Should I start cleaning my baby’s gums even before his teeth come in?

Yes. Even before your baby sports his first tooth, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of wiping his gums with gauze or a soft wet washcloth   during bath time. You don’t need to use any toothpaste yet. Simply wrap the cloth or gauze around your index finger and rub it gently over the gums.

Bacteria in the mouth usually can’t harm the gums before the teeth emerge, but it can be hard to tell when the teeth are starting to push through, so you’ll want to start early. Getting your baby used to having his mouth cleaned as part of his daily routine should make it easier to transition into tooth brushing later on. Curvy Carrot Infant Toothbrush pictured right is a Baby toothbrush for infants aged 3 months + RRP $12.95

What’s the best way to brush my baby’s teeth after they start coming in?

As your child’s teeth start to appear (generally around 6 months), look for a baby toothbrush with a small bristle head and larger grip suitable for your hand. (If your child is healthy and still hasn’t sprouted his first tooth by the end of his first year, don’t worry — some children don’t start getting them until 15 to 18 months.)

As long as you’re cleaning your child’s teeth regularly, you don’t need to use any toothpaste yet. Just brush the teeth gently on both the outside and inside surfaces twice a day. Brush his tongue as well (if he’ll let you) to dislodge the bacteria that can cause bad breath. One quick swipe is enough. Replace the toothbrush as soon as the bristles start to look worn or splayed out. If you wish to use a tooth paste

Riddells Creek Organic Mint Toothpaste is sulphate free and certified organic. Keep your gums clean and healthy, breath fresh and crisp and your teeth protected with this chemical free toothpaste. Safe for the entire family. RRP $8.95

www.bambinosandrugrats.com.au

GAIA Natural Baby Care products keep baby skin care simple with a range of essential items that nourish, nurture and gently care for little ones’ skin without too much fuss or irritating ingredients. Formulated especially for delicate baby skin using organic vegetable oils and calming plant extracts these products are suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitivities and irritations, making them eczema friendly.

No:

• artificial fragrances
• soap
• sulphates
• petrochemicals
• mineral oils
• lanolin
• paraben preservatives
• propylene glycol
• phthalates

GAIA Natural Baby Skin Care is pure, gentle and effective.

Click here to view our Online GAIA collection

Nappy rash can be a frustrating time for any parent and baby to endure. Here are some helpful hints that we found from FamilyDoctor.Org website that we thought you should know about:

How to prevent Nappy Rash

• keep the nappy area cool, dry and clean
• let you little one run around sometimes without a nappy on to let air contact with the skin
• check nappies often and change once soiled
• use natural baby wipes that are free from harmful chemicals that may irritate babies bum
• allow your babies bum to dry completely before putting on the next nappy
• use lotions and baby bum balms that are chemical free and 100% natural designed to calm, soothe and protect the bum area.
  

  Cherub Rubs Bum Balm

• be gentle when drying the bottom area after bathing. Harsh towels rubbing on their skin will only make it worse
• if the rash still persists, change the diapers, creams and wipes you are using to as natural as possible and then please consult with your doctor

How can I tell if my child has nappy rash?

The area of the bottom, inner thigh and genitalia area will present a red, scaly appearance where the nappy is in contact with the skin. Pimples, blisters and sores are an extreme case of nappy rash which can lead onto infection where the skin becomes bright pink and swollen.

What causes Nappy Rash?

Nappy rash is caused from numerous reasons:

• nappy on too tight
• not changing nappy regularly enough, leaving on when soiled
• nappy rubbing against the skin
• cleaning products used to wash reusable nappies. 100% natural cleaning products are safest
• chemical laden baby wipes and disposable nappies
• plastic nappy covers that increase the temperature between babies skin and nappy, making it a perfect breeding ground for bacteria
• can develop whilst the baby is on antiobiotics or if the mother is breastfeeding and on antibiotics