Baby powders seem like an important item to have for an infant especially in our culture, but it is generally not needed. Let’s break down the reasons why infant skin doesn’t need powdering, so you can judge for yourself.

Baby powders are a type of cosmetic or hygienic powder usually made from:

• a clay mineral called talc
• cornstarch
• arrowroot or other powders

These powders are often used to prevent or treat diaper rash around infants’ bottoms and genital areas. Some of our grandma’s or mums might even use it all over our baby’s body, including around the neck, back and armpits.

Although baby powder comes in lots of “baby care essentials” kits, lots of medical experts say to avoid using it, as baby could inhale the powder into his lungs, and that could cause damage. According to WebMD.com, “Babies can inhale the very fine grains of talcum powder or the larger particles of cornstarch. That could cause lung problems.”

In a 2018 review, scientists found an association between genital use of talc and ovarian cancer. Although considered a weak association, they found that the more baby powder that was used, the stronger its link with ovarian cancer. To say that talc is the cause of ovarian cancer is uncertain and there are many other risk factors possibly affecting a woman’s chance of getting ovarian cancer- such as age, family history and long tern use of hormone therapy.

Although not needed, is baby powder safe?

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified talc-based powder use on the genitals and buttocks as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” which means having the potential to cause cancer.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have said that repeated inhalation of talc might harm the lungs. The European Union has banned talc in health and beauty products due to health and safety concerns.

There are no medically necessary uses of baby powder

Experts generally advise against the use of baby powder on infants. If you have to use powder, it is extremely important to avoid talc-containing powder, as there is a risk for accidental inhalation and subsequent lung problems.

Other things to take note if you choose to use powder are:

• Avoid putting baby powder directly on genitals.
• Do not apply on face, neck area or anywhere near your baby’s face to avoid possible inhalation.
• Do not shake and apply baby powder directly onto your baby. Apply on a soft cloth or powder puff and gently pat onto baby’s skin.