Review: Avent Soothing Magic Cream

Description
With allantoin and milk proteins
The all-in-one solution to your baby's daily skincare needs. Apply to face and body to moisturise, remove dry patches, and help heal rashes.

Features
♦ Hypoallergenic
♦ Mild enough for the most sensitive skin

My Review:
Pros: 

• Smell is nice and pleasant
• Easily Absorbed
• Not Sticky
• Not greasy

Cons:

• Not moisturising enough
• Didn't clear rashes
• Didn't remove dry patches
• Not suitable for my baby because it did not work

Overall: This was recommended to me twice! Well, you should know by now that my baby is struggling with rashes. Yup! Till now! The very first moment it all popped out, I went straight to kiddy palace to ask them if there were any suitable product to heal rashes fast. They showed me this product and told me that there wasn't any bad feedback as of yet. So I went ahead and bought it and went to another baby shop to ask them the same thing. Surprisingly, They also showed me this product and so i showed them and said. Yeah, I actually just bought so it must be really good huh. I went home and smeared it all over his body - No effect. Next day, I smeared it all over again - No effect. I tried it for a week plus but there were only minor improvements. I even recommended it to someone in a forum, thinking it might help her baby from the good recommendations people had been saying. Well, at least it didn't get worse! So then, i decided that i was a good product but its not suitable for my baby. I am now using it on myself as a regular lotion.

Rating: 2/5

Tips: Try out products even if there are people who say it doesn't work because every baby is different. We'll never know what's suitable for your baby until you try it. 

Will I repurchase?: No

Recommendation age: 0+

Similar Products: California Baby Calendula Cream

Where to purchase: Kiddy Palace, Avent Retailer

Price: SGD $17

Do you really think it should be called magic cream? Have you encountered positive changes after applying this to your baby? Let me know!

Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. The review is solely based on the blog owner's experience when using the product mentioned. AVENT did not, in any way, compensated the blog owner to write this product review.

Review: Sterimar Nasal Hygiene Spray

Sterimar is a natural seawater spray that is sterilized and made isotonic for daily nasal hygiene. Its gentle micro-diffusion spray is delivered through a shaped nozzle that fits any nose, even a baby. Sterimar has no preservatives and is drug free. Relief of nasal congestion associated with: 

* hayfever and allergies 
* sinusitis 
* colds 
* post operative nasal care.

My Reviews
Pros:

• Effective in Clearing blocked nose
• Safe for babies
• Moisturises Nose 

Cons:

• Difficult to press
• Challenging to give to a baby

Overall: I was prescribed this when my baby had "colds". I'm not sure why they didnt prescribe me the sterimar baby when Baby yo was still under 3 months. Well, he had runny nose and he always had blocked nose. Maybe it was allergies but I just couldn't figure it out. This product helped me alot by easing his congestion specially when he was about to feed. it helped him fuss less and get over the whole block nose saga and be done with it. 

Rating: 4/5

Tips: Sit or stand a baby when using this. I laid him down, which was not actually supposed to. Well, the doctor didn't tell me. Get the sterimar baby for babies instead of the adult one. No side effects or bad reaction even if i used the wrong one.

Will I repurchase?: Yes

Recommended age: 3+ (Sterimar Baby could be used from birth onwards)

Similar Products: Havent found any

Where to purchase: Unity, Watsons, Pharmacy

Price: around SGD $15

Do you think Nasal Sprays are good for babies? Have you used one before? What do you feel about them? Let me know! 

Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. The review is solely based on the blog owner's experience when using the product mentioned. STERIMAR did not, in any way, compensated the blog owner to write this product review.

Advice: Baby Rashes and How to Treat them

Different rashes are very common in babies. Like what I always said, I have this on-going battle with getting rid of my baby's irritating rashes. But at least, I am handling it well. Rashes could be normal or it could be bad but never under-estimate this harmless symptoms because you will never know the worse. FIY, I could have wanted to add in pictures but after googling them, Nevermind!

Top 5 Rashes and Treatments for Babies:

1. Diaper Rash - Diaper rash is a common form of inflamed skin (dermatitis) that appears as a patchwork of bright red skin on your baby's bottom. Diaper rash is commonly linked to continuously wet or infrequently changed diapers, diarrhea, and using plastic pants to cover diapers.

