Keeping Nappy Rash at Bay
Nappy rash, is probably the most common skin woe for newborns. Disposable nappies are designed to keep leaks at bay, but unfortunately, they can also hinder air circulation. Combined with the fact that a baby’s skin barrier is still developing and their epidermis is thinner than adults’, it creates the perfect environment for a rash to rear its ugly head. So, what can be done to prevent it? The most important thing is to keep a baby’s bottom clean and dry.
Use products with a pH balanced to the pH of skin (4,5 – 5,5). Some wipes or creams may have an alkaline pH, which can be more irritating to the skin. Alkaline pH can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance and compromise its protective barrier. Prolonged exposure to an alkaline pH may increase the risk of nappy rash or exacerbate an existing rash.
Whether one is using disposable or cloth nappies, opt for natural (preferably biodegradable) wipes and a natural bum cream. This combo creates a barrier, protecting baby’s delicate skin. If a rash does appear, bum creams with natural plant oils are far more effective than those with petroleum bases. These oils allow the skin to breathe, promote a healthy skin microbiome, and have a pH that matches the skin’s natural pH. In addition, more and more studies are showing that giving baby some nappy-free time, breast-feeding and the use of cloth nappies all positively contribute to reducing the frequency and severity of nappy rash.
Baby Wipes: Environmental Impact and Flushability
A large proportion of regular wipes are typically made from a mixture of water and chemicals, pressed into an absorbent disposable cloth. However, what many people may not realise is that these cloths often contain tiny plastic particles woven into them for added strength. This means that every time we use regular wipes, we’re contributing to the plastic pollution crisis.
While wet wipes are technically labeled as “disposable,” they don’t magically disintegrate after use. Instead, they end up in landfills, adding to the growing waste problem. There is an increase in wipes marketed as “flushable” which many people automatically assume are a better environmental choice. Bit this is rarely the case. The term “flushable” doesn’t have an official standard, leading to misleading claims. Most “flushable” wipes do not break down into small enough pieces quickly enough. This poses a significant challenge for sewerage systems worldwide, as these wipes clog pipes and entire systems and can add to a growing city and urban crisis, known as fatbergs. Moreover, flushed wipes most often eventually find their way into the ocean, where they pose a threat to marine life. Sea creatures, like turtles, often mistake these wipes for jellyfish and ingest them, leading to harmful consequences. Wipes also wash up along beaches contributing to the plastic pollution crisis and posing a threat to marine ecosystems and harming our planet.
In light of these facts, it’s important for us to seek alternative solutions that are more environmentally friendly. By choosing biodegradable wipes or opting for reusable cloth alternatives, we can make a positive impact and protect our environment for future generations.
Fatbergs? What are they and what can be done?
One of the most alarming consequences of improper disposal of wipes and other person hygiene products is the formation of Fatbergs. Fatbergs are monstrous accumulations of congealed fat, oils, and non-biodegradable materials, including wipes, that clog sewer systems. These Fatbergs can grow to enormous sizes, causing severe blockages and disruptions in the wastewater infrastructure.
The combination of wipes, oils, and fats creates a sticky mass that adheres to the inner walls of pipes, gradually accumulating more debris over time. As this solid mass grows, it restricts the flow of wastewater, leading to sewage backups and costly repairs for municipalities. The removal of Fatbergs requires time-consuming and expensive manual labor.
Fatbergs not only pose a significant threat to the proper functioning of sewage systems but also have adverse environmental impacts. When Fatbergs become too large to fit within the pipes, they can overflow into rivers, lakes, and oceans, releasing harmful pollutants and bacteria. This pollution can harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, and degrade water quality.
The formation of Fatbergs is preventable. Choosing materials that are biodegradable is best. And disposing of them in an environment where they can quickly degrade such as compost heaps. Non-biodegradable materials should be placed in the appropriate waste bin to ensure they are disposed of responsibly and do not contribute to the growth of Fatbergs.
By raising awareness about the connection between wipes, Fatbergs, and environmental damage, we can encourage individuals and communities to adopt more sustainable practices and protect our sewage systems and waterways from these harmful accumulations.
Why Natural-Based Bum Creams?
When it comes to baby bums, it’s crucial to use a cream that offers protection without compromising the skin’s ability to breathe. Many conventional bum creams contain harsh petrochemicals like mineral oil, petrolatum, and paraffin wax. Here’s why we don’t recommend products with these crude oil derivatives: they can create a barrier on the skin, which hinders the release of toxins. This can lead to trapped toxins on and beneath the skin’s surface, potentially causing irritation. On the other hand, natural vegetable oils are fantastic alternatives as they don’t clog the skin’s pores. By opting for bum creams with a natural vegetable oil base, baby’s skin can breathe freely while receiving the protection it needs, without the risk of irritation.
Blog Disclaimer
The purpose of the Pure Beginnings blog is to educate and provide awareness of our products, ingredients and a more natural and healthier lifestyle. Although every effort is made to provide information that is true, factually correct and beneficial to our customers and followers, the content on the blog is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis, treatment, dietary, or safety advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified experts with any questions you may have regarding a medical question, condition, or safety concern. Reliance on information presented on this blog is at your own risk.