Your baby’s skin is not only deliciously smooth and soft, but it’s also incredibly delicate, fragile and sensitive to irritants. When it comes to caring for your baby, Mother Nature knows best. From breathable cotton muslin wraps and booties to delicate skin friendly soaps, shampoos and lotions, we bring you our favourite five natural baby products to pamper and protect your precious little one…By Katie Martlew
Swaddling babies in pure cotton muslin is somewhat of a great Australian tradition, however after having her first baby in New York, Native Aussie Raegan Moya-Jones was dismayed by the lack of muslin baby wraps available, so she created her own, and thus aden + anais was born.
We catch up with managing director of aden + anais Paige Jones to discuss the benefits of swaddling your baby in pure cotton muslin wraps…
RESCU: Why swaddle?
Paige Jones: “Swaddled infants stay in deep REM sleep longer than those who are not. Evidence also suggests that it prevents SIDS, as it prevents overheating. Swaddling also prevents reflex startle so babies don’t wake themselves up and creates a feeling of being back in the womb. We believe inmuslin – the way it looks, the way it feels, the way it works – aden + anais is designed to improve the lives of babies and their mothers no matter who they are or where they live.”
RESCU: aden + anais muslin wraps have been snapped up by celebs such as SJP, Heidi Klum, Julia Roberts, Gwen Stefani and Naomi Watts- what sets aden + anais muslin wraps apart from the rest?
Paige Jones: aden + anais has spent years developing the best muslin and creating the most stylish and functional products – they are not just beautiful, they are useful. The Paparazzi collection is black and white (Gwen Stefani was papped with this product) so rather than using just cutesy designs, aden + anais is much more fashion forward.
When you walk out, you don’t want to look like you are a representative for the Cartoon Network. It’s nice to have something fashion forward. You want the very best for your kids and this doesn’t compromise safety and security.”
Rescu. RECOMMENDS: we bring you our top five favourite natural baby products to pamper your pride and joy…
The pure cotton, uber-chic and multi purpose muslin swaddling wraps.
1. aden + anais Muslin Wraps: Paparazzi Swaddle
aden + anais has garnered a strong A-list celeb following with their beautiful natural muslin baby products. Our favourite from the range is the Paparazzi Swaddle (coincidently Gwen Stefani’s fave too) and features four chic and 100% breathable cotton muslin wraps. The fabric’s light, open weave is designed to allow your baby’s body temperature to regulate itself naturally, preventing overheating, and is soft on the skin. We love that aside from swaddling, they can be used as burp cloths, nursing and stroller covers, change table covers and more so they are not only great for baby but they are chic and convenient too!
RRP $45.00 for pack of four. Available at www.adenandanais.com
The ultra-gentle, paraben free baby cleansing gel and lotion…
2. L’Occitane Mum & Baby Cleansing Gel & Baby Lotion
L’Occitane’s Mum & Baby Cleansing Gel and Hydrating Lotion are ultra gentle products made with Shea butter to care for baby’s delicate skin naturally. Both products were developed under paediatric supervision, tested by dermatologists and free from all the nasties such as alcohol, parabens, silicone, mineral oil and colourants. The Cleansing Gel can be used as a hair and body wash for baby, and the lotion can be massaged on baby’s skin after bathtime. We also adore the packaging, and the seriously cute bottle bag that’s also available in the range.
Hydrating lotion RRP $46.95, Cleansing Gel RRP $29.95. Bottle Bag RRP $19.95. Available at www.loccitane.com.au
The seriously soft and eco-friendly socks for teeny tiny feet…
3. Annabel Trends Bamboo Tippy Toes
Wrap your bubba’s tiny little feet in these seriously soft and eco-friendly Bamboo Tippy Toes socks. Available in three pastel tone sets; boys, girls and naturals, each set contains six pairs of snug, non-slip socks in a variety of uber-cute designs. Made from the softest cotton bamboo fabric, they are also naturally anti-microbial, hypoallergenic, bacteriostatic and thermal regulating to keep baby’s feet cool in summer and warm in winter.
RRP $24.95. Stockists Ph) 07 5593 4755 or visit www.annabeltrends.com
The ethical, all-natural, and intensely moisturising treat for wriggly babies…
4. The Body Shop Buriti Baby Body Butter
Our favourite product from the Body Shop’s Buriti Baby Range, this gentle buttery moisturizer is enriched with oil from the Amazonian Buriti Tree. It’s Paediatrician approved, and packed with naturally-derived ingredients to keep baby’s skin nourished and protected. The great thing about this rangeis when you purchase one of these products you can enhance your feel-good factor knowing you are not only looking after your baby’s wellbeing, but you are also supporting a community in Ghanda through the Body Shop’s fair trade scheme.
RRP $27.95 For the full Buriti Baby range visit www.thebodyshop.com.au
The certified organic, super gentle and fragrance free liquid soap for little ones…
5. Dr Bronner’s Baby Mild Liquid Soap
This ultra-gentle Baby Mild Liquid Soap is completely fragrance free, which makes it safe for even the most delicate of skins. All oils and essential oils used in the soap are certified organic, and all ingredients are certified fair trade and not tested on animals. Available in a range of different sizes,it’s not only ethically minded, environmentally safe and baby friendly, but it’s also great value too!
RRP $19.95 for 944ml. Available at www.drbronner.com.au
Check out our Bump to Baby Guide by parenting expert Susan Pearse from Mind Gardener for tips on mindful parenting during pregnancy and early motherhood here.
