The effect of baby powder of your baby

The use of baby powder is not recommended due to the  risk of respiratory problems. Baby powder can cause breathing problems and serious lung damage when children inhale the particles.

However its hard to keep the particles out of the air when using it. Inhaling even a small amount can cause irritation to the child’s lungs, especially if the child is at risk of respiratory issues. Babies who are at high risk include

• premature babies
• babies with congenital heart disease
• babies who have had RSV
• babies who have frequent respiratory illness

If your baby isn’t high risk and you decide to use baby powder, do it sparingly.  First put the powder in your hands, away from the baby, not directly on him or her

Talc-based powders are the culprits. Other powders including those with corn starch can be inhaled. Talc based powder may also increase your child’s risk of cancers such as ovarian, lung and uterine. Eventhough it is believed that talcum power increases the risk of ovarian cancer, there is little evidence about other form of cancer. Until more research has been done, it is important to avoid or limit the use of talcum based powder.

You have to keep the baby powder out of reach of your baby and her older siblings.  This is to prevent small hands from getting a hold or knocking  it down and produce a cloud of powder that could be inhaled.

Do not allow powder to build up to prevent skin irritation. Wash away any powder that may have accumulated  especially  in the folds in the skin during every diaper change.