20/07/2014
BabyCare：Natural Diaper Cream
Shea Butter – I use this as one of the core ingredients in homemade diaper cream because contains the fat soluble vitamins A and E. It is soothing to the skin and has a natural SPF of about 6. Additionally, it helps protect skin from drying out since it contains five essential fatty acids. The two brands I’ve tried are this one from Mountain Rose Herbs (my favorite) and this one from Amazon.
Coconut Oil – I use coconut oil for everything, but it is especially helpful in diaper cream since it is naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal. It is actually pretty effective on many types of diaper rash if used alone but is more effective when combined with these other ingredients. I use this coconut oil but any unrefined coconut oil will work.
Beeswax- Provides a protective barrier for the skin and helps hold the other ingredients to the skin so they can be effective. I’ve used this beeswax from Mountain Rose Herbs and this one.
Fermented Cod Liver Oil Liquid- A secret ingredient for helping heal baby’s bottom. Fish oil is often used in conventional diaper creams but the Weston A. Price foundation recommends fermented cod liver oil as a first food and used on a baby’s bottom since it is a good source of fat soluble vitamins and baby will only absorb what is needed from the skin. This ingredient is optional but helpful. I prefer Green Pastures Fermented Cod Liver Oil but for this recipe, a high quality regular cod liver oil works as well. Note that this can go rancid so you won’t want to use this ingredient if you don’t plan to use the cream within about 3 months.
DHA/EPA (Optional)- I recently started taking this brand of Omega-3s in addition to cod liver oil and I opened a few capsules and added them to the diaper cream for some additional DHA and EPA.
Zinc Oxide- An ingredient in main brands like Desitin and Balmex, zinc oxide is insoluble in water and coats the skin. When mixed with the other ingredients, it makes skin water proof and keeps it from drying out. If you rub a small amount of this cream on your arm, you’ll notice that water beads on top of your skin and won’t absorb. I use this non-nano zinc oxide.
Bentonite Clay- Helps control moisture and fights bacteria on the skin that can be making the rash worse. I like this brand.
Natural Diaper Cream Ingredients
•1/4 cup shea butter
•1/4 cup coconut oil
•1 Tablespoon beeswax pastilles
•2 Tablespoons Fermented Cod Liver Oil
•2 Capsules of Real Dose (optional)
•2 tablespoons zinc oxide powder
•1 tablespoon bentonite clay
•Optional: A few drops of chamomile essential oil
How to Make Natural Diaper Cream
1.Mix shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or glass bowl over a small saucepan with an inch of water. Bring water to a boil and melt the ingredients. I keep a double boiler just for making beauty products since it is difficult to clean dishes after making anything with beeswax or zinc oxide.
2.Remove from heat and add the Fermented Cod Liver Oil, Real Dose, Zinc Oxide, Bentonite Clay and Essential Oil (if using).
3.Stir carefully as it starts to cool. I recommend using a popsicle stick or disposable straw to stir so it can be discarded since it is difficult to get the mixture off of dishes.
4.Pour in to container you are going to use to store it and stir a few more times as it cools.
5.Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
6.Use as needed for diaper rash.
Source by Wellness Mama website