Diaper rash also may develop after solid foods are added to your baby's diet, when breast-feeding mothers eat certain foods or when your baby is taking antibiotics. Diaper rash can alarm parents and annoy babies.

To prevent diaper rash

• Change diapers early and often. Too much moisture, too little air, and prolonged contact with pee and poop are a sure-fire rash recipe.
• Clean and pat (don’t rub) your baby’s bottom until it’s completely dry before you put on diaper cream — adding ointment to an even slightly damp bottom locks in moisture and ups the odds of a rash. And opt for a fragrance-free cream.
• Work a little bare-butt time into your darling’s day. Every few changes, put your baby on a waterproof pad, sans diaper, and play with him while his backside gets a breather.
• Limit acidy foods and drinks. Citrus fruits and juices often cause explosive (and smelly) poops that sting your tot’s tush. If you’re nursing, watch your own intake of citrus, tomatoes, and other acidic foods.

Treatment for Diaper Rash - Remember to apply barrier cream every after nappy change (e.g. sudocrem, desitin blue). Put a healing ointment if rashes break out. (e.g. bepanthen, desitin purple). Barrier creams and Healing ointments works differently so address each nappy change carefully or your baby will immune and rashes will keep coming back.

2. Heat Rash - Heat rash (prickly heat) is a red or pink rash usually found on body areas covered by clothing. It can develop when the sweat ducts become blocked and swell and often leads to discomfort and itching. This is the most common rash in babies. 

In babies, heat rash can be caused by well-meaning parents who dress their baby too warmly, but it can happen to any baby in very hot weather. A baby should be dressed as an adult would be to be comfortable at the same temperature and activity level. Babies' hands and feet may feel cool to your touch but that does not mean they need to be dressed too warmly in hot weather.

Heat rash looks like dots or tiny pimples. In young children, heat rash can appear on the head, neck, and shoulders. The rash areas can get irritated by clothing or scratching, and, in rare cases, a secondary skin infection may develop.

Treatment for Heat Rash - Moisturise your baby after bath and apply prickly heat powder after mid day when the heat is up. Products that works best for me: California Baby and Bepanthen. Remember to dress your little one in loose, lightweight clothes, and remove layers if he seems too warm.

3. Eczema - Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema (the most common form of eczema). Atopic eczema mainly affects children, but it can continue into adulthood or start later in life. 

Eczema is a chronic skin condition in which the skin becomes itchy, reddened, cracked and dry.

Treatment for Eczema - Steroids are prescribed when eczema is at its worst but you know there are side effects to it right? Topic creams are available like California baby and Mustella that you could buy off the shelves rather than risking side effects.

4. Baby acne - Baby acne is acne that develops on a newborn's skin. Baby acne can occur anywhere on the face, but usually appears on the cheeks, nose and forehead. Baby acne is common — and temporary. There's little you can do to prevent baby acne, you just have to be patient and treat it.

Treatment for Baby acne - You can pat some breastmilk over the area that is affected. I tried California baby and it worked wonders!

5. Milia - Milia are tiny white bumps that most commonly appear across a baby's nose, chin or cheeks. Although milia can develop at any age, these tiny white bumps are common among newborns. In fact, up to half of all babies develop milia. You can't prevent milia, but the good news is that milia usually disappear on their own in a few weeks.

Preventing Baby Rashes

• Use a gentle, baby laundry detergent. Harsher products intended for grown-ups can irritate sensitive baby skin.
• In the bath, clean up with a gentle, hypoallergenic cleanser (not standard soap) — and use as little of it as possible. Also keep baths relatively short.
• Use warm and not hot water. The best water to use if your baby is senstive is cooled boiled water rather than tap water. 

Natural Baby Rash Treatments

• Cool compresses can cut crankiness. Soak a clean washcloth in cold water, wring it out, and lay it over the irritated area for up to ten minutes at a time. Repeat as often as you like.
• Adding bath oil or colloidal oatmeal to a warm bath is an easy and effective baby rash treatment. You could also raid your pantry: Wrap a cup of edible oatmeal in a clean washcloth, twist close, soak until thoroughly wet, and then drizzle the oatmeal-infused water gently over your sweetie’s skin — or just swish oatmeal through the bathwater.
• Do not use baby wipes for a while. Switch to plain water on a washcloth or cotton balls for cleanups.
• Diaper-free time is both a rash-prevention practice and a natural baby rash cure. Let your baby air out his rear end for a few minutes at a time as often as possible.

