Frequently Asked Questions

What science says: In the case of healthy babies, in whom the stratum corneum function has been disturbed by use of harsh soaps, emollients play a significant role, especially during winter. Simpson et al have shown that application of emollient in babies born in families with high risk of atopy tends to reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis

We explain: if you have a family history of allergies , a good moisturizer everyday helps to reduce your baby's risk of developing it , simply by blocking the skin against the allergens. So keep your baby's skin supple and moisturised with the right baby butter. Allergy free health is an investment and giving them the best you can is your responsibility as a parent.

What science says: Emollients marketed as natural, herbal and organic have to be used with caution as there are limited study data on these and hence, are to be avoided unless proved to be effective and safe.

We explain: just because something is labelled doesn't mean it is. Read the ingredient list.

Science says: WHO recommends that the first bath should be delayed until 24 hours after birth but not before 6 hours, if it is not practically possible to delay owing to cultural reasons.Bath should always be given in a warm room and the temperature of bath water should be between 370C and 37.5 oc Temperature of the water should be checked by the health worker or caregiver by immersing heir hand. As

We explain : Who doesn't love a long relaxing soak but ideally bath tub and bath toys are potential sources of infection, they must always be disinfected .Duration of bath should not exceed 5-10 minutes as an over hydrated skin is fragile with increased threshold for injury.

Science says: It will be ideal to use a synthetic detergent (syndet) rather than a soap to cleanse the baby as the latter tends to damage the epidermal barrier. It has been observed that it takes about an hour for the regeneration of skin pH after use of soaps. Syndet liquid cleansers are preferred over syndet bars. Liquid cleansers with acidic or neutral pH (appropriate blend of ionic, non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants) do not affect the skin barrier function or the acid mantle and hence recommended.

We explain: Cleanser better than syndet soap better than normal soap.