Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

I was reading some things online and came across a bunch of pages that said not to use baby powder becuase it can cause the baby to get sick or suffocate from inhaling it? And also not to use baby oil because it clogs up their skin? What have you ladies heard?

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

I've heard of not using baby powder due to inhaling it, but haven't heard anything about baby oil.

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

you should not use Talcum baby powder, cornstarch is fine.

not sure about oil

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

Our ped said only to use a & d ointment, nothing else.

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

I've never used either on DS and he is 17 months old. I don't plan to with DD either.

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

I once heard a horror story of a baby while being changed grabbing the baby powder pouring it all over his face, it all happened so quick and he suffocated.

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

I use baby powder all the time when I change DD's diaper. Especially in the summer to soak up any excess moisture.

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

I put the powder on my hands then rub it on her. It helps prevent prickly heat. Can't see how she'd suffocate.

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

It's perfectly fine to use both (though, cornstarch powder, not talcum, as a PP mentioned). When my son had cradle cap as a newborn, our ped recommended we put baby oil on it, and it was the only thing that worked! I've never heard anything about not using baby oil on a baby. As for the powder, you just need to be careful when using it, not to let the powder cloud up near their face when you sprinkle it. I use it on my son several times a day. He's now 18 months, but when he was an infant, I would keep the powder very low and close to his tushy while I sprinkled it and I used my other hand as kind of a shield to block and powder cloud from getting to his face. Or as PP mentioned, you can put it on your hand first.

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

I never use baby powder or oil on DS. I hardly even put cream on him, unless his skin is dry. For Diaper changes, all I used was aquaphor and only use diaper rash cream if there was an actual rash.

They have such sensitive skin and I don't see the need to over use oil or creams. I was actually told in the baby basic class I took and the doctors to use minimal things on babies skin.

As for baby powder I have heard many times that you shouldn't use it because it can be inhaled by the baby.

Message edited 8/22/2011 12:22:06 AM.

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

I have heard that talcum powder can be dangerous if breathed in. The best thing I ever used for DS's diaper rash was baby oil mixed with cornstarch (I ran out of butt paste!). Cheap and effective!

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

I only used oil to treat cradle cap and powder on my son's incredibly stinky feet in his summertime sandles. And a little powder on the HOT sticky summer days but honestly I put in on my hand away from ds and then put it on his skin.. A little bit goes a long way. If you just take precautions to not have a cloud around there face you'll be fine.. I am a firm believer of everything is fine when being cautious and used in moderations..

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

My Ped and a family friend (who is a dr) told me not to use baby powder on a baby. Even when the OB discharged me at the hospital..he ran through the list of do's and don'ts and told me not to use baby powder on my chest/neck.

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

I was told my NICU to use vaseline on DS with each diaper change, rash cream only when he has a rash.

Re: Is it true we shouldn't use baby powder or oil on the baby?

I actually used both sparingly with DD #1. I used a tiny bit of talcum free powder under her neck (she was getting a slight rash). I also used a little oil on her head to get rid of cradle cap.