Chem Free

Natural Beauty In Pregnancy: From Bump To Babe

It’s never more important to keep a clean, natural beauty regime than when carrying a baby. This is because many of the usual chemical nasties have far less desirable effects, from  allergies and skin irritation, affecting breast milk and at worst, causing birth defects.
Disclaimer: Skin type and effects vary depending on the individual, and you should contact your GP or a dermatologist for expert medical advice.

PREGNANCY

Go organicYour health is also your baby’s future. You know to avoid caffeine, raw fish and unpasteurised cheeses, but pregnancy is also the perfect time to switch over from the conventional to organic and natural beauty products. The French government has moved to a labelling system that states whether a product is fit for pregnant women or not after an Imperial College of London report detailed hormone disruption caused by chemicals in hairspray.

Petroleum based products (petrolatum, propylene glycol, paraffin, isopropyl alcohol and mineral oil) are known to cause irritation to skin during pregnancy. Parabens, usually identified in the ingredients list with a precursor such as methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, are absorbed through the skin and have been found in breast tissue through studies at the University of Reading; while phthalates are thought to interfere with the sexual development of a foetus or baby.

Plus, there’s limited research about the effects of a cocktail of ingredients that can be absorbed into the bloodstream, which is another reason for keeping your beauty regime natural and to a minimum.

Look at the ingredients label if you are unsure and look at BigGreenSmile.com’s Green Glossary for more information and also Symbol Savvy: organic certification explained to find symbols that will guarantee safer products.

Fresh food

Try to avoid processed foods as these can be laden with chemicals that preserve, flavour or colour them. Instead, go for the home-cooked option. 
Pregnancy and breastfeeding is a thirsty time –so quench that thirst by drinking as much water as your body can contain. This will always be beneficial to your skin too.

Skin routines

With hormonal changes that last the duration of your pregnancy come changes to your skin complexion.Skin cells have a higher turnover during pregnancy so keep moisturising your skin to prevent dull skin, particularly after showering or bathing. Pure cocoa or shea butter is a particularly rich moisturiser.

Your skin may become flaky or dry – which is perfect normal. To deal with this use a gentle natural mechanical (rather than chemical) exfoliator to gently rub off dead skin. Before bed, use an unscented, night cream or facial oil. Pouring some milk and oatmeal into your bath will help soothe your skin naturally too.

If you have received a little too much of that pregnancy glow and encountered oily skin, then ensure you use a good quality organic facial cleanser in the morning or a natural face mask.
If your skin gets an unfortunate dose of spots, avoid acne products that contain cortisone or hydrocortisone. Similarly, avoid anti-ageing products that contain retinoids as these may harm your unborn baby. Seek professional guidance prior to using essential oils too.
Massage and moisturise your bump, particularly in the third trimester, as this will help reduce stretch marks. For centuries, Indians have used body products with extracts of wheat germ, cold pressed sesame, jojoba, grapefruit and walnut oils as a means to naturally prevent cellulite formation.

You may experience tired and aching feet, so utilise a foot lotion and give yourself a warm foot bath. And, when taking a relaxing bath, keep it warm rather than hot so as to not dry out your skin.

Don’t overexert yourself

It sounds obvious but do allow yourself to relax. As you rush around nesting, temptation can override common sense. 
Opt for natural fabrics (cotton, cashmere, silk) and rather than stealing your partner’s – choose loose maternity wear that gives your bump support without rubbing it too much. There are an increasing number of ethical options.
Avoid the lure of painting your nursery and exposing yourself to the paint’s toxic fumes – and if you must, opt for eco considerate, low VOC paints.

0-3 MONTHS

As a baby grows, so will its resilience. However, keep a mindful watch on the goods that you use, and continue to follow the above pregnancy skincare guidance until you stop nursing. Consider organic bedding options and more natural washing detergents for use on your baby’s clothes.

Breastfeeding

What you feed yourself is what you feed your baby, so a continued healthy diet and exercise does help.

Prior to and while you are breastfeeding you should be particularly wary of parfum and the cocktail of artificial fragrances, including artificial musk which has been found in breast milk. Nursing pads are available which are free from plastics, synthetics and super absorbents made from petrochemicals.

Baby’s own moisturiser

When a baby is first born its skin contains its own marvellous nature’s moisturiser caller vernix, which also helps its passage through the birth canal. In the first few weeks, your baby’s skin requires little else but water and vernix helps your baby’s skin retain moisture. If you do choose to use anything, go for a high quality, organic olive oil.

