Squeaky clean and kind

BUYING soap adorned with children’s favourite TV characters might encourage your kids into the bath, but they might also climb out with scratchy skin.

But there is a huge list of nasties to avoid if possible. Sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate are the two most common ingredients found in baby and kids’ formulas, and these can be highly irritating to the skin.

Other ingredients that may cause children irritation include parabens, petroleum and propylene glycol (PEG), as well as artificial colours and flavours.

When it comes to bathing your babies (no matter how big or small), plump for one of these purer potions.

BRING ON THE BUBBLES

100% natural and with a hint of calming vanilla, Burt’s Bees Baby Bee bubble bath suits babies and children of all ages. And not a tear in sight.

* Burt’s Bees Baby Bee bubble bath, €12.63.

SOFT AND SILKY

If your children suffer from eczema or dry skin, it’s better to opt for a bath oil over bubbles. After her daughter was given an eczema prescription for products full of chemicals, Lisa Johnson decided to make her own. The result is an organic body range, including a hugely successful scratchy balm.

* LJ’s Organic Natural Scratchy Balm, €10.61. (www.lj-natural.com).

BAR BAR BLACK SHEEP

Sometimes a good old-fashioned bar of soap is all you want to get kids clean, especially when they’re little. With extracts of jojoba and soothing aloe vera, Beginning Delicate Soothing Soap will gently cleanse and moisturise. Scented with pure lavender, this soap creates a gentle lather which can be used on the skin and hair.

* Beginning Delicate Soothing Soap, €10 (www.boots.ie).

LUSCIOUS LOCKS

Though this formula does contain sodium laureth sulfate, the Johnson’s ‘no more tears’ promise means it doesn’t sting should it come into contact with eyes. The new bottle pumps out a foamy formula which makes for easy hair washing with a super-fast rinse.

* Johnson’s Baby Easy-Rinse Foam Shampoo, €3.99

TO BE OR KNOT TO BE

Tangles after bath time can mean tears and tantrums. For a simple solution, whip out this pretty Tangle Tweezer Magic Flowerpot, a specially designed brush for young girls with long hair, be it straight or curly. It comes with a pretty holder for all their hair bobbles. Perfect for sensitive princesses.

* Tangle Tweezer Magic Flowerpot, €17.59.

SMOOTH OPERATOR

After baths or showers, even young skins yearn for moisture. A simple lotion is all you need and Aveeno’s body products contain naturally active finely milled oatmeal, which is clinically proven to restore the skin’s natural barrier, allowing it to retain moisture and keep out potential irritants more effectively.

* Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion with Lavender Aroma, €5.19

SCRATCH THAT ITCH

For those who suffer with eczema or severe dry patches, it’s a good idea to apply an additional balm before bedtime. MooGoo is a brand new range which has taken Australia by storm, and is full of natural edible ingredients. Apply the anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, wound-healing cream to any affected areas.

* MooGoo Irritable Skin Balm, €15.95, from pharmacies

HUSH LITTLE BABY

Once they’re ready for bed, give them a restful night’s sleep by spraying a relaxing scent in their room. This ultra-gentle version of This Works’ award-winning deep sleep pillow spray contains lavender, vetivert and camomile, and is free from parabens, sulphates and phthalates. A few spritzes creates a cocoon of aromatherapy to lull little ones to sleep.

* This Works Baby Sleep Pillow Spray, €19.50.