Herb-Infused Baby Bottom Balm {cloth diaper safe!}

 

I never thought that changing diapers would make me feel like a superhero.

And yet, every dirty diaper assures me that our brand-new son is getting enough to eat! Therein lies the kicker… 😉

My body makes milk!!!

Yes, I wake up in puddles at night — if I ever get to sleep in the first place. Yes, sometimes I’m a little sore. And yes, learning how to breastfeed was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done (read the story here).

But I love it!

So dirty diapers are okay in my book, especially now that our son has learned he doesn’t have to scream his way through changing time.

Why Use Baby Bottom Balm For Cloth Diapers?

For the first few days after our son’s birth, we used plain olive oil to moisturize his bottom and help clean the meconium off more easily. The downside? Straight olive oil is hard to apply, and because it’s liquid, can make a mess.

Then we bought a tub of this baby bottom balm. It worked super well and includes healing herbs — but it’s a lot of money for a teensy 2 ounces!

So instead, I bring you this DIY baby bottom balm! I actually like it better than the balm we bought since it stays on our baby’s skin better. It’s solid but melts onto your fingers for easy application, full of vitamins thanks to olive oil and shea butter, and includes the healing benefits of herbs like chamomile and calendula.

And actually, you can use this balm to soothe and heal skin for the entire family!

Want to watch me and my mom make this on video? We are following the recipe below but using lavender herb  Go here for Facebook or go here for Instagram.

Why These Ingredients?

Olive oil is soothing and moisturizing to sensitive baby skin, as well as containing Vitamin E (source).

Shea butter is great for rashes and contains Vitamins A and E (source).

Beeswax kicks plain olive oil up a notch because it keeps this balm solid at room temperature! In the recipe below, you can adjust the amount based on the temperature and your desired consistency. Use more during the summer or for a balm that stays more solid. Use less in the winter or for a softer balm. The more solid the balm is, the more protective it is because it stays on the skin better.

Both chamomile and calendula sooth chapped, irritated, or rashy skin. They are anti-inflammatory, and chamomile is even antibacterial. (Source and source.)

St John’s wort relieves pain if diaper rash does happen and is also anti-inflammatory (source).

Plantain is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. It relieves itching and promotes healing. In fact, it’s commonly used to treat eczema! (Source.)

Finally, lavender essential oil is 1 of only 4 essential oils safe for babies under 3 months. It’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. (Source.) If you aren’t comfortable using essential oils on your baby’s skin, however, feel free to use lavender flowers instead!

 

Also see –> How To Make (And Use) An Herbal Infusion

This post was featured in 16 Tips to Heal and Prevent Dry Winter Skin…Naturally!

Do you make your own balms and salves? What herbs do you like to use?