Talcum powder....yay or nay?

[K8eee]

Now I've heard that midwives and health visitors advise you shouldn't use talc on your baby. Is this the case? What is your opinion, and do you/would you use it? I plan to when my baby arrives, my mum always used it on myself and my sister when we were kids and never did us any harm!

[SeashellHoarder]

Er, I've never been sure what it's actually FOR.

I don't use it and actually won't use any products for the first 6 months.

BTW what is it for?

[PartyFops]

I understand that talc is especially bad for little girls as it gets in their bits. And I have also been scaremongered into thinking its carcenogenic.

I think some people put it on bums when changing a nappy to ensure they are dry.

I say no definately not! or even after a bath.

[MoaningMingeWhingesAgain]

I don't think anyone under 70 uses talc. No one needs it.

[RubyrooUK]

I have never known what you use talc for. My mum told me that when you used huge cloth nappies, it helped keep things dry. But if you are using disposables or modern cloth nappies, there is probably no need. Neither I or any of my friends have ever used talc on our babies.

[Soupqueen]

It gets inhaled, not good for the lungs. It's totally unnecessary so why use something that could be harmful?

[Pascha]

I've never opened the one I got as a gift. Its stayed sealed for 3 years and counting. I don't really get what its for.

[fortyplus]

Just google and you'll find out why not to use it. My eldest is nearly 20 and even back then we were advised not to. Granny doesn't always know best!

[Clargo55]

Bad for lungs and I have also read that it is carcinogenic. Even ignoring that, it is completely unneeded.

[TheBreastmilksOnMe]

I use it on my kids after they have had a bath for between their toes, armpits and backs of knees, all areas they won't let me dry as they giggle too much! I avoid putting any near my daughter's vagina though as I read that it can work it's way in and potentially cause problems.

I also use it on myself between my toes, in my shoes and under my breasts as I'm pregnant and find I sweat more in my nooks and crannies!

I would use it when they were babies too, in the same areas but would apply it to my hands first then onto their skin so they are not inhaling it. There's nothing nicer smelling then a bathed, talcy baby!

[Rockchick1984]

I used the one we got in a set (present, I wouldn't have bothered) as dry shampoo if I didn't have time to wash my hair!!

[whyno]

Don't get why you would plan to use it when you've been told there are risks? It's not even that useful!

[trixymalixy]

I wouldn't use talc on myself never mind on a baby because of the risks, why would you? .

[NulliusInBlurba]

We were advised not to use it 15 years ago by MW. Her experience was that it caused more sore bums than it healed (she never mentioned risk of inhaling, but I could well believe it). Instead we made sure the bum was thoroughly dry after nappy changing with a - wait for it - hair dryer. If any sore or red patches appeared we put a bit of breast milk on them (which has antibacterial properties) and then dried the bum. Worked great - you just have to be careful using a hairdryer with boys who can pee in the air, of course. But DD1 and 2 absolutely loved having their bums air dried.

[AnythingNotEverything]

I'm in the "completely unnecessary" camp too. I don't see the point, and with the risks mentioned, it's just not worth it.

[Gonnabmummy]

I used mine but not for baby! It's fab when bump and legs are a bit sweaty and rubbing

[RobotHamster]

Pointless nasty stuff that gets everywhere. My mum acted like I was depriving my child when I said I didn't have any.

[Beccadugs]

In the 1970's my mum worked on and produced several pieces of research implicating talcum powder in ovarian and uterine cancers. Apparently there were talc particals at the centre of tumours.

This may not be relevant research anymore, but I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.

Loving the hair dryer idea BTW!!

[Awakeagain]

Diss told me what talc is for when we went on holiday earlier this year
It's for getting sand off on the beach

It is amazing!!!!!!!!!
Try it

[Awakeagain]

Dsis not diss

[CheeseFondueRocks]

Why use something that has been proven to be harmful just because your mum used it on you? You also might not be able to tell yet whether it has harmed you long-term. Don't be silly!

[eurochick]

I've heard about the ovarian cancer link too. I'd never use it.

[DaleyBump]

I have greasy hair (have to wash it every day) and I use talc throughout the day on it. That is the only thing I would use it for, and I especially wouldn't use it on my LO. Why entertain the risk?

[adagio]

I occasionally use some under the folds of her double chin (8month-old-no-neck stage) if they are getting really sore from the endless dribble. If I use it apply delicately with cotton wool, in moderation.

Totally agree with all the posters who say its not really necessary these days stay dry nappies really do stop the bum getting clammy.