powder, it is not necessary. The fine particles of the powder not good for lungs.As long as the babys' diaper is changed and zincofax , I found was the best! Good luck:)

Ruth - posted on 06/22/2009

Quoting Kylie:

Oh i was wrong..its been over 4 years since the midwives told me about it.. talc based baby powder has links with ovarian cancer. I found this info on the breast cancer association webiste
Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral similar to asbestos, known for decades to be a carcinogen. Scientists have been aware of the toxicity of talc since the late 1960s, and in 1971 researchers found particles of talc embedded in 75 percent of the ovarian tumors studied. Despite this compelling evidence, and a number of studies validating the association, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has not seen fit to regulate the use of talc or require warning labels on products containing talc. The European Union (of governments who provide health care for their citizens) has set a useful example for the FDA to follow, stipulating that talcum powder, such as Johnson & Johnson baby powder, is not to be used in products for children under three years old.

So i'm guessing baby powders don't contain talc?..There have been many deaths reported from aspiration of the powder so just be careful that your baby doesn't grab the bottle.

If you knew what junk was in EVERYTHING that you give your child, you'd die of fright! The companies you trust only care about making money. The main frightener which is in most products are PARABENS. They are man-made chemicals. They are found in 8 out of 10 of breast tumours. These are continually linked to cancer,  yet they are even in baby products!!!

There is a really good book calles "Skinny Bitch, Bun in the Oven" which tells you what crap is in which products and which chemical nasties to look out for.

Don't allow yourself to be drawn into the reasoning, "It MUST be safe if they allow it into the products that the public use". Rubbish. Companies are only interested in making money. Remember that!  Use your own initiative and question everything.  Research stuff for yourself and don't just take the word of the company trying to sell you stuff that it's safe.

Eva - posted on 06/22/2009

It helps to cut down on chaffing especially if they have tender skin. I had to use it on my daughter or she would chaff. You will just have to see how their skin is. You can buy hypoallergenic powder and it won't hurt them. the most important thing is moderation. Use a little not a lot and they will be fine. The powder helped when they sweat. It's good in the summer.

Mel - posted on 06/22/2009

yeah ive seen home vid of me chewing on the powder container, but we dont let bri have it unless its done up

Keisha - posted on 06/21/2009

NOT ON THE BABIES PRIVATE JUST A LITTLE AROUND THE NECK.(ONE WITH CORNSTARCH).VASELINE ON THE PRIVATE.

Jocelyn - posted on 06/21/2009

i never used it on my son. we just didn't see the need to (and i was also told that it can cause respiratory problems)
i use it sometimes on myself as a dry shampoo lol, but that's about it

Barbara - posted on 06/21/2009

I love the smell, but it is safer NOT to use the powder. The reason for this is because babies can breathe in the powder and that may cause lung problems such as Asthma for them. That can lead to problems the rest of their lives.

Jessica - posted on 06/21/2009

The only time I used powder was when my son got rashes on his butt and i only used powder that had cornstarch in it. For him it always seemed to help clear up his rash better and it helped keep him more dry down there

Calista - posted on 06/21/2009

I've never used powder in the nappies of either of my children. Years ago there was a study done that showed that there was a link between using powder in the nappies of baby girls and ovarian cancer in later life. Since hearing that I would never use it.

Cara - posted on 06/21/2009

Baby powder isn't good for your baby's lungs. When ever I've used a powder for any thing I use corn starch because if the baby ingests it it won't hurt them. And even then I will put it on my hand first then I will rub it on the area, that way it doesn't get in the air.

Kylie - posted on 06/21/2009

Oh i was wrong..its been over 4 years since the midwives told me about it.. talc based baby powder has links with ovarian cancer. I found this info on the breast cancer association webiste
Talcum powder is made from talc, a mineral similar to asbestos, known for decades to be a carcinogen. Scientists have been aware of the toxicity of talc since the late 1960s, and in 1971 researchers found particles of talc embedded in 75 percent of the ovarian tumors studied. Despite this compelling evidence, and a number of studies validating the association, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has not seen fit to regulate the use of talc or require warning labels on products containing talc. The European Union (of governments who provide health care for their citizens) has set a useful example for the FDA to follow, stipulating that talcum powder, such as Johnson & Johnson baby powder, is not to be used in products for children under three years old.

So i'm guessing baby powders don't contain talc?..There have been many deaths reported from aspiration of the powder so just be careful that your baby doesn't grab the bottle.

Mel - posted on 06/21/2009

they told us the same as what they told Kylie, about it causing cervical cancer but we dont believe them because its eben used on all of us for so many years so we use powder all over her, she loves rubbing it in on her belly by herself

Kylie - posted on 06/21/2009

The midwives told us never use baby powder on baby girls because it has been linked to cervical and uterine cancer. I use cure rash baby powder on my son and it's great hes never had nappy rash and i love the smell.

Mari - posted on 06/21/2009

I used it on hotter days. The thing to be careful of is when you apply, sprinkle powder into your hand away from baby then smoothe it onto baby's bottom. Otherwise the baby can breathe in the dust.

Amie - posted on 06/21/2009

I only use powder after my babies got out of the tub. It helps to get them dry quicker, especially in their rolls. (neck especially) It's not always easy getting a towel in there to dry them off properly, even the baby towels.
There is a better way then just tipping the container of powder on them. Doing it that way they will end up inhaling it. Just put a little on your hand/fingers and rub it on. It usually takes a couple times to get them completely dry though. And the little powder balls another mom mentioned aren't there because it's not a great big blob of the stuff you're putting on them, it's just enough to dry them off. =)

Lindsay - posted on 06/21/2009

We never used baby powder for diaper changes. I did occasionally rub a little on their belly to make them smell nice!

Krista - posted on 06/21/2009

The nurses told me that it can cause respiratory problems because so much of it is inhaled by your baby when it's applied, so I never use it.