Fashion

Beauty

Word to you mothers: The best eco-baby products

While I would say I’ve dipped my toe—okay, it’s more like I’m sitting in up to my waist—in the green beauty pool, I’ve yet to fully submerge. There are still some questionable things that I’m in denial about and continue to use. But when it comes to products I use on my two-year-old daughter, I run a much tighter ship. These are a few of my new and old favourites.

Live Clean Baby ($7 each, at drugstores)

Already a fan of the line’s hand soaps, I wasn’t surprised when I fell in love with their recently launched items for bambinos. I adore the texture of the body lotion which has also won over my comrades (childless, no less) at Beautygeeks and Beautyeditor. Another standout is the Tearless Shampoo and Wash. Some eco washes are so thin they run out of your hand before you can create a lather. This one is thick and creates oodles of froth, minus the sulfates. And their Non-Petroleum Jelly (shown, above right) has settled a bone of contention between me and my caregiver, who prefers Vaseline to a diaper cream. I just wish they’d super size it–this one depletes in about a month.

Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 (shown, above centre, $13, at drugstores)

I no longer trust chemical blocks but I do miss their transparency, which is why I’ll still use them on myself (hanging head in shame). However, for my tot, nothing but good ole zinc and titanium touches her precious skin. There are plenty of other options out there, but I’m singling this one out since it’s so accessible. They also have a handy sunblock stick for often-missed areas. Sadly (and stupidly) it’s only in the U.S. (You can order it from drugstore.com for about $10) And I have to share this: my kid rubbed it on her cheek, giggled and then exclaimed, “Happy!”  A proud moment for a sun care fanatic, if ever there was one.

Weleda Calendula Diaper Care ($15, well.ca)

This resolves any kind of bum irritation fast, and I firmly believe it’s due to the healing properties of the calendula in this zinc oxide cream.  Sorry, Penaten.

Mustela Dermo-Pediatrics Stelatopia Moisturizing Cream (launches in September, $26, mustelaca.com)

Unfortunately for my child, she’s inherited my predisposition to eczema. But so far, hers has only flared up in the winter, on her upper arms and backs of knees. The big selling point for this one is that it’s cortisone-free, which over time can thin the skin. Plus the texture is sublime—similar to Live Clean’s.

Burt’s Bees Baby Bee (from $6, at drugstores)

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this line as it’s held a long-standing position in my infant-intended arsenal. The coconut oil–based  Shampoo & Body Wash ($10) is a staple while the Skin Creme ($15) is a little pot of almond oil–scented heaven that I coat her face in before she braves the winter chill. And my daughter’s pick is the Bubble Bath (shown, above left, $10)—every bath time, she makes a beeline for the cabinet to fetch it.