Other Rashes 

• Erythema toxicum - Half of all newborns will develop a blotchy red skin reaction called erythema toxicum, usually at two or three days old. It is a normal newborn rash that won't bother your baby and will soon clear after a few days
• Ringworm - Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection that causes a ring-like red rash almost anywhere on the body (the baby's scalp, feet and groin are common areas). It is usually easily treated using over-the-counter creams.
• Impetigo - Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the surface layers of the skin, which causes sores and blisters. It is not usually serious but you can visit your GP for a prescription of antibiotics, which should clear the infection within 7-10 days.
• Hives - Hives (also known as urticaria) is a raised, red itchy rash that appears on the skin. It happens when a trigger (such as a food that your baby is allergic to) causes a protein called histamine to be released into their skin. The rash is usually short-lived and can be controlled with antihistamines. However, if your baby gets hives repeatedly, it's important to see your GP, as your baby may be allergic to something they are being fed frequently, such as cow's milk.
• Slapped cheek syndrome - Slapped cheek syndrome (also known as fifth disease) is a viral infection that is particularly common in children and babies. It typically causes a bright red rash on both cheeks and a fever. Most babies will not need treatment as slapped cheek syndrome is usually a mild condition that passes in a few days.
• Erythema multiforme - Erythema multiforme is a skin reaction triggered by medication, an infection (usually the herpes simplex virus) or an illness. Red spots develop on the hands or feet before spreading across the body. Your baby will probably feel unwell and may have a fever, but you should be able to treat these symptoms with over-the-counter medicine. It may take two to six weeks before your baby feels better.
• Hand, foot and mouth disease - Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common, mild viral illness that causes a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Your baby may feel unwell and have a fever. Treatment is usually not needed as the baby's immune system clears the virus and symptoms go away after about 7 to 10 days. If you're worried, see your GP.
• Keratosis pilaris ("chicken skin") - Keratosis pilaris is a harmless condition where the skin becomes rough and bumpy, as if covered in permanent goose pimples. There's no cure for this skin complaint, but it shouldn't bother your baby.
• Meninigitis - It's important to be aware of the warning signs of meningitis in your baby. If you think your baby has these symptoms, bring her to nearest clinic or hospital. Warning signs include:
• becoming floppy and unresponsive, or stiff with jerky movements
• becoming irritable and not wanting to be held
• unusual crying
• vomiting and refusing feeds
• pale and blotchy skin
• loss of appetite
• staring expression
• very sleepy with a reluctance to wake up
• Some babies will develop a swelling in the soft part of their head (fontanelle).


***
Trust your instincts. If you think your baby has Rashes that is alarming to you , see your GP immediately or go to your nearest hospital A&E.

Has your baby experienced Rashes? How did you get rid of it?

Review: California Baby Calendula Cream

Calendula Cream Nature's First-Aid!® 
California Baby® Calendula Cream is excellent for use on general diaper area and may be used on face and body for extra-dry or sensitive skin. Botanically based, our light and fluffy Calendula Cream contains the ingredient of Calendula, which has been used to soothe the skin for centuries. California Baby® Calendula Cream offers deep hydration, absorbs completely, and leaves skin feeling satiny smooth. Use daily for everyday protection and especially when the air is dry and baby's skin needs relief. The entire family can benefit from this soothing, multi-purpose cream. 

My Review:
Pros:

• Contains organic and sustainably grown vegan ingredients 
• Soothing
• Great for Rashes, Baby acne, and diaper area 
• Hypo-allergenic 
• Works very well on dry and chapped skin 
• Light and fluffy consistency
• Absorbs fast and not greasy
• Great Smell

Cons:

• Expensive!

Overall: If you ask me for the best all around treatment cream, this is #1! My baby had baby acne, heat rash and diaper rash and when I use this, results could be seen fast. I was very happy with this product and used it religiously all over his body everyday. However, the tub was all gone in less than a month. I knew I had to try different products to see which ones could be comparable or cheaper. 