Toilet time

When it comes to nappy changing, opt for organic, biodegradable and chlorine free baby wipes and organic cotton wool to avoid unnecessary contact with chemicals. 
It will take time to find the right nappies for your baby and you can trial your local NCT Real Nappy Library before buying, or opt for biodegradable nappies that are kinder to the environment and your baby’s skin. You can buy natural nappy ointments for cases of nappy rash.

3 MONTHS TO LITTLE TOTS

By the time your baby reaches six months, you can begin to regularly use mild and baby sensitive natural lotions on your baby’s skin, or give your little tot some additional fun in the tub with the treat of a bubble bath!

Protect your baby’s skin from the sunshine and dress your little ones in fabrics of light shades and a sunhat – and ensure you splodge plenty of sun block on them!
As your child’s playfulness comes out, take advantage of the many natural wooden toys on the market rather than plastic to reduce your child being exposed to chemicals.
With many options on offer, there’s more reason than not to rear a natural baby!

About the Author

Natural and Organic Baby Products

Repel HG-406T Lemon Eucalyptus 4-Ounce Insect Repellent Pump Spray $5.99 The first truly effective, plant-based insect repellent on the market, Repel Lemon Eucalyptus has been proven to be effective against mosquitoes, deer ticks and no-see-ums for up to six hours. Derived from Lemon Eucalyptus, a renewable resource, this non-greasy pump, has a pleasant scent and is perfect for the whole family. Oil of lemon eucalyptus, in addition to DEET and Picaridin, has been reco…

Aloe and Gardenia Daily Facial Cream with Hyaluronic Acid for deep hydration – Pure and Natural anti-aging, collagen boosting, moisturizing and firming skin ingredients; fights wrinkles, acne scars, uneven skin tone, sagging skin, dry skin – 1oz $14.58 Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a polysaccharide and a compound that occurs naturally in every tissue of the body, with the highest concentrations in skin, cartilages and eyes. Providing protection to cell structures HA is the natural gel between skin cells that serves as a water reservoir for the cells. As we age, skin loses hyaluronic acid and its elasticity and tone. Feeding new hyaluronic acid to skin…

Age-Defying Anti-Wrinkle Cream with Matrixyl 3000 and Hyaluronic Acid – 15 ml (0.5 fl. Oz.) $14.58 MATRIXYL 3000 (palmitoyl pentapedtide-3 plus palmitoyl tetra peptide and micro-collagen): powerful peptide molecules found in the latest generation of high-end anti-wrinkle serums. Acting as messengers of continuous restructuration and repair, these two peptides work synergistically to restore and maintain the skin’s youthful appearance. Matrixyl 3000 stimulates the “matrix” layers of the skin – p…

Ice Cream Baby – Mouse Mat Art247 Highest Quality Natural Rubber Mouse Mats – Mouse Mat $12.99 Natural Rubber Mouse MatAll products are produced from the highest quality natural rubber.Heavy Weight Traditional Mousemats actual size: 250 x 190 x 6mmCrop shown is automated for display purposes only. All mousemats are hand finished and the best most appropriate crop will always be selected to best show the full image. Therefore, actual product may vary from crop shown….

Sweet Leaf Vanilla Creme Flavored Liquid Stevia, 2-Ounce Bottle $8.64 SweetLeaf Flavored Liquid Stevia is all natural, zero calories, no carbs, and infinitely flavorful. At only a penny per drop, you can easily dress up the taste of water, coffee, tea, yogurt, cocktails, whip cream, smoothies, ice cubes, and nearly anything else. The uses are endless. Flavors include Apricot Nectar, Cinnamon, Chocolate Raspberry, Dark Chocolate, English Toffee, Grape, Lemon Drop, Mi…

Barlean’s Organic Oils Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 16-Ounce Jar $9.49 Barlean’s has extended our family to the Philippine Island of Quezon to bring you the absolute best-tasting and most nutritious coconut oil cold pressed fresh for your vibrant health and energy. Our 100% organic, island fresh Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil is hand selected, picked fresh and harvested at the peak of flavor and nutritional value….

Bob’s Red Mill Organic Brown Rice Farina Creamy Rice Hot Cereal, 26-Ounce Bags (Pack of 4) $17.29 Bob’S Red Mill 4X 26 Oz Brown Rice Farina Gluten Free Organic Brown Rice Farina Cereal Is Freshly Milled From The Finest Organic California Whole Grain Brown Rice. Rice Is Non-Allergenic And Therefore An Excellent Cereal For Youngsters. Bob’S Creamy Rice Farina Cereal Has A Very Special Flavor And Quality.: Gluten Free Kosher (Note: This Product Description Is Informational Only. Always Check The…

Simply Natural Goat 6.5 by Russ Berrie $5.50 Eco Friendly Plush, made from 100% all natural cotton, using vegetable dyes for coloring. Includes a 100% recycled paper hangtag….

