Wet wipes are often used to clean baby's skin when changing diapers. Although it is considered more practical, some parents are still worried because there is a myth that wet wipes can cause allergies to baby's skin. However, is it true?
Wet wipes are one of the things that are needed when having a baby, especially when traveling. This type of tissue is usually used instead of water to clean the genital area and baby's bottom after urinating or defecating.
Not only that, wet wipes are also often used to clean the baby's face and hands. Behind its various functions, it is important for parents to know the content in wet wipes.
This is because baby's skin is still very sensitive, especially newborns. The selection of wet wipes with ingredients that are not suitable for the baby's skin condition can actually cause an allergic reaction.
Facts About the Dangers of Wet Wipes for Baby's Skin
Disposable wet wipes are generally made of tissue paper mixed with water or a specially formulated liquid, so they are gentle and safe for baby's skin.
However, the liquid is not enough to remove dirt and prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi on the baby's skin.
Therefore, wet wipes are usually added alcohol, fragrance, or soap. These various ingredients can cause allergic reactions on baby's skin, especially babies who have sensitive skin. The following are allergy symptoms that are commonly experienced by babies:
- red rash
- Scratches
- Itchy rash
- Skin thickening
- Scaly skin
- Swollen
These symptoms usually appear on the fingers, genital area, and buttocks. Mothers need to be alert if your little one shows signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction above. Immediately stop using wet wipes and take your little one to the doctor.
How to Make Wet Wipes at Home
To avoid allergic reactions on baby's skin, you can choose wet wipes that do not contain fragrance and alcohol. However, there is an alternative way that you can do, which is to make your own wet wipes without alcohol, fragrance, and preservatives. Here are the ingredients and how to make it:
Ingredients:
- cup warm water
- 2 teaspoons baby oil
- 2 teaspoons baby liquid soap
- Tissue rolls to taste
- Clean place to store tissues
How to make:
- Put warm water into the container or basin provided.
- Add baby oil and baby liquid soap, then stir until smooth.
- Take enough paper towels and fold them, then soak them in the water mixture.
- Cover the container with the soaked tissue overnight before use.
- Mother can take wet wipes as needed and close the container when not in use so that the tissue is not dirty.
Generally, wet wipes for babies are made of safe and soft materials. In addition, not all wet wipes contain fragrance or alcohol which can cause allergic reactions on baby's skin. Therefore, the mother should re-examine the content in the wet tissue according to the condition of the baby's skin.
If you want to know more about the safety of wet wipes for baby's skin or your little one has allergies accompanied by fever after using certain wet tissue products, consult a doctor. The doctor will conduct an examination and determine the cause of the allergy experienced by the Little One.
