How to Make Your Own Natural Baby Skin Balm with Tallow
Babies have such delicate skin, and at some point, most babies deal with diaper rash or some other type of skin irritation. I’ve found that most mass-produced baby skin creams have ingredients that I’m hesitant to use on myself, let alone my baby. This natural baby skin balm is the perfect solution to care for your child’s skin while not exposing them to harsh, synthetic ingredients!
This balm is tallow-based, extremely gentle on skin, and even non-toxic! It is perfect for use on babies and mothers, especially since young babies often pick up the residue of whatever their moms use on their skin. It works wonderfully as nipple balm for breastfeeding mothers as well!
My favorite ways to use this balm is to prevent dry skin for babies after baths (especially in the winter) and as a diaper cream.
What is Tallow?
People have been making tallow for thousands of years from beef suet, the purest and highest quality fat in a cow. In modern times, we’ve almost forgotten about some of the less glamorous parts of a cow such as the bones and fat, but thankfully tallow is making a comeback! It is a luxurious skincare product and has many other uses as well including in cooking and in candle making.
Why Should I Use Tallow For My Baby?
I could go on and on about the skincare benefits of tallow which I’ve seen first-hand! Here’s why it works so well:
- It contains the same lipids found in human skin. Lipids create a protective, yet permeable barrier that prevents infection, maintains moisture, flexibility, and structure of the cell.
- It is believed to prevent dryness at the cellular level without suffocating the skin’s barrier.
- Contains CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- Contains vitamins A, D, K, and E, and antioxidants.
This natural baby balm is also made with MCT oil which is anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory!
Where to Purchase
There are numerous places you can buy tallow! I recommend checking your local health food store, local butcher, or ordering it online. You can also buy raw suet and purify it yourself (there are many tutorials available online). Suet is most commonly found through local farmers or butchers.
This balm is extremely gentle and moisturizing, making it perfect for babies and mothers! Tallow and MCT oil are known for their healing powers, and this balm can be used anywhere on the face and body.
Ingredients
1 cup tallow
1/4 cup MCT oil
- Tools
Double boiler (or a metal bowl and pot)
Directions
- Slowly melt the tallow in a double boiler or by setting the tallow in a metal bowl over a pot of boiling water.
- Add the MCT oil and stir gently.
- Pour into the container(s) you plan to store it in and let cool.
- Once it begins to get firm, you can place in fridge to speed up the hardening process.
- Store at room temperature.
