I didn’t use the Organic Unscented Magic Balm until my third little one was born. Dr. Bronner’s wasn’t making it yet when Number 1 was born, and with Number 2, I just had no idea what was going on anywhere outside my nursery. Rather gloomy days. However, now I know!
All those adorable, kissable baby chubs come at a cost. Those deep creases that never see the light of day get such an angry red. Enter Magic Balm! I apply the Unscented Balm right after a bath with the Baby Unscented Castile Soap and rub it in to those persistent streaks in the neck, behind the ears (where it gets a little crusty, too), under the arms, and of course on the bottom. This is a really good preventative measure that cuts back on the need for strong intervention after a raging rash breaks out.
Plus, since the Magic Balm is completely unscented, nothing covers up that wonderful baby smell. I’m enjoying the baby smell so much more this third time around than in the past. I think one of the main reasons is that the smell was drowned previously by those heavily scented conventional baby products. But there is simply nothing better for the heart than having my sleeping baby on my shoulder and getting to breathe her in.
I realize all this may be, well, obvious based on the name of the product, but so much of what I will write about is the versatility of the products. While there are other uses for the Unscented Magic Balm (such as removing wedding rings before labor) the use for which it was originally intended is especially terrific. I will also point out that the ingredients are completely understandable and if your little one ever does decide to taste test the products in your nursery (as my first born did), there’s no need to call Poison Control for this one.
Further reading
- Using Castile Baby Mild Soap on Babies
- Washing Cloth Diapers with Sal Suds and Sunshine
- Six Tips for Choosing Better Baby Products
- Bronner Magic for the Pregnant Mama
This tip and many more are in my book, Soap & Soul: A Practical Guide to Minding Your Home, Your Body, and Your Spirit with Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, available now in hardback on DrBronner.com or at your favorite bookseller, and as an eBook and audiobook (read by me!) from wherever you download or listen.
Can one use lather as a moisturizer; leaving on skin to dry? Will oils remain to clog pores? In other words can face be washed with retention of soap residue remaining on facial skin?
Hi Lisa, I am totally obsessed with these products I LOVE them. I was wondering, I am pregnant with my first child and plan on breastfeeding. I was wondering if this product would be ok to use in between nursing in place of Lanolin. Would it be safe for the baby? I hate all the chemicals in lanolin and I am a very holistic person. Thanks 🙂
Hi Lisa,
Here it is 2014 and I’m reading your blog for first time. I would like to know if any of the scents act as a mosquito deterent? Also if there is a scent that is good at relieving insect bite pain.
TIA Eizabeth
Thank you!
Hi Allison – I love your picture, by the way! Thanks for weighing in with the cloth diapers, especially since I don’t have the first-hand experience with those.
All the best,
Lisa
Hi, I have recently become completely obsessed with both Dr. Bronner’s products and your blog. I came across these blog comments and thought I could chime in because I’ve been using CDs. We make our own detergent and have for years. We got the recipe from the Duggar (the family with all the kids) website and use the liquid version. It includes washing soda, Borax, and one of a few kinds of soap options(grated and dissolved – I’ve been using a castile bar and haven’t had an issue with residue, maybe because it’s in such a small quantity once it’s diluted in h2o). My daughter is only 4 mos., so I only have that amount of time worth of experience, but she’s not experiencing any irritation. We’ve also been using it ourselves and as an example, we have had only one set of sheets for three years. They are pure white and get washed weekly. They still look and feel great. Now, I’ve read recently some things that make me not want to use Borax any longer. On my next batch, I will be substituting that for baking soda which I understand will serve the same purpose. I hope it works out. Remember with the CD, you only want to use a tiny amount (1-2 tablespoons) in the wash. I absolutely, positively would not put bleach on my cloth diapers. Also, Lisa is right, the sun clears up any stains within a matter of minutes. The detergent recipe mentioned above, ends up costing about $.01/load. Basically free.
Hi Amy – This is a great place to leave your question! Although I didn’t use cloth diapers on my own kids, I have talked with several of my friends that did and do. The issue with cleaning them is that you want something powerful to get rid of the nasties, but also something that is extremely clean rinsing. The castile soap is not a good option because it can leave a residue, especially in hard water, and make the diapers less absorbent. A much better alternative, and really as good as if not better than conventional cleaners, is Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds, http://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/SAL.htm. It is a very effective cleaner, removing stains and killing germs, but it is also clean rinsing. it is formulated from coconut oil, and contains no petrochemicals or synthetic fragrances.
An additional step to take, per my friend, is to dry your diapers in the sun. She said there is nothing like the bleaching power of the sun!
Hope this helps! Please let me know if you have further questions.
All the best,
Lisa
I don’t know if this is the right spot to leave this question, but it does relate to baby care. Is there an eco-friendly way to clean cloth diapers? The other eco-mom blog I like seems to suggest using bleach to clean them, and I think I’ve heard that castile soap voids the warranty (I don’t know if I’m too concerned about the warranty anyway…). My biggest concern is just cleaning them safely so that toxic bacteria isn’t still in them, but also to clean them in as eco-friendly a fashion as possible. I would appreciate any suggestions you have. Thanks!