Since I ran out of my favorite Baby Balm and the shipping to Spain from the UK was almost the price of the cream I decided it’s time to try my own homemade version of it. In the end, the ‘making-of’ is the easy part anyway, sourcing all the ingredients is what takes time and usually you can’t purchase them all in one place. Althought I recently came across with an amazing Spanish online shop that sells the majority of ingredients and supplies neede to make your own creams and cosmetics at home! But if you’re looking for the best price, then it’s worth buying a few bits from Amazon instead. I’ll make sure to share all the links to each ingredient, so you can see where I bought them. But back to the topic - the baby balm or diy baby diaper balm! Before buying the ingredients I took time to research a few recipes and then I also checked the ingredient list of the baby balm I already loved so much by Sister & Co. And I didn’t see the other baby balm recipes online using a few of their ingredients, so I decided to improvise. And anyway, what you’re adding is all natural/organic ingredients and if you’re not sure how much of what to add, be sure to follow ‘less is more’ in this case, as the oils are very concentrated and a little goes a long way!
If you're making this salve for your baby, be mindful of the essential oil diluation. For example for babies older than 3 months, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends a safe dilution ratio of 0.5 to 1%, compared to a 2.5 to 10% dilution for adults. Also before using it everywhere on your baby, be sure to try a little bit on her skin to see if she/he has any irritation to any of the ingredients. But this thick balm is enriched with natural beeswax, shea butter and coconut oils to gently calm and protect even the most sensitive skin. It prevents drying, irritation and nappy rash. It’s not only perfect for baby’s bottom, it’s also good for face and body. Mildly fragranced with the delicate scent of Lavender and Tea Tree Essential oils, this balm is free of mineral oils and parabens, making it the perfect non toxic baby balm or all-over general salve! I also like to use it for her dribble rash when she’s teething!
Ingredients:
1 100 or a 120ml jar with a secure lid
2 small saucepans/pots for double boiling
2 tablespoons of Beswax (for quicker melting, buy beeswax pellets)
3 tablespoons of 100% Shea butter
3 tablespoons of extra virgin Coconut oil
1 teaspoon of organic Apricot kernel oil
1 teaspoon of Calendula Oil
3 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
few drops of Vitamin E oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Add the beeswax to a small bowl or a melting pot and place it on top of a saucepan/pot filled with water, bring the water to boil and let it melt completely. Start with the beeswax as the rest of the ingredients melt a lot faster.
Step 2: When you see that the beeswax is starting to melt, then start melting the shea butter and coconut in a separate melting pot. Step 3: Pour the melted shea butter and coconut oil into the beeswax and stir.
Step 3: Pour the mixture into a clean 120ml jar.
Step 4: Once the mixture is in the jar and starts to cool (it cools quite quickly), make sure to add the Apricot and Calendula oils and stir. Then feel free to also add a few drops of essential oils to aid in the healing benefits of the balm. I added Tea Tree and Lavender Essential Oil. Also be mindful of your baby’s age when adding essential oils.
Step 5: Attach a clean lid and allow to completely cool before using.
NOTE: If you’d like a creamy whipped texture to the balm, you can whip it before it cools down. I haven’t tried it yet, but I might do it on my next balm!
Benefits of each ingredient & where I bought them
We all know how Coconut Oil works wonders for dry, sensitive or itchy skin, but Shea Butter helps skin to retain its moisture and elasticity. It’s also easily absorbed and it’s able to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
Beeswax contains Vitamin A, with anti-bacteria, avoid possible irritation and protects the skin in from different harms. It also effectively moisturizes the skin. The beeswax forms a protective but breathable barrier over the skin, providing the necessary oils and nutrients to keep baby’s delicate skin soft and hydrated and also protecting against excess wetness. It’s a great little ointment to support the skin’s natural functions for babies prone to dribble rash, chapped skin or cradle cap.
Calendula oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, skin-regenerative and antibacterial properties that might make it useful in healing wounds, soothing eczema, psoriasis, and relieving diaper rash. It’s also used as an antiseptic. Calendula has a lovely calming effect and it prevents skin irritation.
Apricot Kernel Oil is known for its anti-inflammatory effect, and is therefore ideal for use on inflamed skin, such as a sore nappy area. Apricot Kernel Oil is also rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins and fatty acids, nourishes, softens and soothes the skins from appearing red, dry and itchy. Did you know it also moisturizes dry, sensitive skin and smooths out blemishes, wrinkles and other symptoms of maturing skin? I’m already planning to make my own homemade face cream with this amazing oil!
Vitamin E Oil
Topically, Vitamin E can be very helpful for a range of skin disorders, as well as skin repair. It assists in various kinds of cellular restoration from sun damage to healing support for scars or burns
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil has antimicrobial and analgesic properties which can help support the regeneration of skin cells. It also holds antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
I already had a Lavender Essential oil, this one I bought from Provence from the official Lavender store.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree oil is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, insecticidal, and immunity-stimulant properties, making it the perfect addition to this salve.
I got the plastic jar from this website, but then later I realised they also sell glass ones!
How to use
I use this baby balm on my little one’s delicate bottom as a nappy balm as well as a dry skin balm on any dry patches baby (or myself) might have. I actually love using this on my own hands after applying it on my baby, as its so silky smooth, I love the smell and the best bit is - a little goes a long way! So feel free to use it as a generic balm even for yourself. Feel free to comment below if you tried my recipe or if you have any other additions to my recipe.