Rating: 5/5

Tips: Its best to apply soothing creams after bath and re-apply through out the day if there are dry patches or agitated rashes on babies skin. If you have used a product for a week and no better results, it means its not working. 

Will I repurchase?: Definitely! Yes

Recommended age?: 0+

Similar Products: Weleda

Where to purchase: Watsons

Price: No more than SGD $30

Do you think that the price of this product is overboard? Have you tried any other products of California Baby? Let me know!

Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. The review is solely based on the blog owner's experience when using the product mentioned. CALIFORNIA BABY did not, in any way, compensated the blog owner to write this product review.

Review: Snake Brand Prickly Heat Powder in Lavender

This powder is cooling, refreshing, and soothing powder which is effective in relieving itching, prickly heat rash, and skin irritation from the hot weather.

To be used after bath as an antiseptic and absorbent dusting powder.

Scent of lavender makes you feel fresh and relaxed.

My Review:

Pros:

• Reduces the itch from the rashes
• Cooling effect prevents heat rash
• Good for everyday use

Cons:

• Lavender smell could be a little overwhelming
• Inhalation of talcum powder in general is bad for the lungs of babies

Overall: Rashes cant leave my baby alone, its like a constant battle that I'm facing most of the time. Blame the heat! His heat rash comes out all the time, we're kinda getting used to it. I know that Talcum is bad for babies as it contributes to asthma and all other lung problems in the long run so I make sure that if I get a powder, it better work! Snake brand is the one I reach to after his bath and if he needs to be refreshed, specially if I see his naughty hands scratching away!

Rating: 4/5

Tips: Try and change your fluffy powder duster to a flat one so the powder particles won't be easily inhaled by your baby. Block his nose when you are applying on the neck or his chest.

Will I repurchase?: Yes

Recommended age: 0+

Similar Products: St.Lukes

Where to purchase: Leading supermarkets

Price: Below SGD $7

Do you think talcum should be banned on babies? Have you encountered side effects of talcum with your little one?

Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. The review is solely based on the blog owner's experience when using the product mentioned. SNAKE BRAND did not, in any way, compensated the blog owner to write this product review.

Review: Baby Sebamed® Baby Cream Extra Soft

Baby Sebamed® Baby Cream Extra Soft - 50ml
pH 5.5 - Ideal for healthy skin
Quality through research

• Alkali-free for mild yet intensive hydration
• Hypoallergenic, non-irritating
• Same pH as healthy skin - 5.5
• Protects and cares for the skin with 42% lipid formula
• Camomile soothes irritation
• Panthenol promotes regeneration
• Promotes the development of the vital biologically protective acid mantle
• A protective film without interfering with the skin's "breathing"
• Indicated for contact chafing and protection of the nappy area.

Dermatologist Recommended
The best protection from the first day.This rich formulation creates a moisturizing barrier for intensive, natural protection of your baby's delicate skin.  Enhanced with extra-soothing panthenol, allantoin and chamomile extract, it deeply moisturizes while helping to naturally alleviate skin redness.  Suitable for even the most sensitive skin, it leaves your baby comforted and huggably soft.

Sebamed pH 5.5
The Science Behind Healthy Skin. All Baby Sebamed products are meticulously formulated to naturally protect a baby's delicate skin.  A newborn's skin lacks the natural hydrolipid protective barrier which  is established during the first few months of life.  Every Sebamed product has a pH balance of exactly 5.5 - precisely the pH required to support this barrier.  Any other pH level, such as found in soap, may leave your baby's skin susceptible to breakdown and irritation.  Discover what 150 clinical studies have already proven - pH 5.5 is vital for healthy skin.

• dye-free, paraben-free
• nearly 100% biodegradable
• cruelty free

My Review:

Pros: 

• Smell is not overwhelming

Cons:

• Not suitable for my baby's skin
• Thick cream makes it more suitable as a barrier cream
• Not moisturising
• Did not prevent rashes in diaper & neck area
• Did not treat rashes in diaper & neck area
• Did not help in the redness of the fold of the skin

Overall: Someone gave this to me but I only opened it up when Baby yo had rashes on his diaper area and on his neck. Turns out that its heat rash thus, this was one of the products recommended in Kiddy Palace. However, this product is very disappointing because it did not help the rashes even after a few days of application. 

