Baby love

I’m not sure what’s worse – concern over your tiny baby’s nappy rash or your teenage daughter’s pimples!   As if worrying about alcohol, partying and keeping up with homework isn’t stressful enough, there’s the influx of hormones playing havoc not only with your teenager’s mood but also with their skin. While I’ve tried offering ‘lifestyle’ tips – “…drink plenty of water, watch what you eat and appreciate the benefits of a little exercise…” I have the feeling my words are falling on deaf ears.   

So I’m putting the older kids’ issues in the ‘too-hard’ basket and doing my bit by strategically placing teenage skincare products in their bathroom. Current teen skin favourites are Proactiv and Clean & Clear. Although I have a feeling that when it all goes wrong – whether its spots, boyfriends or trouble at school – it will somehow still be my fault! Lucky my skin is thick.

From my point of view newborn babies are much easier. Admittedly you may have to deal with crusty cradle cap, a sore, raging-red bottom or an unsightly facial milk rash but at least you feel you have some control. Much like teenagers, a baby’s diet and hormones are thought to be responsible for some of these complaints so adjusting your/their food and drink can make all the difference. These days there are also plenty of expert-developed products from brands such as Dermaveen, Alpha Keri and Aveeno – all gentle enough for the newest of babies and offering welcome relief for your baby’s skin.

So if you have to choose between teenagers and babies (sadly, you can’t can you?) I’m going for baby every time. Nappy rash or not, they still look at you with gummy-smiled love in their eyes.  Make the most of it – I haven’t seen one of those on my teenagers’ faces for a long time….and I’m not holding my breath.

My top 5 products for baby’s skin:

Alpha Keri Oil in baby’s bath – cleans skin while keeping it soft and moisturised, especially in the areas prone to dryness and cracking.

Aveeno Active Naturals Baby Daily Moisturising Lotion – a fabulous all-over, gentle and fragrance-free moisturiser.

Lucas’ Papaw Ointment – the best nappy rash prevention I have ever found.

A’kin pureBaby Comforting Massage Oil – great for you and baby too.

Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Dusting Powder – all natural and an all-round lovely brand.