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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Talcum powder....yay or nay?

23 replies

K8eee · 21/08/2013 20:26

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!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

SeashellHoarder · 21/08/2013 20:29

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 · 21/08/2013 20:32

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 · 21/08/2013 20:36

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

RubyrooUK · 21/08/2013 20:43

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 · 21/08/2013 20:44

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

Pascha · 21/08/2013 20:45

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 · 21/08/2013 20:47

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 · 21/08/2013 20:48

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

TheBreastmilksOnMe · 21/08/2013 20:50

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 · 22/08/2013 07:31

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 · 22/08/2013 08:44

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 · 22/08/2013 08:49

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

NulliusInBlurba · 22/08/2013 08:59

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 · 22/08/2013 09:04

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 · 22/08/2013 09:38

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

RobotHamster · 22/08/2013 09:40

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

Beccadugs · 22/08/2013 09:56

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 · 22/08/2013 10:15

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 · 22/08/2013 10:15

Dsis not diss

CheeseFondueRocks · 22/08/2013 16:43

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 · 22/08/2013 16:49

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

DaleyBump · 22/08/2013 17:01

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 · 22/08/2013 17:16

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.

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