Q&A
Is Talcum Powder Safe For Babies?
Question:
A friend recently told me it is unsafe to use talcum powder on my baby. Is this really true?
Many parents have made the switch from baby powder to ointments because the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against it. Powder can cause breathing problems, inflammation of the baby's airway and even pneumonia if inhaled.
Talc-based powders, which are usually made up of zinc stearate and finely ground silicates, are the most worrisome. The size of particles is so small that they are easily carried in the air like dust and can reach even the smallest areas of the lung. Also there's no evidence that baby powder helps prevent or treat diaper rash. In short, there is probably more harm than good.
The best preventive step you can take is to clean and dry your baby's bottom with each diaper change and follow with a thin application of protective ointment or cream.
If you decide to use powder, choose cornstarch-based products, which are considered safer, because they have larger particles which are not as easily inhaled as talc. When dispensing the powder, shake out a small amount in your hand away from your baby (never directly on her). Always keep the powder bottle out of your baby's reach to prevent accidental spillage.
