What's wrong with using petroleum products on baby?

rispergirl · July 2009

I've seen a few people mention this and my chiro does too. It seems some people think using products made from petroleum on a baby is bad (like baby oil, vaseline, etc). I use these things all the time and they seem to work great. What is bad about it? I definitely want to know if something is unsafe!

JCM083009 · July 2009

They don't let the skin breath for starters, so it's hard to actual moisturize skin using them. They just sit on top. Then there is the issue of whether petroleum oil is actually safe or not, regardless of whether it works or not.

cjsbdl · July 2009

Hmmm, my pedi and our childbirth educator both recommended using petroleum jelly for certain things.

For every baby item on the market you can find someone who thinks its a bad idea or dangerous for baby. If I were you I'd ask your pedi and if he/she is ok with it, then no problemo!

schmoodle · July 2009

Good question, I wondered the same thing when I noticed the rectal thermometer said not to use petroleum based lubricant, so DH had to get some KY. At least we have it on hand for whenever we're ready to resume "relations" and we can blame it on Toodle if anyone sees it around! Haha.

Smudges*Mom · July 2009

Interesting. . . we were instructed to use Vaseline on DS's circ--and it has worked very well. . .

GypsyEsq · July 2009

I've read similar things and I just figure I don't use petroleum on myself due to skin clogging/breathing issues. Additionally it's not particularly moisturizing even if my skin feels greasy afterwards. I'm pretty diligent about not buying lotions for myself that include petroleum as an ingredient so I figure it makes sense to do the same for sensitive brand new baby skin.

JCM083009 · July 2009

Smudges*Mom:
Interesting. . . we were instructed to use Vaseline on DS's circ--and it has worked very well. . .

But see, based on its properties that would be a case where you WANT to use something that doesn't let anything in or out to "breathe". You want to keep that covered/protected. That's not taking into account whether you feel it's a safe ingredient or not, but the properties of what it can/cannot do for that particular use would make sense.

tina623 · July 2009

We were told to use a petroleum based product on their bums at bedtime to keep the moisture off the skin. It worked okay, but we don't do it often unless we notice a rash forming.

JGirl2005 · July 2009

well we were told to use petroleum jelly after the circumsion between the diaper and the p.enis. hmmm....in fact they did this at teh hospital.

I also use J&J baby oil, but I know some people are against that. I only put on his head in small amounts and have only used it one or two times.

I really don't know either. a lot of the items a lot of ppl use others may not agree with (specific brands,etc).

Mrs.Reem · July 2009

A few reasons...

They can effect hormone levels

They hinder skin?s ability to breathe, attract moisture and detoxify

Some studies are showing that they promote cancer. Especially sunscreens produced from it may actually cause skin cancer as well as colon and breast cancer

I try to stay away from petroleum, paba, parabens, etc.

The_Spanish_Inquisition · July 2009

I use Aquaphor on DS's neck folds, as that's the only thing that clears up the irritation he gets under there.

I used vaseline on his circ for a day or two, but he really didn't need it so I stopped.

rispergirl · July 2009

Huh. I had never heard any of this before. Thanks girls!

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