Hazardous Diaper Bag Products

I owned and operated a wonderful preschool and elementary school in Miami for many years and was privy to a lot of information that many parents just didn't know because it wasn't discussed in the spotlight . Two common diaper bag items are vaseline & baby powder, both potentially dangerous health hazards. Vaseline is a petroleum based product and could present a grave danger if swallowed or if applied to a large area of a baby's body, as it has the potential to suffocate and clog breathable areas. We did not use it or keep it at our school.

Another safety hazard is baby powder for two reasons. One, the powder can suffocate a baby or very young child if inhaled or swallowed. The second reason is one that I know about on a personal basis and that is the use of Talcum (Talc) powders on a female's body. Talc powders have the potential to cause ovarian cancer . My cousin died in her early 30's from ovarian cancer found to have been caused by the use of talc powders. I had never heard of anything so strange but I made sure that I used only cornstarch powders on my girls, and very sparingly at that. Check labels but on Johnson's it will state clearly on the front that it is 100% pure cornstarch.

So what do you use instead?
Use a water-based gel instead of a petroleum based one and only use cornstarch powders when diapering, or after a shower ladies! Also, use very sparingly, if at all. Be safe...be aware...and keep everything out of the reach of the child!!