Effects of using baby powders for babies

Effect of using baby powders for babies:

The American Academy of Pediatrics points out that baby powder can cause breathing trouble and serious lung damage for babies if they inhale the particles. (And it's hard to keep powder out of the air when you're using it.)

This is especially true of talc-based powders, with their small, easily inhaled particles. But other powders, including cornstarch-based powders, can also be inhaled.

Even small amounts of powder can irritate a baby's tiny lungs – especially if the baby is at high risk for respiratory illness. 

Those at high risk include premature babies, babies with congenital heart disease, or frequent respiratory illnesses.

If your baby isn't at high risk and you decide to use powder, do so sparingly. 

Put the powder on your hands first, away from your baby, not directly on or near her.

Keep the powder container well out of reach of your baby and of any older brothers and sisters, too. 

You don't want small hands to get hold of it or knock it over and produce a cloud of powder that could be inhaled.

To prevent skin irritation, don't allow powder to build up. 

At every diaper change, wash away any powder that may have accumulated, especially in the folds of your baby's skin.