Are balms/baby rubs safe? Which ones are?
I am sure most of us have the memory of our mothers applying rubs on our backs and chest to help us breathe better whenever we catch cold. However, as a parent, most of us are reluctant to do the same without knowing if it is safe to use it on kids. Are you one among them? Do you want to know if balms and rubs are safe for babies? Here’s an analysis.
Are baby rubs and balms safe?
Yes, they are safe for your baby if they do not contain harmful ingredients that can cause irritation to your baby’s skin and cause other side effects. According to studies , rubbing baby rubs will give relief from cough and congestion to your baby and will help your baby to sleep peacefully if you use the right product with right ingredients. It is up to you to make the right choice. Read further to know which ones are safe and which ones are not.
Which ones are not safe?
Rubs with camphor are not safe: Camphor may cause reddish rashes, dryness in skin and will increase the risks of eczema. Some cases of seizures and deaths have been reported in babies below 2 years of age when they ingested camphor accidentally.
Rubs with menthol are not safe: It may cause redness, stinging, burning and blistering in little ones. It may also cause adverse side effects like respiratory troubles.
Rubs with petroleum jelly are not safe: Petroleum jelly clogs the pores and causes skin irritation.
Which ones are safe?
Rubs with lavender oil: It is a natural ingredient that promotes good sleep and treats respiratory tract infections.
Rubs with chamomile oil: It is a safe ingredient that contains compounds to fight colds and to calm babies in physical distress.
Rubs with Eucalyptus radiata: There are two species of eucalyptus oils, one is eucalyptus globulus and the other is eucalyptus radiata. Eucalyptus globulus is not safe for babies but eucalyptus radiata is safe. It eases respiratory difficulties.
Rubs with coriander oil: It has relaxing and anti viral effects.
All the above oils are essential oils that are safe to use on babies but you should remember that it is safer to mix carrier oils with essential oils. When base essential oils are blended with carrier oil you are assured of 100% safety. Make sure that carrier oils like coconut oil and/or peanut oil and/or sunflower oil and/or olive oil are added to the rub.
Study the ingredients carefully and if you are convinced that they are safe to use on babies, go ahead and use it on your kids to give relief to them from nasal congestion and cough.