Piggy Paint 4 Piece Pedicure Set $4.49 40 Features: -Pedicure set. -Includes a nail file, pedi brush, pair of toe separators, and foot file. -All in paint’s signature pink….

The Homestead Company Baby Balm $8.49 The Homestead Company Baby Balm 1 oz.The Homestead Companys Baby Balm is designed to treat yeast and bacterial rash. This 1 oz. jar of Baby Balm contains a spreadable formula made from 100 natural ingredients. The thick and creamy formula will soothe and moisturize dry skin and provide a barrier to prevent more irritation. Not only can it be used for all types of diaper rash but Baby Balm can also…

Nice Cream Baby $44.99 Nothing is more tasteful than our Ice Cream baby gift. Made from all natural ingredients, this may be baby’s sweetest gift of all. Gift ingredients: Receiving blanket Embroidered bib Washcloth Quilted changing pad Plush Bear Booties Wrist rattle Duck soft toy Fork &; spoonAll rush orders must be entered by 11:00 AM EST.

GI Joeys Organic Baby Socks $24.99 Baby military boot-style socks made of 100% organic cotton and colored from natural dyes. The set includes both solid and camouflage pattern socks that resemble tiny military boots. Features and facts:Set of six military boot-style socksSizes 0-12 monthsMade with 100% organic cotton and natural dyes

Natural Rocking Horse – Boy $138 We have combined a beautiful, solid wood rocking horse in natural finish with a collection of adorable infant essentials. Rocking horse makes a great toy as baby grows while mom will appreciate the layette items now. Gift includes:rocking horsemilky soft blanket terry velour bibburp pad booties12″” plush bearRocking horse: 22″”H x 25″”L X 10″”W. This item comes beautifully gift wrapped.All rush orders must be entered by 11:00 AM EST.

Natural Rocking Horse – Girl $138 We have combined a beautiful, solid wood rocking horse in natural finish with a collection of adorable infant essentials. Rocking horse makes a great toy as baby grows while mom will appreciate the layette items now. Gift includes: rocking horse milky soft blanket terry velour bib burp pad booties 12″” plush bearRocking horse: 22″”H x 25″”L X 10″”W. This item is delivered beautifully gift wrapped. All rush orders must be recieved by 11 AM EST.

LulyBoo Baby Lounge To Go In Natural $74.99 LulyBoo Baby Lounge To Go In Natural

Natural Rocking Horse Personalized – Boy $150 We have combined a beautiful, solid wood rocking horse in natural finish with a collection of adorable infant essentials. Rocking horse makes a great toy as baby grows while mom will appreciate the layette items now. Gift includes: rocking horse milky soft blanket terry velour bib burp pad booties 12″” personalized plush bearRocking horse: 22″”H x 25″”L X 10″”W. This item is delivered beautifully gift wrapped. All rush orders must be entered by 11 AM EST.

Sweet Baby Cakes $60 Our all natural and non-fattening exclusive. Comes in three flavors:blueberry(boy) strawberry(girl) and lemon meringue (neutral). Pick your flavor. Ingredients include: Hooded towel Receiving blanket 6 diapers 3 Washcloths 2 Undershirts Hat Booties Teether brush &;; comb set pacifier plush TeddybearAll rush orders must be entered by 11:00 AM EST.

Rockabye Baby Rocking Horse with Layette Gift Set (Pink) – Available Personalized $119.95 Like the heroine in a modern-day fairy tale, this stunning eight-piece layette for baby girl comes galloping in on a beautiful horse! Baby Aspen’s fabulously unique newborn gift rocks! The natural-wood horse, with rich, medium-brown, velour accents on the mane, ears and tail, measures 24″” l x 18 ½”" h x 10″” w and rides in with a reusable, pink storage caddy sprinkled with brown and white dots and white rocking horses. Inside the caddy is a plush, rocking-horse rattle and an endearing layette in white with pink trim-a receiving blanket, bodysuit, bib and booties, each featuring adorable, pink , embroidered rocking-horse detail . A baby gift designed to gallop straight into Mom and Dad’s heart!

