During my first pregnancy, I received an overwhelming number of baby lotion bottles—eleven, to be exact. The nostalgic scent took me back to my childhood. I appreciated that it was specifically formulated for babies, assuming the ingredients were safe and natural. Right?
… and then I took a closer look at the ingredient list.
An Inside Look at Baby Lotion Ingredients
To my surprise, I found ingredients like petroleum, artificial fragrances, and propylene glycol lurking within. These are not the types of substances I wanted on my baby’s delicate skin. I began exploring natural baby balm alternatives, discovering several excellent options along my journey. Nowadays, there are even more choices available for those who prefer not to DIY.
This Everyday Baby Balm from Motherlove and this option from Badger are both made with clean ingredients that perform well. However, crafting my own baby balm became my preferred choice because it allowed me to customize the ingredients and save money.
Selecting Natural Ingredients for Your Baby Balm
I opted to create my own baby balm using food-safe ingredients, many of which I already had for making my homemade lotion bars and other beauty products.
This baby balm recipe features:
- Cocoa Butter – Packed with antioxidants and moisturizing fatty acids, it forms a barrier on the skin to lock in moisture and protect against irritating substances.
- Shea Butter – A rich source of vitamin A and other essential nutrients, this ingredient provides nourishment and protection for the skin.
- Olive Oil – Attracts moisture to the skin while repairing damaged areas. It is also a key source of plant-based squalene, which helps lubricate and protect skin cells.
- Castor Oil – Known for its high ricinoleic acid content, it offers skin protection benefits.
- Essential Oils – Choose any diluted baby-safe essential oils you like. My favorites are frankincense, chamomile, and rose.
A Caution on Essential Oil Safety for Infants
While I incorporate essential oils into my daily routine for cleaning, aromatherapy, and skincare, I recognize that they are highly concentrated. Not every essential oil is suitable for every purpose.
Frankincense, lavender, chamomile, and rose are gentle options generally regarded as safe for babies aged three months and older. Always ensure essential oils are well-diluted; ideally, they should not exceed .25% of the total recipe. For this formulation, that equates to about seven drops of essential oils in total.
Creating Herbal Infused Oil
If your baby is under three months or if you prefer to avoid essential oils altogether, consider making an herbal-infused baby balm instead. Here’s a guide for creating an herbal infused oil.
Numerous herbs can be seamlessly blended into a baby balm. Below are some of my favorites, known for their skin-soothing and healing properties—safe for babies, assuming no allergies are present.
Let’s dive into how to make my favorite homemade baby balm!
Homemade Baby Balm Recipe
This nourishing baby balm protects delicate skin using natural ingredients.
Yield: 5 ounces
- Heat all ingredients (except essential oils) in a double boiler or a glass jar over a saucepan of boiling water.
- Stir gently until all ingredients have melted.
- Remove from heat and incorporate essential oils if using.
- Pour the mixture into a glass jar and allow it to cool in the refrigerator until solid.
- Store at room temperature, using a small amount as needed for baby’s skin (or for adults).
For an herbal infusion, use herb-infused olive oil to make the recipe. Refer to the article for herb suggestions.
Shelf Life and Storage
This oil-based baby balm boasts a longer shelf life compared to water-based baby lotions. When stored away from direct light and heat, it should last for 1-2 years.
The balm takes a few moments to absorb into the skin, and a small amount suffices for each application. Friends of mine have shared it has been particularly beneficial for conditions like eczema and skin irritations.
What did you use for your little ones? Have you ever tried making your own? Share your experiences below!