Rating: 1.5/5

Tips: Always check baby's body for any rash and treat it immediately so that it would not be more irritated and agitated. Apply cream for at least 3 days to see results. Stop immediately if you do not see any improvements. If it gets worsen, seek medical help as baby might be allergic to certain products of the cream.

Will I repurchase?: No

Recommended age: 0+

Simiar Products: Avent Magic Cream

Where to purchase: Kiddy Palace, Unity, Pharmacies

Price: WIll update on the price

Have you ever used Sebamed Baby products? What do you feel about them? Let me know!

Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. The review is solely based on the blog owner's experience when using the product mentioned. SEBAMED did not, in any way, compensated the blog owner to write this product review.

Advice:Top 5 Baby Ailments & How to Handle Them

(this picture was taken when baby yo had a fever after his vaccination, yet he is still happy!)

This is the scariest part of being a mom, I always pray for good health for my family, specially for my one and only baby. Luckily he only had suffered minor ailments that could be treated easily. Though being ill is common for babies, we should always know how to relieve them and treat some of the symptoms before it gets full blown.

1. Constipation & Diarrhoea:

• If constipated get her some exercise by moving her legs in a circular motion as if he is pedalling towards his tummy. Give his belly a massage, gently but firmly specially below the navel. 
• Cut down on foods that may trigger both constipation/ diarrhoea. 
• Apply aloe vera gel near the opening of his anus to relieve soreness
• Call your doctor immediately for advice

2. Congestion (Cough & Cold):

• Make sure baby gets plenty of rest and liquids
• Use saline spray and suction
• Try to use a soft wipe for the nose to reduce irriation
• Moisten the air
• Try letting him sleep where his head is more elevated
• Rub his chest with Soothing balm

3. Rashes

• Make sure you change your baby's diaper as often as possible if he has a diaper rash
• Apply some healing ointments for the affected areas
• Try using a prickly heat powder
• Always keep it dry
• Use barrier ointment if the area is always prone to rashes e.g. diaper area, neck, folds of skin
• Do not wear tight clothing

4. Ear Infections

• Keep your baby up to date with his vaccinations
• Keep your baby away from tobacco smoke at all times
• Keep ear clean at all times
• Prevent water from entering baby's ear

5. Vomitting

• Do not wait till baby is dehydrated, offer as much fluids as you can
• Slowly re-introduce solids 
• Burp him often
• Do not be too active on him after his meals

What other ailments scares you? Do you have better ways in handling these ailments? Let me know!

Disclaimer: Always seek medical help if your are unsure of your baby's situation, These are just my opinions and suggestions based on previous experiences and research. 

Review: Drapolene Cream

My Pharmacy Singapore Review:
For the treatment and prevention of nappy rash and nappy redness. Drapolene Cream will also provide soothing relief for minor burns and wounds. The specially formulated cream is easy to apply and will not block the action of one-way nappy liners or disposable nappies.

Indication:
For the prevention and treatment of nappy rash: Apply Drapolene Cream evenly at every nappy change, paying particular attention to the folds of the skin. For minor burns and wounds: Apply liberally to the affected area as necessary. It is important to ensure that the affected area is dry and free from all traces of soap.

My Review: 
Pros:

• light on skin 
• not bad as a barrier cream 
• fragrance is not overwhelming 

Cons:

• pink colored cream may transfer to clothes and beddings 
• Does not prevents diaper rash 
• Does not treat diaper rash 

Overall: I got this as a present for my baby shower so I was happy to give this a try. For 55g, its quite much to use.

However, this is not suitable for my baby because he had some urinary and diaper rash which was not prevented and treated like what it claims to be.
Rating: 2/5

Tips: Apply barrier creams thinly so that skin can breathe. Try to apply barrier creams after each nappy change.

Will I repurchase?: Nope!

Recommended age: 0+

Similar Products: Sudocrem, Desitin Blue

Where to purchase: All leading supermarkets.
Price: SGD $5.50

Have you tried any other Diaper cream that has worked for your baby? Share it below!