Backpacking Baby Monkey Camouflage Pant Set – Blue $39.99 Appliqu…d, long-sleeve tee, camo-print pants with side cargo pockets and camo print cuffed beanie hat arrive in a clear PVC backpack. Features and facts:Set includes long-sleeved blue tee, camouflage pants and beanie cap inside a clear backpack100% CottonBlue and natural camouflage printSizes 6 and 12 months available

My Little Toy Shelf – Handpainted & Personalized (Available in Natural or White Finish) $42.99 Christmas delivery is guaranteed if order is placed by 2 pm EST on December 13th, 2006.Display their favorite toys or books in style. – This sturdy wooden shelf also features three handy hanging pegs. A wonderful focal point in child’s room, perfect for displaying baby’s favorite toys or books. Enamel painted to a smooth white finish. Also available in natural finish. Some assembly required. Hanging hardware included. 12″”x24″”x6″”. Please enter personalization exactly as you would like it to appear, for example “”Brooke’s Room”". (Construction design shown.) View Standard or Single Designs. Due to personalization, please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Rush delivery available, ships in 6 business days for an extra $8 charge.

Baby Silhouette Apple Cider or Hot Cocoa in Muslin Bag $3.5 Get cozy this fall and winter with our themed winter drink mix favors! Ideal for baby showers and birthdays, these delicious favors will have your friends and loved ones fondly remembering the special day as they sip a warm drink on a chilly night.These baby theme silhouette bags are bold and bright and are made from heavy unbleached cotton. The eco-friendly favor bag can be personalized with your choice of 11 baby themed designs and 10 bright background colors and design a favor bag that is uniquely yours!Color(s): Natural muslin bag with color designMaterials: Muslin, hot cocoa or apple cider.Details: Each favor includes a personalized muslin bag and your choice of either a packet filled with a single serving of apple cider mix and three caramels or a single-serving pack of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. Packets are tied with chocolate double-faced satin ribbon and have a labeled hang tag that reads “”Hot Apple Cider with caramels”" or “”Hot Cocoa with marshmallows”". Design will be printed in the center of the bag with text printed underneath. We can accommodate approximately 15 characters per line, with two lines of text maximum. Please note, due to varying monitor settings, the background print color may be slightly different than what is displayed on your screen. Dimensions: Bag measures 4″”x6″”.Packaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: 25Assembly Required: Yes

Personalized Baby Shower Caramel Corn Candy-2.5 oz Snack Bag $2.59 Whether you’re celebrating your baby’s arrival or use it to honor another special occasion, these delicious Annie B’s baby shower favors are personalized with your baby’s name and date of party/arrival. Filled with the best caramel corn ever, your guests will remember your thoughtfulness. 2 delicious flavors to choose from, Old Fashioned or Triple Treat, our caramel corn is made with real butter. Each fluffy piece of corn is glazed in golden caramel.Color(s): Clear bag with color label. Varies per design.Materials: Plastic pouch, label and popcornDetails: Clear 2.5 oz. snack bag is personalized with your choice of custom label and filled with either Old Fashioned Caramel Corn Candy or Triple Treat (mix of caramel, cheese and white popcorn). All natural with no preservatives. Min. quantity 24 bags. 12 designs to choose from.Dimensions: 7 1/2″” x 4 1/2″”Packaging Dimensions: N/ASelling Unit: EachMinimum Quantity W/O Personalization: N/AMinimum Quantity With Personalization: 24Assembly Required: No

Baby Bookworm – Handpainted & Personalized – Bookends-(Designs For Boys and Girls) $31.99 Christmas delivery is guaranteed if order is placed by 2 pm EST on December 13th, 2006.Support your little reader’s interest in books – Wood bookends organize any shelf, desk, or dresser. Special non-skid bottoms keep bookends in place. Great for a growing library. Available in white or natural finish. 7″” x 4.5″” x 7″” Due to personalization, please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Rush delivery available, ships in 6 business days for an extra $8 charge.

Natural Baby Oil $7.95   Homestead’s baby oil contains the most natural, nourishing oils you can put on your baby’s skin.  No artificial ingredients or fragrances.  Great for massaging, restoring moisture, relieving eczema, cradle cap and psoriasis. 2oz. Features: Paraben free No artificial fragrances or ingredients Non-greasy Ingredients:  Jojoba Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Premium Emu Oil, Avocado Oil and Apricot Kernel Oil.

Office Snax Goetzs Caramel Creams $13.99 00029 1 Each 1.61 lb Goetz’s Caramel Creams offer an assortment of flavors including regular, dark and strawberry cream. Comes in a tub for easy dispensing. Perfect for breakroom or reception. Candy Caramel Creams Dark Goetzs Caramel Creams Office Snax Regular Strawberry www.officesnax.us

Nice Cream Boy $44.99 Nothing is more tasteful than our Ice Cream baby gift. Made from all natural ingredients, this may be baby’s sweetest gift of all. Gift ingredients: Receiving blanket Embroidered bib Washcloth Quilted changing pad Plush Bear Booties Wrist rattle Squeeze toy Fork &; spoonAll rush orders must be entered by 11:00 AM EST.