question about the safety of lanolin use on babies

[mellabella]

so i've heard different things on the safety of lanolin use on babies. my mum and one of my friends have both said that we shouldn't use baby lotion because it contains lanolin and that it's not safe for babies. my dh and i are confused because if it's a lotion designed for babies then wouldn't there be checks done on it ensuring that it's safe? would love to hear what you all think.

thanks!

[bohemianbint]

not sure - you'd think talc was safe but apparently that isn't either. Will watch with interest. I don't use much on my kids unless it's natural as don't like the idea of too many chemicals on them.

[AccidentalMum]

Well, lanisoh is pure lanolin for LOs to suck on! Was just wondering whether it was vegan actually....no idea if that is a really stupid Q

[mellabella]

my mum has mentioned that she thinks babies could become allergic to wool as that's what it comes from. i googled it and there was a website mentioning that lanolin can contain pesticides and other chemicals that the sheep can pick up.... i'm so confused right now what to even use!

[MegBusset]

DS has eczema and paed told us not to use anything with lanolin in as it can cause irritation to babies with sensitive skin. (He also came up in hives the one time we put a wool jumper on him.)

If you're looking for a baby moisturiser then a simple emollient will do fine. Aqueous cream is v cheap (though not if LO has eczema as again they can react to it). Or there are loads especially for eczema sufferers like Doublebase, Diprobase, Aveeno etc.

[Drusilla]

Lanolin is a wool oil and is perfectly safe as long as you are not sensitive to it, which huge ammounts of people and babies are! If neither of you are allergic to it or have eczema etc then the chances are your abby won't be either

[mellabella]

thanks for the replies. i'm just trying to get a well-rounded picture of what exactly is going on ds's little bod