I figured out that not only was zinc oxide an effective ingredient in sunscreen, it is also incredibly healing, and is, therefore, an excellent addition to nappy rash cream (aka Baby Booty Balm)!!
So I tweaked my basic lotion recipe to include zinc oxide (which helps to protect by repelling water, meaning a wet nappy won’t cause irritation to the sensitive skin around your baby’s bum), recruited quite a few lovely mums to test the product on their tots, and after some raving reviews, this Baby Booty Balm is where I landed!
Just use your common sense; test a small amount of this on your baby, and see how they react to it. I can’t imagine they would have any issues as this is as pure as a baby’s cream can get, but like anything new, it’s safer to tread cautiously to start with (you might also prefer to leave the essential oils out – that’s your call).
Oh, you could also use this balm on chapped lips, chafe and dry skin – #winning!!
The Sunscreen Balm video below is practically the same as this nappy cream – it should guide you in the right direction if you’re a visual kinda person.
Baby Booty Balm
Makes: 265 g Prep time: < 10 min.
Ingredients
- 120 g carrier oil (fractionated coconut oil and sweet almond oil are popular choices)
- 60 g coconut oil (the type that solidifies)
- 25 g shea butter
- 20 g beeswax
- 40 g zinc oxide (non-nano particles)
- 20-30 drops essential oils (optional)
My Choice of Essential Oils
My favourite essential oils in this recipe are frankincense and lavender but don’t be limited by my suggestions. Use oils that fit your budget, or those that you already have in your collection. Read here for more information on essential oils.
Method
1. Add carrier oil, coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax to a glass bowl and heat until completely melted, using either a microwave or the double boiler method. (Double boiler method– place bowl on a pot of gently simmering water and stir frequently; Microwave method– heat in short bursts on low, stopping and stirring frequently). Remove from heat.
2. Add zinc oxide and mix until combined.
3. Transfer into a jar or container (with lid).
4. Place into the fridge or freezer to set (this will reduce the chance of graininess developing over time).
5. To ensure even distribution of the zinc oxide, periodically mix the balm while it is setting and again once it has completely set.
To Use
Scoop a little balm with clean fingers and smooth onto baby’s clean bottom, after a nappy change. Repeat each nappy change.
Recipe Notes
Be careful using zinc oxide. I have long arms and hold my breath, but if you’re worried about inhaling it, wear a mask until it is mixed in and no longer loose and floating around.
14 Comments
Hi Krissy, l have made this for my my new nephew, and wanted to put a label of ingredients, just wondering how you would do this. Just label with ingredients or start with what is the major ingredient ?? Bernie
Nice work Bernie! Exactly what you’ve said, a list of ingredients. If you want to be technical, list them in order of concentration with the highest first.
Hi Krissy, I love the recipe. I made it for a friend’s baby shower. But just wanted to see if it’s ok to use essential oils for babies, I have been trying to find information and some say you shouldn’t use essential oils for babies under 3 months, what are your thoughts on this? Thanks
There is some excellent info here for you. If in doubt though, leave it out (and for a tiny bubba, I would leave it out).
Can I mAke this balm while im still pregnant.. due in 3 weeks time so just wanted to be ready.
Hi Neha, this link will help – but I would make it now if it were me 🙂
https://krissyballinger.com.au/blog/preservatives-shelf-life-and-safety-information/
Hi Krissy, I made this today and the consistency of mine is quite loose compared to the picture. I froze it but when it came back to room temp it’s a bit runny. Should I reduce the carrier oil next time it increase the Shea and beeswax? Thanks!
Hi Linda, you can always gently melt the mixture again and add another 5g of beeswax (melt it down fully). This will help to make the mixture more solid 🙂
My last batch of the magic Baby Booty Balm about 4 months ago turned out a bit too firm. It still has a long way to go before using it all up. What can I do to improve the consistency or should I just start over?
Hey Marie, you can gently melt the balm and a little extra liquid oil 🙂
I’m looking forward to making this for my two sisters due in November and January. Do you know how long after it’s made it will last? My sister isn’t due for a few months and don’t want it to go bad.
Balms typically last as long as the ingredient with the shortest expiry (unless contaminated of course). Perhaps wait until closer to the date so they can get the best possible shelf life. Good luck with all the babies!
I’d like to try this with castor oil & papaya extract because the cream I got from a naturopath recently for my daughter’s eczema has zinc, castor & papaya extract in it. So this may be a good recipe with a little tweak. For the papaya extract do you think I should go for powder or liquid type? Thanks
Definitely use castor oil, easy swap. The papaya extract – be careful of sneaky additives like phenoxyethanol and make sure you’re getting oil soluble.